Jorge Rey, the designer chosen by Cris Morena: "A witch told me that all this would happen to me"

Jorge Rey, a 26-year-old designer chosen by singer Cris Morena, has shared his story of survival after being hit by a car at just 13 years old. The incident occurred on December 31st in his hometown of Rufino, Santa Fe, during what was supposed to be a fun day with his cousin. They had gone to buy some flying toys to celebrate after lunch, and while trying one out near the street, they ran away. Unfortunately, a speeding car struck him. He lost consciousness and woke up hours later in a clinic, hearing his mother’s tears and fireworks as background music. “Sometimes reality surpasses fiction,” he says. Rey describes his experience with a sense of optimism and wonder, calling life “very absurd” and “a constant surprise.” He embraces the idea of finding magic in everyday moments, even in the face of tragedy. After spending a summer unable to walk due to injuries, he began designing on a computer, watching TV shows like Historias de Corazón, hosted by Virginia Lago. During this time, he created continuously, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and his early fascination with fashion and design. His interest in fashion began in childhood, sparked by Nancy, the mother of a friend who was a seamstress. Rey would often visit her home, fascinated by the fabrics and designs around him. His curiosity led him to explore magazines and observe the work of others, including his aunt, who practiced tailoring. These experiences laid the foundation for his future career in design. At just 26, Rey has already gained recognition and fame, yet he speaks differently from many of his peers. He finds joy in creating, connecting with others, learning, and expressing gratitude. He admits to using more poetic language than typical young men, believing that those who value beauty should contribute to its preservation. He enjoys painting small aspects of daily life with watercolor and believes he has a narrative approach to creation and sharing performances. When asked if he would have preferred to be born in another era, Rey expresses a fondness for the 1980s. He imagines a simpler time, free from digital interfaces, where interactions were more direct. Despite his love for modern technology, he feels a connection to the past, imagining how easier it might have been to find acceptance and expression. Rey acknowledges that some people still struggle to understand his identity, asking whether he is transgender, non-binary, or simply a man. He responds by identifying himself as “Jorgito” or “Aky Rey,” his artistic name for music. He emphasizes that he is just like anyone else, striving to do what he loves best. His self-expression has always been authentic, even from a young age when he participated in artistic skating in his town. His parents have always supported his creative pursuits, despite facing criticism from others. His mother, in particular, stood by him, fulfilling his requests for elaborate hairstyles with sparkles. She understood his passion and encouraged his creativity, even when others mocked his expressions. Rey feels deeply hurt when people suggest harsh punishments for similar situations, emphasizing that there are things that come with a person and must be respected.