Hector Torres was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan in the 1960s.[1]
Torres worked as a fabric designer at designer Stephen Burrows' O Boutique, which opened on Park Avenue South in 1968.[2] Burrows and Torres along with Burrow's friend from FIT, William Hill, as the patternmaker and leatherwear designer Bobby Breslau, worked out of the basement of the boutique.[2]
In 1970, the O Boutique closed and Burrows opened an in-store boutique within the luxury department store Henri Bendel on West 57th Street.[3] Torres worked as Burrows' assistant in the early 1970s.[4][5] Fashion model Pat Cleveland, who was a fitting model for Burrows at Bendel's studio recalled, "Hector was sort of Stephen's right hand, a homey type who took time with the older ladies who came in the studio."[6]
After working with Burrows, Torres worked with designers Halston and Fernando Sanchez before creating his own collection of separates.[7] Fashion editor Patricia Peterson wrote for The New York Times that Torres "designs bright, sexy clothes that seem to reflect his playful personality."[8]
In August 1975, was one of the Nuyorican designers referred to as "The New Ricans" in Interview magazine.[9] Actress Rita Moreno wore a silk organza flounce dress designed by Torres on the cover of the issue.[9] A tuxedo designed by Torres appeared on the cover of Esquire in April 1981.[10]
Torres was a friend and collaborator of pop artist Keith Haring.[11] Torres designed pink leather suits that Haring painted with graffiti artist Angel Ortiz (LA ll) in 1983.[12] Singer Madonna wore one of the pink leather suits for Haring's birthday party at the Paradise Garage in 1984. In 1985, Torres made Haring a lamé gold tuxedo.[11][13]
He also worked for Calvin Klein.[1] At the time of his illness from AIDS, he was making custom-made garments for private clients.[1]