9 Designers on What It Means to Be Latin in 2023
It’s been a landmark year for Latin American fashion designers. And to top it off, over the weekend, the first-ever Latin American Fashion Awards were held at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, hosting hundreds of the most promising and accomplished creatives in the business across Latin America and beyond. Their work spans continents, communities, and disciplines, yet they all gathered together to uplift one another and celebrate their rich heritage. After all, what makes Latin American design so special is its inherent sense of community and brotherhood. After they had a brief moment to rest, we caught up with nine designers to discuss how their Latin heritage influences their work, and what it’s like to be a Latin American designer in 2023. Keep scrolling to see what Willy Chavarria, Johanna Ortiz, and more had to say.
Willy Chavarria, Designer of the Year Winner
“My work ethic and belief that with hard work comes reward is a strong characteristic of my Mexican heritage. Like everyone, I take what influences my culture has given me to influence how I create.”
Raul Lopez, Designer and Founder of Luar
“Being Latinx in 2023 means being unapologetic about going after what you believe in. It’s about owning who you are and standing for your truth. We’re living in a time where we have to stand for inclusion—it’s what Luar is all about.”
Mariana Hinestroza, Co-Founder of Agua by Agua Bendita
“For both of us [myself and my co-founder, Catalina Álvarez], being Latin is a profound celebration of our heritage and the enchanting beauty of Latin America. This cultural richness profoundly influences our role as designers, infusing our creations with unique perspectives and a deep well of historical narratives that we seamlessly weave into our designs. At Agua by Agua Bendita, our work stands as a homage to the exquisite allure of Latin America. We aim to connect with women from all walks of life, sharing the intricate craftsmanship and the rich heritage that forms the foundation of our brand. We also aspire to ignite the creative spirit of the next generation of Latinx designers, encouraging them to embrace their heritage, champion sustainability, and boldly explore new dimensions of creativity in honor of our vibrant culture and traditions.”
Katia Barros, Co-Founder of FARM Rio
“Being a Latin 2023 is to celebrate the vibrant mosaic of our cultures, a deep connection to our ancestral origins, and a dedication to forging a global community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.”
Fernando Jorge
“It means being seen as part of a diverse group composed of unique cultures, and recognized by the creativity and expression presented to the world through our food, music, and beautiful art.”
Fernando Jorge
“It means being seen as part of a diverse group composed of unique cultures, and recognized by the creativity and expression presented to the world through our food, music, and beautiful art.”
Johanna Ortiz
“We have always emphasized bringing a little bit of Latin America to the women around the world because our culture is vibrant and alluring, elegant and fun, which comes from our joy of life—our desire to elevate the ordinary, just because.”
Daniela Villegas, Accessory Designer of the Year Winner
“Being Latin is passion; it is love, it is creativity and dedication. We are going at our own rhythm...and I feel very excited that our voices and music are being heard louder. Latin America is diversity and strength. I feel very proud to be from Mexico, a resilient and magical country.”
Monica Sordo, Founder and Creative Director of Sordo
“As a creative, it means to keep alive through design, innovation and collaboration a strong bond of commitment towards our cultural heritage and artisanship.”
Monica Sordo, Founder and Creative Director of Sordo
“As a creative, it means to keep alive through design, innovation and collaboration a strong bond of commitment towards our cultural heritage and artisanship.”
Cristina Vera, Co-Founder of VERDI
“To be Latin in 2023 is to embody a rich tapestry of heritage, resilience, and multi-cultural vitality. It is to celebrate a collective identity that transcends borders, uniting individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds under the common thread of embracing family traditions. It is to inherit a legacy of ancestral wisdom and craftsmanship, expressed through the vibrant textiles, intricate artistry, and soulful rhythms that define Latin cultures. VERDI embodies the very essence of Latin identity. Through the reinvention of traditional techniques and the utilization of natural fibers, we create unique fashion pieces that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Colombia. Each piece is a testament to the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the enduring spirit of its people.”
Cristina Vera, Co-Founder of VERDI
“To be Latin in 2023 is to embody a rich tapestry of heritage, resilience, and multi-cultural vitality. It is to celebrate a collective identity that transcends borders, uniting individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds under the common thread of embracing family traditions. It is to inherit a legacy of ancestral wisdom and craftsmanship, expressed through the vibrant textiles, intricate artistry, and soulful rhythms that define Latin cultures. VERDI embodies the very essence of Latin identity. Through the reinvention of traditional techniques and the utilization of natural fibers, we create unique fashion pieces that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Colombia. Each piece is a testament to the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the enduring spirit of its people.”
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