Proyecto República Is Celebrating the Vast World of Ibero-American Fashion

Being a socially conscious and sustainable shopper is more important than ever. Shopping has taken on deeper meaning than merely buying what makes us feel good; it's about doing good while making purchases as well.

In recent years, the e-commerce universe has seen an influx in specialty online fashion platforms that cater to the ultra-specific shopper, whether the customer is searching for a curated selection of sustainable brands or a database that highlights underserved cultural fashion communities.

Proyecto República, a new digital platform, combines the best of those two worlds. The website, which prides itself on being a powerful blend of commerce, content, and connectivity, not only highlights burgeoning designers from Spain, Portugal, and South and Central America, but also centers on sustainable design as its guiding mission.

"The perception of Ibero-American clothing can be limited and outdated," Catalina Maurette, the CEO and founder of Proyecto República, tells BAZAAR.com. "Each piece of clothing sold on our platform has a very different story to tell, from the way the clothing is designed and made to the ancestral traditions of the artisans who help make these pieces. There is a common misunderstanding that locally made clothing doesn't pertain to the global context of high fashion and design. The designers we represent preserve artisanal traditions in avant-garde pieces of exceptional quality, all while respecting their communities and contributing to the circular economy."

Maurette adds that the pieces on her platform are more than just clothing. "The clothing we curate on the site is both rooted in tradition but atypical and future ready," she says. "One of the most important misconceptions for us to shatter is the idea that all design from Iberian countries is homogeneous. Quite the opposite. There is a wealth of unique stories, visions, even materials. It's important for us to challenge the stereotyping of Ibero-American design."

According to Maurette, introducing Ibero-American design to the U.S. market was an imperative decision. U.S.-based shoppers are increasingly becoming more intentional with what they buy and why. Proyecto República's unique sartorial offerings paired with its dedication to promoting sustainable practices is a fit for the evolving market.

"The U.S. is a market that truly knows how to promote brands and fashion platforms well. It sets an example for the industry as a whole," Maurette says. "It's important for us to share the vision behind these collections with slow-fashion consumers in the U.S., who are conscious about what they buy and where it comes from. We believe this market will appreciate the incredible level of detail and cultural backstory that goes into this work."

Shop our favorite selections from Proyecto República below.