The New Wave of Latin American Fashion Has Arrived—Discover the Key Designers to Watch

      I've always thought that some of the most thrilling ideas in fashion originate far from the usual fashion capitals, and after attending the Latin American Fashion Summit, I can confidently say this is true. I arrived expecting to encounter a few promising new designers, but I departed feeling as though I had witnessed an entire fashion movement unfold before my eyes. From the shopping experiences to the insightful panels, it served as a reminder that the Latin American fashion scene is no longer merely emerging. It is arriving with clarity, skill, and a unique perspective.

      One of the highlights of my trip was hearing from designers at various stages in their careers. I even had the opportunity to speak with Jonathan Simkhai, who participated in a panel about building a dream brand. His insights truly anchored my experience. With early-stage designers (wait until you see who won the Designer of the Year award), established names, and the remarkable talent I met throughout the week, the message was unmistakable: Latin American fashion is entering a new era and these individuals are at the forefront.

      About LAFS

      The Latin American Fashion Summit, affectionately referred to by locals and repeat attendees as LAFS, is a worldwide platform that celebrates Latin American fashion designers. Hosted in the Miami Design District, this event provides brands the chance to compete in front of some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including the co-founder of ShopMy and executives at Moda Operandi and Shopbop, for the title of top emerging brand and the opportunity for mentorship and exposure in the U.S. However, it is more than just a competition.

      Participants are able to attend panels discussing future trends in fashion and hear from industry icons. We learned from Disney regarding storytelling, ShopMy on innovation, and Naeem Khan about creating a legacy brand. Natura Bissé provided master classes on skin care and offered facials and edible products, while Granado presented a sensory experience to showcase their fantastic fragrances. A major highlight for attendees was a pop-up shopping experience that allowed participating brands to display and sell their collections to the clientele of Miami's Design District, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, innovation, and discovery. It was an honor to be part of this year's event.

      My Experience

      I honestly left my week with LAFS incredibly inspired by the dedication the participating designers showed towards their collections. Waking up every morning overlooking the ocean from the Shelborne Hotel in a culturally rich city and attending panels where I learned from industry leaders was a genuine pleasure that had my mind buzzing with ideas.

      One memorable moment was when the creative director of Weise was announced as a winner, moving everyone around her to tears. I also witnessed the deep friendship between Moda Operandi President April Hennig and Jonathan Simkhai as he discussed his understanding of his top clients’ needs and how he designs for them. A key takeaway from the panels was the significance of personal relationships and in-person experiences in brand building. In today's digital world, these experiences are increasingly vital.

      A Chat With Jonathan Simkhai

      One of the most valuable conversations I had at LAFS was with Simkhai, who offered advice for designers in their initial five years, a stage relevant to most attendees.

      "So many designers here are in those first five years. What do you wish you had known at that time?"

      "Focus on the customer. It might seem obvious, but it's easy to get sidetracked by celebrity placements, red carpets, and fashion shows. Remember who you're designing for. And honestly, those doubts never really leave. As a creative, you're constantly striving for perfection and innovation. Just know that everyone goes through it."

      "I loved how you emphasized the importance of connecting with your clients, attending their significant events, and creating collections for real people. For designers without clients yet, what should they do?"

      "Design for the people in your life—your mom, friends, real people you actually know. It gives you insight into their needs. It's more meaningful than dreaming of some celebrity or someone from decades ago whose life you can't see."

      "With trends changing so fast, how do you maintain your brand identity while still engaging with trends?"

      "Fabrics. Determine the materials that resonate with your brand. Once you understand your fabrics, you can experiment with trends while staying true to yourself. For instance, if a wide neckline is trending, try it in a fabric your customers already associate with your brand."

      "The panel today was about building a dream brand. What did your brand look like at the start, and how has it evolved?"

      "I'm not sure how to answer that. It all began so organically—just a desire to make clothes and dress people. Grassroots. And I still want that; I just want to dress more people in more countries and keep expanding."

      "How do you define success as a designer? What fulfills you the most?"

      "Seeing real people wearing my clothes on the street—people I didn't gift items to, who have gone into