The Next Wave of Latin American Fashion Has Arrived—Discover the Key Names to Recognize

      I've always believed that some of the most thrilling ideas in fashion originate far from the usual fashion capitals, and after participating in the Latin American Fashion Summit, I can confidently assert that this is true. I arrived expecting to uncover a few cool, up-and-coming designers, but I departed feeling as though I had witnessed an entire wave of fashion materialize before my very eyes. From the shopping experiences to the insightful panels, it served as a reminder that Latin American fashion is not merely emerging anymore; it is now arriving with clarity, skill, and a distinct perspective.

      One of the highlights of my trip was hearing from designers at various stages of their careers. I even had the opportunity to converse with Jonathan Simkhai, who was present for a panel discussion about establishing a dream brand. His viewpoint ended up grounding the entire experience for me. With early-stage designers (you won't believe who won the Designer of the Year award), established names, and astounding talent I encountered throughout the week, one message prevailed: Latin American fashion is entering a new era, and these are the leaders of the movement.

      About LAFS

      The Latin American Fashion Summit, affectionately referred to as LAFS by locals and regular attendees, is a global platform celebrating Latin American fashion designers. Held in the Miami Design District, the program provides an opportunity for brands to compete in front of significant figures in the fashion industry, from the cofounder of ShopMy to executives at Moda Operandi and Shopbop, aiming to be recognized as one of the leading emerging brands and gain access to mentorship opportunities in the industry while increasing their visibility in the U.S. However, it goes beyond just competition.

      Participants also have the chance to attend panels discussing future trends in fashion and hear from industry icons. We listened to Disney on storytelling, ShopMy on innovation, and even Naeem Khan himself on building a legacy brand. Natura Bissé conducted master classes on skincare and offered facials and edible products to attendees, while Granado provided a sensory experience to explore its remarkable fragrances. A major highlight for participants, regardless of whether they held tickets for the events, was a pop-up shopping venue that enabled the showcased brands to present their collections and sell to customers in Miami's Design District. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, creativity, and discovery, and it was an honor to be part of this year's summit.

      My Experience

      I left my week at LAFS incredibly inspired by the dedication that the participating designers demonstrated in their collections. Each morning started with a view of the ocean from the Shelborne Hotel in a culturally rich city, and attending panels where I learned from some of the industry's most talented names was genuinely enjoyable, leaving me brimming with ideas.

      One of the unforgettable memories from the experience was the touching moment when the creative director of Weise was celebrated as a winner, moving everyone around her to tears. I also observed the long-standing friendship between Moda Operandi President April Hennig and Jonathan Simkhai as he shared insights about understanding his top clients and designing to meet their needs. A major takeaway from the panels was the significance of personal relationships and in-person experiences when building a brand. In an increasingly digital world, experiences will take precedence.

      A Chat With Jonathan Simkhai

      One of the most insightful discussions I had at LAFS was with Simkhai, who offered advice for designers in their early years, a majority of the audience.

      "So many designers here are in their early years. What’s something you wish you had known back then?"

      "Focus on the customer. I know it seems obvious, but it’s easy to get sidetracked—celebrity placements, red carpets, fashion shows. I’d advise them to keep their audience in mind. And honestly, doubts never disappear. As a creative, you're constantly pursuing perfection and innovation. Just remember, everyone experiences it."

      "I appreciated your thoughts on connecting with clients, attending their significant events, and creating collections around real individuals who wear your brand. What about designers without clients yet?"

      "Design for the people around you—your mom, friends, real individuals you know. This provides insight into their needs and is more significant than envisioning a celebrity or someone from decades ago whose life you’re not familiar with."

      "With trend cycles so rapid, how do you stay true to your brand identity while also engaging with trends?"

      "Fabrications. Identify the materials that resonate with your brand. Once you understand your fabrics, you can experiment with trends authentically. For example, if a wide neckline is trending, incorporate it using a fabric your customers already associate with you."

      "Today's panel was about creating a dream brand. How did your brand look initially, and how has it changed?"

      "I honestly don’t know how to answer that. It started so organically, driven by a desire to create clothing and dress people – grassroots. And that’s still my goal. I want to dress more people across more countries