Latin American fashion has never been as present on the global scene as it is today.
Between November 19 and 23, Miami Fashion Week (MFW) continued to consolidate itself as one of the most important events to highlight the talent and creative wealth of Latin and Caribbean designers.
The art gallery of collector Gary Nader, surrounded by works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, became the stage where fashion exponents came together to celebrate international diversity and creativity, with an emphasis on Latin American talent and the “Miami” movement. Made” (Made in Miami).
The event featured the participation of renowned designers such as Gianinna Azar, Clear Couture, Sigal, Shantall Lacayo, Yenny Bastidas and Lafayette 148 NYCamong others, who dazzled on the catwalk with their innovative proposals.
The leadership of Lourdes Velasco
The platform, under the direction of Lourdes Velascohas evolved significantly since its creation, positioning itself as a crucial meeting point for Latin American creatives, reaffirming the region’s richness and diversity in global fashion.
As the founder and visionary behind the MFW, Velasco has faced numerous challenges to build a platform that today is a benchmark in the industry. “It has evolved a lot in the sense of international and local recognition, which I think was hard work”Velasco commented.
Under his leadership, the MFW has integrated renowned talents such as Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Missoni, Naeem Kahn and Philipp Pleinwithout forgetting the commitment to supporting local designers. “We have used the term ‘Miami Made’ with designers like Sigal and Yas González. Little by little we are creating that ecosystem in Miami with local talent”he added.
Velasco highlights the importance of including local DNA on the catwalk: “The DNA of a catwalk has to be local talent. When launching the platform, it was important to raise its reputation so that it was at the level of large capitals”. This strategic approach led the MFW to collaborate with the CFDAachieving international recognition along with fashion events in Milan, London and Paris.
Antonio Banderas and international projection
The figure of Antonio Banderas As honorary president he has been key in the development of the MFW, providing visibility and attracting institutional support. “Antonio Banderas is still our honorary president… he was instrumental in giving that push to the platform and little by little we have been integrating more local talent”Velasco explained.
The collaboration with Sergio Salernia Milanese catwalk expert, has also been instrumental in curating shows that mix local and international talent. This year, the concept “Miami Made” came to life with the proposals of Sigal and Yas González, while designers such as Johanna Ortiz and Silvia Tcherassi They represented Latin America with pieces full of color and sophistication.
The impact of Miami as a fashion epicenter
The MFW has also become a driving force to consolidate fashion as an industry in Miami. Velasco emphasized: “The most difficult thing has been getting institutional support…Miami has a lot of retail, but it does not have a cohesive fashion industry”. Thanks to the support of Miami-Dade Countyprogress is being made towards creating a consolidated industry that boosts local talent and attracts global attention.
The journalist and fashion expert Rodner Figueroawho has witnessed the evolution of the event, highlighted the relevance of Latin American design at the MFW. “When it started, there was a global nature in the different designers, but now the platform is paying tribute to the talent of the region”he stated. Figueroa, in addition to being part of the Miami Fashion Institute committee, also collaborates in the Latin American Fashion Summitconsolidating its commitment to fashion in the city.
Catwalks and emblematic events
MFW 2024 was packed with events that celebrated creativity and cultural diversity. Among the highlights, the catwalk Lafayette 148 in Mr. C Miami dazzled with a collection that fused luxury and modernity. For its part, Queen Miami Beach hosted an intimate dinner where Philipp Plein presented bold and avant-garde designs, complemented by Evoque wines, in an evening that combined art, fashion and luxury.
In it Gary Nader Art CenterClaro Couture and Yas González surprised with proposals that celebrated cultural authenticity. González, in particular, integrated elements of his Cuban roots into vibrant pieces full of symbolism. Additionally, Sigal and Yenny Bastidas stood out with collections that fused sustainability and creativity, from hand-painted prints to textiles that honor cultural traditions.
Agatha Ruíz de la Prada bets on Latin America
A special event was the intimate talk by the Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Pradawho presented his autobiography “Everything for a Plan” during an intimate and inspiring talk.
Ruiz de la Prada shared his reflections on the impact of Miami Fashion Week and his connection to the event. The designer indicated that this catwalk is not only a celebration of fashion, but also a key point to consolidate relationships between designers and the industry.
“I consider myself part of the family, of the team and for me Miami Fashion Week is a parade, it is a very important week of the year. Also thanks to Miami Fashion Week I have become much better friends with Antonio Banderas. I was a friend of Antonio when I was 20 years old, but then he behaved well as president. As it was in every parade and in every detail and the whole covid issue disrupted us a little and now we have to reinvent ourselves”said Agatha, who has supported the platform since 2016.
Ruiz de la Prada also emphasized the connection between Miami and Madrid as poles that drive Latin American fashion, a movement that, according to her, reflects the global success of Latin culture. “Everything Latin is triumphing: food, drink, music… So fashion cannot be less and fashion has to succeed by a storm and we are going to build it. One year we will do it better and another year we will do it worse. But we are going to get it.”
Celebrating cultural diversity
Miami Fashion Week has achieved what few events in the region have: integrating talents from multiple cultures on a single stage. Local designers like Yas González and Sigal found a space to show their creations alongside international brands like Philipp Plein. This combination not only reflects the MFW’s mission to promote cultural diversity, but also positions Miami as a global center for fashion.
With a clear vision, MFW 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to elevate Latin American design, strengthen the local industry and project Miami as a key fashion capital in the hemisphere.