5 Latin Designers To Know in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Whether in Cuba, Brazil or Colombia, Latin designers have continuously shown their prowess in the fashion industry.
Although places like Milan and Paris are notorious for incubating and housing the biggest names in fashion, talented designers spring up in various parts of the world. A big chunk come from Latin America, with names like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera being some of the most famous. Others, like Cuban designer Isabel Toledo and Chilean designer Maria Cornejo, although slightly lesser known, are still equally as impactful. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, L'OFFICIEL celebrates Hispanic and Latin designers. Below, take a look at 5 of some of the Latin designers that have shaped the industry, one garment at a time.
PatBO
Created by Brazilian designer Patricia Bonaldi, PatBO was created out of São Paulo, Brazil. Bonaldi's mother taught her how to sew growing up, as buying new clothing wasn't accessible to her and her family, which resulted in her falling in love with the process of design and manufacturing garments. Founded in 2002, PatBO is rooted in creating one-of-a-kind gowns by hand, and the brand has been seen on Paris Hilton, Camila Cabello and Vanessa Hudgens.
Andres Otalora
Based in Cali, Colombia, Andres Otalora is the Colombian designer's namesake brand that was most recently, and famously, worn by Meghan Markle on her four-day tour in Colombia alongside her husband, The Duke of Sussex. The brand has ateliers in Cali and Bogotá, Colombia, with around 50 women who carefully craft each garment by hand.
Rene Ruiz
René Ruiz is a Cuban designer who immigrated to Miami at an early age and began his brand after earning a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. Based in Miami, the designer has been dressing South Florida's socialities and celebrities since he opened his first atelier in the 90s. Sofia Vergara, Rebel Wilson and Paris Hilton are just a few of the many celebrities Ruiz has in his famous repertoire.
Collectiva Concepción
Collectiva Concepción's most special quality is the fact that the brand, based in Mexico City, aims to work with local artisans in more than forty rural communtities throughout the country. They also aim to be as socially and environmentally conscious, all while keeping to their accessible luxury ethos. Founder Concepción Orvañanos's goal is help and uplift female communities in Mexico by allowing their artisanal talents to shine through her clothing.
Angel Sanchez
First launching his brand in Venezuela in 1989, Angel Sanchez grew up in Valera with his mom, who was a seamstress and patternmaker. Although he studied architecture at university, Sanchez started his business with his mother from their garage and almost ten years later, he moved to New York City, where the brand is presently headquartered. His beautiful garments have been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift and Meryl Streep.
