We are recognizing the amazing achievements of Latinx fashion designers. It would be impossible for us to list all the talented, creative minds, so here are 5 we find most influential.
#1: Carolina Herrera Latinx fashion
Our first designer is sure to be a household name. Carolina Herrera is best known for her impeccable bridal collections, as well as her ready to wear collections. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she began interacting with the world of luxury fashion from an early age. She began her careers as a publicist, but through the advice of Diana Vreeland and an eye for style, she designed her clothing line and became the powerhouse we know today.
#2: Narciso Rodriguez Latinx fashion
Narciso Rodriguez is a New Jersey native of cuban descent whose personal vision and famous clientele put him on the map. After studying at Parsons school for design, he worked under Donna Karan for Anne Klein, then for Calvin Klein, then began producing his own designs, and his career took off to new heights.
#3: Oscar De La Renta
Another designer whose name you may have heard before is Oscar de la Renta. He was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and began his career with a personal commission from the U.S. Ambassador to Spain. He then trained under Cristobal Balenciaga, and like Herrera, took the advice of Diana Vreeland, and began to work his way up even further in the industry. His work has greatly influenced the standard of luxury wear, and he will truly never be forgotten.
#4: Maria Cornejo
This Chilean designer was born in Chile, and moved to New York City with her family. Once there she rented a space, which became her studio, where she would work tirelessly to make her mark on the world of fashion. She is best known for her unique methods of construction, and the overall ease and minimalism of her garments.
#5: Elena Velez
Lastly, but by no means least, is the Wisconsin-born designer of Puerto Rican descent, Elena Velez. Featured on Teen Vogue’s Generation Next, she has proven herself as a formidable designer, and made her mark on the industry. As an homage to her mother’s job as a ship captain and a challenge to current standards of beauty, her designs feature traditionally unconventional materials, such as salvaged steel or sails. Also notable is her method of construction, as her designs tend to play more on the idea of deconstruction.
Latinx designers and creatives continue to shape the fashion industry in countless ways, and we hope that the contributions of these designers inspire you to do further research into the work of other designers.
cover photo, courtesy: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images.
