The Latin American Fashion Awards, established by fashion luminaries Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello, has quickly become a pivotal event in the global fashion scene. The inaugural ceremony, held on November 4th, 2023, in the Dominican Republic, was a resounding success, attracting an impressive international attention. This milestone event highlighted the immense talent within the Latin American fashion community, offering winners a significant boost in their careers.
Haider Ackermann, a revered designer, led the distinguished jury, which presented awards across 14 categories. The winners and finalists, including notable names such as Willy Chavarría, Raúl López, Zaya Guaraní, and Camila Falquez, showcased the unique and diverse creativity of Latin American designers. These accolades have catapulted their careers, giving them much-deserved recognition on the global stage.
The biennial celebration will continue its impact with a series of international events over the next two years. In 2024, the Latin American Fashion Awards will focus on promoting its winners and fostering business development. A key highlight will be the Award Winners’ Collective Exhibition at the Fashion Hub during Milan Fashion Week, scheduled for September 17th to 23rd, 2024. This event, in collaboration with the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), will offer a prime opportunity for winners to display their creations to industry leaders, celebrities, and international buyers.
Additionally, the Latin American Fashion Awards will feature a dedicated pavilion at the WHITE Show from September 19th to 22nd, 2024. This event, a staple of Milan Fashion Week, attracts a global audience of buyers, media, and fashion professionals. The pavilion will provide a curated space for each winner to present their collections, enhancing their visibility and networking opportunities.
To celebrate the achievements of the award winners, an exclusive cocktail party will be held in Milan. This gathering will bring together jury members, industry leaders, celebrities, influencers, and the press, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation. This event will honor the innovative contributions of Latin American talent to the global fashion industry.
In a significant partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the Latin American Fashion Awards will offer a 6-month mentorship program to the Emerging Designer of the Year. This initiative is designed to support the growth and development of the awardee’s business, providing valuable industry insights and connections.
The First Edition of the Latin American Fashion Awards in 2023 was a spectacular showcase of talent and creativity. The event featured four days of exclusive activities, culminating in a grand awards ceremony at the iconic Amphitheater of Altos de Chavón in Casa de Campo. Hosted by Leslie Grace and Iván de Pineda, the ceremony brought together top industry leaders, celebrities, designers, and international press to celebrate the best of Latin American fashion.
The awards ceremony, highlighted by a performance from J Balvin, who was named “Fashion Icon of the Year,” recognized outstanding talents in various categories. The jury, led by Haider Ackermann, presented awards to individuals such as Willy Chavarría (Designer of the Year) and Raúl López (Brand of the Year). This celebration of Latin American creativity and innovation underscored the region’s significant contribution to the global fashion landscape.
The Latin American Fashion Awards is dedicated to honoring the heritage, diversity, and future of Latin American fashion. With the support of founding partners from the Dominican Republic and international collaborators like CNMI, WHITE Show Milano, and the CFDA, this platform continues to elevate and empower Latin American designers on a global scale.
So happy we are having this for the next Milano Fashion Week!