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From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage month. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the vibrant contributions of Hispanic culture to the world of fashion. In a political climate with dangerous divisive narratives that define entire communities with a negative connotation, it is important to take a moment, step back, and acknowledge what the community actually stands.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich traditions, innovative spirit, and diverse influences that have shaped the industry, pushing boundaries and redefining style.
The richness of Hispanic designers.
When we think about Hispanic and Latine designers. There are some fashion names that immediately come to mind. Oscar de la Renta —whose Dominican heritage and educational background in Paris left a tremendously rich legacy of colorful, exuberant yet timeless fashion pieces. Oscar de la Renta put American fashion on a global stage during the historical Battle of Versailles in 1973, when five American Designers presented their work right after five French Designers in what became a historical day for American fashion.
There is also Carolina Herrera. A hardworking designer from Venezuela who has conquered the closets of the elites on Park Avenue, the royalty of Monaco, and the most demanding consumers across America and Europe. Carolina Herrera redefined elegance with a modern, feminine and minimal approach that is attractive to consumers across several age groups. Carolina Herrera has also been a huge supporter of young designers who are starting their career in fashion. The Carolina Herrera Social Justice Fashion Program supports female students to get their four year degrees in fashion.
The richness of the textiles
Textiles are inextricably part of fashion history and illustrate the path that we’ve walked throughout centuries from covering ourselves in mammoth fur to wearing puffy bomber jackets, passing through the era of the sequined top-to-bottom look.
When we see the textiles of cultures across Latin America, we see techniques and traditions that represent a moment in time, a culture, and an intention to convey a message through this medium.
Embroideries, weavings, dyeing techniques and juxtapositions of materials are only some of the various ways in which we see textile being the main character of fashion, across many chapters of Latin American history.
To this day, high fashion houses such as the House of Dior, collaborate with these communities to bring back some of these outstanding crafting techniques that have been overshadowed by fast fashion and streamlined mass production.
The richness of the colors
According to several studies, color plays a critical role throughout the process in which we determine to buy a piece of clothing or not. In other words, we are so much more likely to grab an item to try it on the fitting room if we have a positive response to the color.
Working with color is not an easy task. There are several established fashion designers who stick to the color palette they’ve known for years, because the idea of exploring other hues in the color spectrum can be terrifying.
This is when color inspiration comes in. The juxtaposition of bold, tropical and lively colors across textiles, products, art and architecture across Latino communities, ends up being a focal point in the mood board of fashion designers seeking to push the color boundaries. Think of the scenes in Disney’s Coco movie, with colorful costumes, alebrijes (Mexican sculptures of fantastical creatures).
Hispanic fashion is deeply intertwined with history and tradition. Many designers draw inspiration from their cultural heritage, incorporating traditional textiles, patterns, and craftsmanship into contemporary designs. The use of bright colors, intricate embroidery, and bold silhouettes often reflects the celebratory spirit found in Hispanic cultures, from the streets to the high fashion runways.
The richness of the art
Fashion designers often turn to Latino artists for inspiration, drawing from the vibrant and diverse heritage of Hispanic culture to create bold, meaningful designs. The rich visual language of Mexican art—whether through the intricate patterns of traditional textiles, the vivid colors of indigenous crafts, or the symbolic elements seen in the works of iconic figures like Frida Kahlo—has become a powerful source of inspiration for fashion designers across the world.
By incorporating these cultural references, designers not only celebrate the craftsmanship and stories embedded in often overlooked art but also honor its influence on global fashion. This fusion of artistry and culture brings a deeper narrative to the runway, offering a tribute to the legacy of Hispanic traditions while introducing them to new audiences worldwide.
The richness of music
As the names of Latin American stars like Karol G and Bad Bunny enter the global charts, Fashion designers draw inspiration from Latin American music, using its rhythmic diversity, passionate energy, and cultural richness to craft extraordinary fashion looks.
The vibrant beats of salsa, reggaetón, bossa nova, and tango often influence the color palettes, textures, and movement of garments, echoing the dynamism and soul of the music. Designers channel this musical vibrancy into their collections, creating pieces that capture the essence of rhythm and dance, embodying the spirit and flair of Latin American culture on the runway. Through this interplay, fashion becomes a visual symphony, paying homage to the cultural sounds that continue to resonate globally.
Music influence fashion and fashion influence music. Latin American artists have become important fashion ambassadors for global fashion houses so now we see Rauw Alejandro and J Balvin at the front row of the Louis Vuitton menswear show, or Maluma walking the runway at Vogue World 2024.
The richness of icons
Several decades have passed and we still see fashion shows and pop culture references to icons like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn. Their unique style shaped fashion trends and led women of a generation to dress on a way that establishes their own version of Political Fashion. The Latino community proudly honors icons such as Selena Quintanilla.
Selena Quintanilla, much like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn, stands as a timeless fashion icon whose influence continues to inspire new generations. Known for her bold, glamorous, and unapologetically authentic style, Selena blended the worlds of pop culture and her Mexican-American heritage in a way that was both trendsetting and deeply personal.
From her signature bustiers and sparkling outfits to her perfectly messy hairstyles and red lipstick, Selena crafted a look that celebrated her identity while pushing the boundaries of fashion. Her ability to merge Latin culture with mainstream fashion parallels Marilyn Monroe's iconic status, where both women used their personal style to shape beauty standards and inspire millions. Decades later, Selena’s legacy lives on, with new designers and artists drawing inspiration from her iconic looks, ensuring that her style remains an enduring symbol of empowerment and individuality.
The richness of diversity
Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the diversity within Hispanic cultures. Fashion, as a form of expression, reflects this diversity, showcasing various styles that represent different countries, regions, and identities.
The diversity of cultures and rich history across Latin American countries make Hispanic Heritage Month a particularly meaningful celebration, especially in the realm of global fashion. Latin America is a vast mosaic of indigenous traditions, African influences, and European elements, each contributing to a distinct and colorful cultural identity. There are intricate weaving techniques of the Mayan and Andean cultures, and expressive textiles made in Mexico and Peru. There is no doubt Latin American artisans have long shaped the evolution of global fashion. The rich and diverse history of fashion across Hispanic communities offer a unique blend of craftsmanship and storytelling that transcends borders and continues to inspire designers around the world today.
Hispanic Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to recognize these vital contributions to the fashion industry. As we celebrate this month, let us honor the rich Hispanic culture and influence to fashion. The innovative spirit, rich traditions, and dynamic influences continue to shape the industry, pushing boundaries and inspiring creativity. By recognizing these contributions, we not only celebrate the past but also look forward to a future where Hispanic voices remain at the forefront of fashion.
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