6 Latinx Designers Talk About How Their Culture Influences Their Work

Oscar de la Renta had already honed his craft under the guidance and support of top European countries when he founded his own label in 1965. His designs were different from many others who followed the same path. De la Renta’s designs included flowing dresses with ruffles, skirt suits in bold colors and skirt suits with bold prints. He also reinterpreted the traditional Dominican Republic dress, giving his collections Latinx heritage.

Other talents from Latin American countries have followed Herrera’s lead over the years. Carolina Herrera brought the pomp and grandeur of Venezuelan aristocracy into the Upper East Side doyennes in the 1980s. Adolfo Sardina, a Cuban-born tailor, also offered brightly colored boucle suits to that same group. Two decades later, Narciso Rodriguez (whose family hails from Cuba) as well as Maria Cornejo (who hails from Chile) made headlines for their elegant runway presentations.

Latinx designers continue to explore new ground in the fashion industry, bringing with them the vibrancy, diversity and pride of their cultures. This eclectic group of designers is a proof that Latinx fashion is very much like the Latinx experience. New names like Georgina Trevino, Barbara Sanchez-Kane, and Luiny Rivera are all bringing a new—and exciting—perspective into Latinx fashion.

Check out the following top designers’ thoughts on how their heritage influences their collections. You can also shop their signature pieces.

Gabriela Hearst

After taking over operations at my father’s Uruguay ranch, I launched my label to honor my family’s heritage in fall 2015. I wanted to create an image that was slower and more personal. A brand where the details are considered important, tradition is more important than fashion, and where every piece serves a purpose.

My goal is to create a strong, modern collection that does not compromise my ethics or key values. I take into account where the materials are coming from and who is making them. This is luxury with a conscience.

• Gabriela Hearst Lawrence Dip Dye Sweater

Manos del Uruguay is a non-profit that empowers women from Uruguay. The Lawrence Dip Dye Sweater was made in cashmere by Manos del Uruguay. It has shaped my perspective as a creative of these two worlds, both my adopted culture and my native culture, as a Latina woman who has lived in New York for 20 years. My children were born to a first-generation immigrant family and are proud of that.

Fernando Garcia, Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta is a quintessential American brand. It is full of color, femininity and rich texture. Laura Kim and I have the responsibility now of making sure that it is practical, light and applicable to the current power lady who inspires us relentlessly.

Oscar taught us to stick to our guts and to use a sharp design instinct when focusing a collection and developing a specific point of view. We welcome all perspectives, especially considering Laura’s and mine being from different cultures (Korean and Dominican), and expect it to bring something new.

• Oscar de la Renta Raffia Oath Shoulder Bag

The bags are doing well and this bag embodies the house perfectly with its signature O and tropical raffia texture.

Maria Cornejo, Zero + Maria Cornejo

My family and I were born in Chile. We moved to England as children. We were political refugees. My diverse career has taken me to London, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. My family and I moved to New York in 1996. Zero + Maria Cornejo was founded in 1998. I wanted to reconnect with my ideas on cutting and construction. Each garment represents a commitment to making fashion that is appealing for women and lasts beyond one season. They will become treasured pieces in a woman’s wardrobe.

The company has been committed since its inception to responsible design and minimizing the environmental impact. The collection contains 84 percent of its products made in New York City. My team is a woman-owned company and we are constantly looking for special collaborations with women artisans all over the globe.

• Zero + Maria Cornejo Denim Artem Jacket

It’s all about simplicity, cool shapes, interesting fabrics. A denim suit is something I love. It’s super practical and trendy right now. Our denim is made from 100 percent organic cotton and Cradle-to-Cradle Certified(tm), Gold Dylan fabric. It’s also machine washable.

Johanna Ortiz

My vision has been to bring a little bit of Latin America and my culture to the international fashion scene. It is a culture that is vibrant, alluring, elegant, and fun. Giving back to Colombia, my home country, has always been a priority of mine. In 2003, the atelier was founded. Many of those who started it are still with us. It is a privilege to work alongside a talented team that shares the same goal and works towards achieving a common goal. It is truly inspirational.

• Johanna Ortiz Cartas Olvidadas Convertible Floral Silk Maxi Dress

Although the brand is well-known for its prints and ruffles, I feel that Johanna Ortiz’s most important attributes are prints and colors that bring joy to people. When I start a collection, the first thing I decide is the color palette. This dress has a fresh, effortless beauty that can be worn by many women.

Narciso Rodriguez

My philosophy is this way: Pure consistent design has always been my focus. Although my aesthetic has evolved, it is equally important to remain relevant and true to my vision. It is my goal to be innovative, use new techniques and celebrate the skills and methods I have developed over the past twenty years.

Latin roots are a core part of who I am as both a person as well as a designer. My Cuban heritage has been a source of great pride for me. My inspirations throughout my career have been inspired by the Latin women I’ve known—their joy, power, personalities—and each of them has had an impact on my design aesthetic.

• For Her Fragrance

This is a testament to the designer’s commitment to beautiful minimalism. Rodriguez also explains that For Her is his most loved fragrance from his fragrance empire. He says, «For Her» is a true labor-of-love and something I am proud of because I always dreamed about creating a fragrance.

Cami Tellez, Parade

Parade is a community-first brand that promotes bold self-expression, sustainability and color. It was founded in response to the one-body story propagated by the underwear industry. It has sparked a grassroots revolution that will disrupt the industry and make it more stylish, inclusive, sustainable, and affordable.

• Universal Smooth Lift Triangle Bralette

The bralette has been viralized on TikTok many times. It looks great on your boobs and won’t dig. It’s made from our soft, recycled Universal fabric. This bralette is my favorite and many others love it.