The Latin American Fashion Summit has been making waves in the industry for years, and rightfully so. For the uninitiated, the annual multi-day event aims to finally bring the style world to Latin America and not the other way around, challenging the perception that cities like New York, London, Milan, and Paris dominate the global stage. With an admirable mission to connect the Latinx community and provide quality content and networking opportunities, LAFS has been highlighting the immense talent of emerging and established creatives since its launch in 2018.
This past week, LAFS co-founders Estefanía Lacayo and Samantha Tams introduced Raíces by LAFS, a new, soon-to-be annual conference geared toward promoting tourism in remote Latin destinations. With the support of the Ministry of Tourism of The Dominican Republic, the organization and its followers descended on the colonial city of Santo Domingo, which transformed into a mecca of fashion and design for the occasion. Participants attended four days of exclusive panels, pop-ups, and networking activations, with the opportunity to meet notable speakers and guests like Raul Lopez of Luar and Esteban Cortazar.
And it seems to be working. According to Tams, “In the cities that it lands, LAFS generates economic opportunities, provides visibility to the destination, encourages high-net-worth tourism, promotes investment in the country, and features the destination’s cultural heritage.” The proof, as they say, is in the pudding: “In only five days, LAFS generated up to $1.5 million in Cartagena, and in Miami last year, it multiplied to $2 million. Additionally, 85 percent of the attendees have responded in our surveys that they plan their trip with some extra days to explore the destination.”
Indeed, the “Noches Caribeñas” opening night cocktail event, sponsored by Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and held at Portazul, was the hottest ticket in town. Over 300 partygoers enjoyed an elevated affair with tropical whiskey cocktails in hand, mingling and dancing the night away. The question on everyone’s lips was “who are you wearing?”—most of the time, the designer was in the same room.
For those who missed the first night, the LAFS HUBS pop-up served as another opportunity to connect with Latin American vendors face-to-face. (Many of the dresses worn at Noches Caribeñas were most likely purchased there after the fact.) To cap off the weekend on a charitable note, LAFS, in partnership with the non-profit Glasswing International, hosted a school makeover, where volunteers painted a mural with the local community in an effort to revitalize spaces. “Our event is an extraordinary source of opportunities for the host country, and a great window for local talents,” adds Lacayo.
In case you missed it, shop some of LAFS’ most prominent designers, below:
Escvdo Safi Maxi Dress
Monica Varela Milieu Earrings
Modern Monarchie Waldo Hat
WAIMARI Coqueta Floral Eyelet Sundress
Carolina Socías Beachwear Arena One Piece
Capittana April Crochet Cover Up Pants
Maylé Vásquez Estrella Body
Nue The label Caribe Maxi Dress
Susana Vega Exclusive Phiro 24k Gold-Plated Ring
Yoanny García Big Golden Dice Bag
Olette Cayena Turquesa
Jusef Sánchez Rushed Two Piece Set
Leah Romero is the Senior Digital Designer at ELLE.com. She is a New York native with a passion for fine arts, good food, and exploring her Ecuadorian culture. Previously, she was Senior Designer at The Economist with an emphasis on advertising. Outside of work, you can find her vintage shopping, creating miniature sculptures, and exploring the city by foot.
