Some of the Best, Most Iconic Latino Designers Taking Over the Fashion World

By: Stephanie Gonzalez

It’s no surprise that Latino fashion designers have taken over the fashion world over the past years. Year after year, we see Latino designers bring their A-game with their amazing designs to Fashion Week. And let’s not forget the A-list celebrities that rock those designs on the red carpet. There are new Latino designers making waves in the fashion world, like Adriana Castro, Anel Verna and Rafael Cennamo. 

But we must not forget the great, top Latino fashion designers that have made it possible for these rising designers to break in and make a name for themselves. We just couldn’t see the fashion world without these great Latino names.

One simply doesn’t talk about famous Latino designers without mentioning the one and only Oscar de la Renta. Having just recently passed, he left behind an amazing legacy with his iconic designs. He is a fashion icon. Oscar de la Renta would draw inspiration for his designs from his native country, the Dominican Republic. He rose to fame and became globally known for dressing First Lady, Jackie Kennedy in the 1960’s. And the rest, as they say it, was fashion history. His designs were glamorous and one of a kind, and very sought after. He would go on to dress many other First Ladies, the best of Hollywood, and many style icons. We will never forget what Oscar de la Renta has left us; his brand is timeless and elegant. 

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I know when I think of Carolina Herrera, I think of her elegant persona, and lovely sophisticated personal style. So, it is no wonder that Venezuelan born designer and her designs would be anything but elegant and classic. She is known for her dramatic style. Her brand was founded in 1980; and in 1981, she had her first runway show at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week. That’s when she started to get recognized in major publications. She also has notable clients like Jackie Kennedy, Duchess Diana de Melo, and celebrities like Sofia Vergara and Penelope Cruz, and even First Lady Michelle Obama. Her style is exceptional, and it shows in her designs. 

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Narciso Rodriguez founded his own label back in 1997 after working under designers Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. This Cuban-American designer first came to be known in the fashion world when he designed a wedding dress for the late Carol Bessette for her wedding to the late John F. Kennedy Jr. He was awarded the Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (two years in a row!) Rodriguez’s clothes are known for sleek, clean lines and minimalistic designs. Some of his big name clients include Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Claire Danes – just to name a few!

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There are many other Latino designers; Cristobal Balenciaga, Lazaro Hernandez, Manolo Blahnik, and more. They have all made an incredible impact and we couldn’t imagine the fashion world without them!