If you have a Pinterest board anything like mine, it probably consists of outfit inspiration, dream wardrobes, and vintage pieces way out of the friendly college student budget. While scrolling through fashion pins, why not learn about some of my favorite Latin American and Latino fashion designers?
If you didn’t know or maybe aren’t familiar with the culture, Hispanic Heritage Month is currently being celebrated, making this fall the perfect time to learn about different cultures, as well as the amazing fashion pieces that we get the opportunity to enjoy from different backgrounds. The following five designers I have listed are not only my personal favorites, but they all have different backgrounds and design styles, and they all have a connection to either Latino or Latin American culture.
And even if these designers are out of budget, the best thing about fashion is the ability to use different pieces and the designers as inspiration to throw together personal outfits that are more affordable.
1. Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and launched her fashion house in 1981. Her brand’s history is known for sophisticated and elegantly designed pieces, and the white shirt has become one of her most recognizable pieces that really ties together the overall Carolina Herrera identity.
For any college girl who lives in their jeans like I do and needs an easy way to make a simple outfit look more put together, I would highly recommend looking towards Herrera for some inspirational fashion. Buying the actual pieces that she has designed is obviously the dream, but the best thing about the internet is the ability to look at her pieces and throw together ones that are similar from pieces already in the closet. A white button-down with some chunky gold jewelry and a pair of blue jeans is a classy, yet simple outfit that I personally adore.
2. Gabriela Hearst
Gabriela Hearst was born in Uruguay and grew up on her family’s ranch. She launched her womenswear collection back in the year of 2015, and put a heavy emphasis on not only sustainability, but also longevity. Her company has also worked with Manos del Uruguay, which is a nonprofit women’s organization that handcrafts all kinds of different handcrafted textiles and yarns made by rural women. Â
Hearst’s approach is definitely one to look at when trying to build that college wardrobe, while still aiming to be sustainable. Instead of buying a completely new outfit for different plans, Hearst recommends thinking about investing in versatile pieces that can be styled in a variety of different ways.
I recommend looking into Hearst for more fashionably sustainable advice and inspiration this semester for some new ideas.
3. Johanna Ortiz
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz was born in California and founded her brand back in 2003. Her brand officially describes Colombia’s natural beauty as an important influence on Ortiz’s work. Her company also collaborates with 23 Indigenous communities and artisanal associations, supporting more than 260 artisans.
I have personally been trying to incorporate more of the colorful pieces over the neutral basics in my wardrobe, so Ortiz is definitely a designer I have been looking up to for inspiration recently. Her work incorporates all different colors, shades, and different prints, which is a reminder that getting dressed for the day doesn’t mean having to play it safe.
A fully printed gown isn’t exactly practical for an 8 am lecture that I have; however, using her gowns as inspiration for color schemes and how different prints can go together is a way not only to stay sustainable but also to get the Ortiz brand vibe, without going all out.
4. Silvia Tcherassi
Silvia Tcherassi was born along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and she originally started out as an interior designer before deciding to make her move into the fashion industry.  She entered the fashion scene around 1987 and went on to present her personal collections at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Tcherassia is outstanding proof that creative interest doesn’t have to stick to one category. Her background, originally in interior design prior to fashion, is a reminder that inspiration can come from a wide variety of different places if you just look for it.
For college students, I think this is especially relatable because maybe you’re majoring in biology but spend your free time designing outfits. Or maybe you’re studying business but love photography. I think this holds a reminder and serves as a representation that your major doesn’t have to determine every hobby or creative interest you may have, and that you can always find a way to do a little bit of both. Â
5. Raul Lopez of Laur
Raul Lopez brings in a little bit of a different perspective to this list. The Dominican-American designer was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and founded the New York-based label, Laur. Prior to being the founder of this label, Lopez co-founded the fashion label Hood by Air with Shayne Oliver.
Vogue has personally discussed Lopez’s Dominican and Brooklyn identities in relation to his work.
Lopez’s story serves as a reminder that Latino fashion does not need to look or appear in a certain way or form. Latino identity can be shaped by heritage, family, personal experiences, and even the community. And all these different influences make their way into his creative work.
For me as a college student, I feel like this is such an important takeaway when figuring out my own style and identity over these critical years. My wardrobe doesn’t need to fit one specific style or aesthetic; I can mix up trends, cultures, colors, and still find a way to make the outfit fit me as a person and be my own.
Adding Some Inspiration to the Wardrobe
I know that I won’t personally be buying a Carolina Herrera dress for the next event I may go to or a Gabriela Hearst sweater for my next lecture, and that’s completely fine.
For me, fashion isn’t about buying as many new things and pieces as I can. It’s about finding different details that speak to me and incorporating them together to express who I am as a person.
So, while building that new wardrobe for the colder months coming up, try to take some inspiration from these five designers and celebrate Hispanic and Latino creativity all at the same time.