Latino Fashion Week opening night marked the 6th year anniversary of the 5 day celebration of Latino culture. The Red Carpet Media Party called “Lights, Camera, Fashion” kicked off the week bearing the theme Images of Fashion.
The founders of the Latino Fashion Week had decided to keep the event in the south side of the city. Hence, once again we’ve taken the journey down to the 35th street, where the Zhou B Art Center opened its vast two-story gallery loft space to exhibit the Latino culture and fashion.
Same as last year, the first floor became a dedicated pre-show reception area with open bar stations, step and repeat and numerous vendor tables. Guests were able to socialize and do some impulse shopping while enjoying complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvre served by local restaurants.
The runway stage was set up on the second floor with the backstage area behind it. Which is where we’ve headed shortly after arrival to see who’ll be in the show this year. In the hectic environment of last minute preparations we’ve spotted several familiar faces belonging to runway models. There were many new faces of artists from Make Up First who were exclusive makeup artists at the Latino Fashion Week this year. And there were all the new fashion designers.
Latino Fashion Week had shifted its focus to primarily showcase emerging fashion designers giving the chance to the young talent to step into the spotlight.
A notable mention is Nelissa Carrillo whom we have first spotted at the “Masquerade the Night Away” event and who has been making noticeable appearances with designs that are nothing but memorable. Having completing a fashion design program on the West Coast she had moved back to Chicago. Nelissa considers fashion to be the ultimate art.
Ronald Rodriguez has been working with private clientele for several years and it is his first time showing his collection on a runway in Chicago. His designs were inspired by the delicacy and versatility of lace and aim to project femininity and sensuality. Following Ronald, Claudia Urrutia presented her winter collection of coats and wraps. Claudia’s specialty is faux fur of various colors.
Another debut collection presented at the Latino Fashion Week was Sadia Azzad by Sadia Pattison. Chicago based Sadia is self taught fashion designer that seeks the highest standards. Her collection is hand made with imported from France and Italy fine silk, chiffon and lace.
Last to grace the runway was THAIS by Noelia Cruz with her debut collection Será la Rosa inspired by poem written by Angela María Dávila Malavé. Noelia is a violinist tuned fashion designer who accompanied her collection by performing live during the show.
Media crew:
Video Reporter – Raven Mai
Event Video – Derek Quinn, CrowdAround Media
Event Photography – Julian Favela
