The 7th edition of the Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS), held from November 2 to 4, 2025, in Miami’s Design District, reaffirmed its position as the leading platform for Latin American fashion and design.
Founded by Estefanía Lacayo and Samantha Tams, the female-led summit gathered global retailers, editors, founders, and creatives for three days of curated programming focused on innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration.
Among the most anticipated moments of LAFS 2025 was the Pitch to LAFS competition, where emerging brands presented their business concepts to a panel of industry leaders. The winners—recognized in three distinct categories—represent the creative excellence and cultural depth driving Latin fashion forward. Each recipient was awarded a $10,000 seeding grant, mentorship, a booth at Coterie, a trunk show with Moda Operandi, and a six-month premium package with ShopMy.
One of the most powerful engines behind LAFS’s impact is this very competition—a rigorous, high-profile contest designed to identify and elevate the next generation of Latin American fashion leaders. Finalists face a distinguished jury of executive directors, buyers, editors, designers, and consultants—some of the most influential voices in the global fashion industry. Winning Pitch to LAFS is not only a recognition of creative excellence, but a launchpad for international growth, strategic partnerships, and long-term visibility.
That’s precisely why the three winners of Pitch to LAFS 2025—Weise, La Torres, and Supernaturae—stand out as the top Latino designers to watch in 2026.
Designer of the Year: WEISE (Bolivia)
Founded in 2011 by Ericka Suárez Weise, WEISE is a prêt-à-couture brand that merges traditional haute couture techniques with Bolivian cultural elements and a modern, authentic perspective. A third-generation designer, Ericka’s work is rooted in textile exploration, incorporating silk ribbons from cholita shawls, tulle textures, and handcrafted embroidery. Every piece is designed and produced entirely in-house at the brand’s atelier, resulting in garments that are both timeless and deeply personal.
Accessories Designer of the Year: La Torres (Argentina)
Jimena Torres, a fashion designer with a passion for timeless elegance, is the creative force behind La Torres, a jewelry brand that blends fashion and craftsmanship. Drawing on her background in apparel design, Jimena creates one-of-a-kind pieces using noble metals such as 925 silver, alpaca, and bronze. Each creation is handcrafted to tell a story, celebrate individuality, and reflect a commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity.
Social Impact Project of the Year: Supernaturae (Mexico)
Founded by Benedicte Lux, Supernaturae is a conscious fashion brand born from years of research into artisanal production and sustainable practices. Originally launched as a clothing line, the brand has evolved into a multifaceted project that includes a rural supply chain, immersive experiences, and textile workshops focused on natural fibers and local dyes. With a background in arts and design criticism, Lux creates collectible pieces that honor craftsmanship, empower artisans, and embrace slow fashion designed to endure—and eventually return to the Earth.
Over the years, Pitch to LAFS has helped launch some of the region’s most exciting fashion names, including Baobab, Studio Conchita, and Curatoria, enabling participants to secure international distribution, high-profile collaborations, and significant business growth. The program continues to serve as a key media touchpoint at LAFS, offering exclusive access to the next wave of Latin American talent and the stories shaping the region’s creative landscape.
As the global fashion industry continues to look south for innovation and authenticity, these three designers are not just names to watch—they are shaping the future of fashion from Latin America to the world.
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