Latin American Fashion Awards, the unprecedented fashion event founded by the two bona fide Latin American fashion legends Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello, celebrated their first-ever Awards Ceremony in the Dominican Republic. The highly anticipated event, hosted in the iconic Amphitheater of Altos de Chavón in Casa de Campo, gathered the best Latin American fashion talent in a thrilling event full of emotions, anecdotes and much celebration.
The Awards Ceremony was hosted by Leslie Grace, the renowned actress and singer of Dominican roots, and Iván de Pineda, the Argentine-Spanish international fashion model, film actor and TV host, who brought their sweetness and good energy to the special evening, creating a perfect combo between the two.
Top local and international industry members, celebrities, designers and socialites joined the celebration of Latin American fashion, including J. Balvin, named “Latin Fashion Icon of the Year”, Tokischa, Petra Nemcova, Valentina Ferrer, Dascha Polanco,Candela Pelizza, Kiko El Crazy, Jenny Lopez, DJ Pope, as well as the finalists, including Stella Jean, Willy Chavarría, Luar, Elena Velez, the founders of Agua Bendita, Karoline Vitto, the founders of Àcheval, Lineisy Montero, Daniela Villegas, Camila Coutinho, Camila Falquez, Devyn Garcia and Hiandra Martinez, among others.
The prestigious international jury, presided by designer Haider Ackermann, presented some of the awards of the 14 categories, while providing the audience with insights into what makes Latin American talent stand out in the world, identity, current challenges and milestones. ELLE USA Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia, presented the “Brand of the Year” award for Raúl López (Luar); journalist and industry icon, Anna Dello Russo presented the “Accessories Brand of the Year” award for Daniela Villegas; Head of Content of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla Martinez de Salas, presented the “Emerging Fashion Photographer of the Year” award for Elliot & Erick; stylist and i-D Global Fashion Director, Carlos Nazario, presented the “Fashion Artist of the Year” award for Marcelo Gutierrez; supermodel, actor and activist Indya Moore, presented the “Dominican Republic Local Star” award alongside Tokischa; Creative Director and Sustainability Expert Kean Etro, presented the “Artisanal Project of the Year” award for Verdi; Photographer and Filmmaker Bruno Aveillan, presented the “Fashion Film of the Year” award for “Divina” by Ode; Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, Sara Sozzani Maino, presented the “Emerging Designer/Brand of the Year” award for Karoline Vitto; Philanthropist, Strategic Investor, and Entrepreneur Carmen Busquets, presented the “Responsible Project” double award for Desserto and Ecocitex; and Fashion Director of Vogue Brasil, Vívian Sotocórno, presented the “Fashion Photographer of the Year” award for Camila Falquéz.
Upon their arrival to the Amphitheater of Altos de Chavón, the hot list of guests walked the Latin American Fashion Awards red carpet following the dress code “Fashion Attitude”.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the half-time show performance by J Balvin. After receiving the “Latin Fashion Icon of the Year” award, presented by Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello, the Colombian-born global superstar made all guests stand up and dance to the rhythm of his well-known songs.
The iconic Latin American Fashion Awards Trophy has been created by the unapologetically honest contemporary artist from El Salvador Studio Lenca, currently based at Tracey Emin's TKE Studios in London.
