New York Fashion week is officially here! There are SO many great shows to look forward to this season, but I can't help but have a soft spot for my fellow Latino designers who have paved the way and have stunned us with their impeccable designs. Some of these designers have really made a name for themselves in the fashion world, like icon Oscar de la Renta, who's known for his sophisticated ready-to-wear celeb-favorite evening gowns, Carolina Herrera, and Narcisco Rodriguez–and that's just to name a few. Anyone else out there as excited as I am? Fashion Week wouldn't be the same without them!
Readmore ¿Qué más? NYFW: These 10 Latino designers took over Fashion Week!
These amazing designers have managed to set themselves apart from other American fashion talents with their vibrant designs and love for their Latino culture. So to celebrate New York Fashion Week, I've decided to honor a few of our top Latino fashion designers of all time. Check them out and be inspired!
Carolina Herrera
The Venezuelan designer is known for her exquisitely elegant and refined designs. Often referred to as "Fashion's First Lady," Herrera's pieces are popular among celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Camilla Belle, Jessica Alba, and Penélope Cruz.
Oscar de la Renta
The Dominican designer has become one of the world's leading fashion icons and is known for using his native country as inspiration for his lady-like garments. One thing's for sure: He definitely knows how to flatter a woman's figure!
Narcisco Rodriguez
This Cuban American designer, famous for his clean and minimalistic designs, got his big break after designing the wedding gown for John F. Kennedy Jr.'s wife, Carolyn Bessette back in 1996. But the real buzz started after Michelle Obama wore an edgy red-and-black sheath dress during President Obama's victory speech in 2008.
Rafael Cenamo
Born into an Italian-Venezulan family, Cennamo has been recognized for his detailed couture designs and luxurious eveningwear. He successfully launched his fashion label in 2006. Since then, many celebs like Eva Longoria and Paulina Rubio have rocked his designs on the red carpet.
Isabel Toledo
The Cuban American designer rose to fame when First Lady Michelle Obama wore her lemongrass-colored dress at the 2009 Inauguration Ceremony. Since then, she's become one of the hottest and most unique names in American fashion.
Angel Sanchez
Born in Caracus, Venezuela, Sanchez worked as an architect for two years before becoming a fashion designer and launching his first bridal collection in 1999. It's no wonder his cocktail dresses and evening gowns contain such cool and contemporary designs.
Carlos Miele
Miele loves himself some color! The designer takes inspiration from his native country, Brazil.
Cesar Galindo
This Mexican American designer knows how to create dresses with skilled draping like no one else. He loves creating, bold and intricate designs that accentuate a woman's curves.
Christian Cota
Referred to as the man "who knows his way around a dress that drapes and dazzles, slinks and shimmers," Cota was inspired by the styles of his Mexican mother and abuela. He was nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2010.
Juan Carlos Obando
The L.A.-based Colombian designer loves to embrace color and fluid structures in his designs. He made it big after showing his collections in New York City to Vogue's legendary Editor-In Chief, Anna Wintour.
