BeChicMag: 3 Latinas Rising in Fashion
Our fashion-obsessed friend, Mercedes Sanchez of BeChicMag.com, recently profiled three Latinas making a name for themselves in fashion. Representing Peru, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, these up-and-coming designers have seen their creations on everyone from Chloe Sevigny to Beyonce, and our very own Model Latinas!
Shumaq: Peruvian sisters Vanessa and Jacqueline Barrantes started Shumaq (which means beautiful in Quechua, the indigenous language of Peru) four years ago. The eco-friendly and socially responsible line employs women artisans in Peru to make everything by hand. Shumaq designs have graced numerous runways, and have been featured in Lucky, Teen Vogue and Elle, and adorned boutiques across the globe. Their ivory lace dress made fashion blog fame when Chloe Sevigny was spotted wearing it.
Erika Pena: Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, Dominicana Erika Pena is a self-taught jewelry designer who creates edgy and timeless pieces. “A chic woman is a person who owns her style with sophistication," Pena told BeChicMag. "Either you’re born with it or you’re not."
Fabiola Arias: Havana-born designer Fabiola Arias launched her cocktail and evening wear line, Fabiola Arias Collection, in 2008 while still a senior at NYC's Parsons School of Design. “Being a smart Latina means that you are confident with yourself and follow and create your own journey,” Arias told BeChicMag.
