“We noticed a lack of opportunities for the Latin American creatives in our industries and decided to create a physical meeting point where everybody could learn from the most brilliant minds in the industry, network, and create community,” says Samantha Tams, co-founder of LAFS, of why this organization and awards program began. This year, they presented three prestigious awards, accompanied by an honorary mention, to four game-changers who stood out amongst a sea of over 1,500 applicants.
Guests included designers Carolina Kleinman and Johanna Ortiz, Aquazzura’s Edgardo Osorio, musician Emilio Estefan, Paravel’s Indré Rockefeller, Moda Operandi’s April Hennig, Audemars Piguet Ginny Wright, fashion film producer Fabiola Beracasa, model Karolina Kurková, Vogue Mexico’s Karla Martinez De Salas, Amazon Luxury’s Trisha Gregory, Gilt’s Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, GoGoLuxe’s Ramya Giangola, Birdies’ Bianca Gates, and more.
After a seated dinner in the North Ballroom, Tams and co-founder Estefania Lacayo took to the stage wearing Johanna Ortiz and Alexia María, respectively, to present the evening’s winners.
Raul Lopez (recipient of the inaugural Visionary of the Year award), Maria Elena Villamil (Latin designer of the year), Paola Sighinolfi (accessories designer of the year), and Chiara Macchiavello (social impact project of the year) all took to the stage and expressed their gratitude to the LAFS community for their recognition and support.
“All of the finalists were really excited to be in the room and be in the presence of really important buyers and consultants that have helped many of them grow their brands,” begins Vogue Mexico’s Karla Martinez De Salas. “Being in a room where you meet different people from the industry—someone from Net-A-Porter or even someone like Beracasa who works in fashion film—and getting their advice is invaluable.”
After the awards concluded, winners, finalists, and more gathered around the DJ and the cocktail-serving bank teller windows while jumping up and down to the pulsating beat of Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina”—taffeta gowns and colorful statement skirts swooshing to the music as they danced under the delicately painted cypress ceiling. The night had just begun.
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