7 Latin-Owned Fashion Brands to Support
Photo Courtesy of Fashion Network and Denisse Kuri
Get in, loser. We’re going to support small Latin-owned fashion brands.
I’ve always despised buying a dress from Zara, thinking I’d be unique and the most fashionable woman at a function, only to find out five other girls were wearing the same outfit.
This often happens in Latin American functions. It definitely happens outside of them, too. You see a dress on Tik Tok that everyone is raving about, then everyone who watches it buys it and wears it once, then never again.
As consumers, we should be smart. To each their own, of course. But as someone who’s been in the fashion world for a while now, I’d rather invest in unique, delicately-crafted pieces that will stand out in a room full of Zara tops.
(Don’t get me wrong, though. Zara has some fire fits).
As a Mexican woman constantly looking for what’s new in the Latin fashion community, I’ve done a lot of research and purchasing (as I should). Recently, I’ve been supporting brands that align with my values on slow fashion, indigenous communities, and women’s issues. If you’re like me and you like to shop consciously and responsibly, this post is for you.
To revamp your wardrobe and accessories, I’ve selected 7 brands to look out for next time you’re shopping online or looking for a timeless yet rare garment or accessory to add to your closet. These brands aim to make every piece special while giving back to underprivileged Latin communities or collaborating with Latin artisans.
Enough of the chit-chat. Time to ir de compras! Here are 7 Latin-owned fashion brands you should support for your next purchase.
(Left) Model holding the ‘Arena’ Waya bucket bag. (Right) Me fabulously showing off my wedding guest look with the ‘Musa' style Waya bag (the bag definitely stole the show and got several compliments). Photo courtesy of Waya Bags.
Founded by Maria Candela Gomez, Waya bags are hand-crafted statement bags woven by Wayuu artisans from La Guajira, Colombia. Waya strives to improve the living conditions of the Wayuu community. Gomez created this brand to honor her Wayuu roots and build a connection between the Wayuu women creating these bags and the everyday woman that carries those same bags. Ditch the plain black baguette bags for unique hand-woven Waya bags that will have heads turning your way.
2. Cindy Castro New York
(Left) Me strutting the streets of San Angel, Mexico City, in Cindy Castro’s ‘Bianca Jumpsuit’ (can confirm it’s very comfortable). (Right) Models in Cindy Castro’s 2022 Resort Wear collection in Quito, Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Cindy Castro.
Cindy Castro is a women's Ready-to-Wear brand based in New York. Castro is an Ecuadorian fashion designer who designs with purpose. With a focus on slow fashion, Castro makes sure each piece is handled with care from production to finish. She works directly with pattern makers and seamstresses to ensure they are treated fairly and paid a fair wage. Inspired by South American nostalgia and her Ecuadorian roots, every Cindy Castro collection is made for the spirited, energized, and empowered woman.
3. Montserrat Messeguer
Photo courtesy of Montserrat Messeguer.
Founded by Montserrat Messeguer herself, this brand highlights the ‘less abundant’ Mexico: Northern Mexico. Handmade in Mexico, Messeguer reflects her region’s rough textures and trims, earthy tones, subtle embroideries, and Western aesthetics through her designs.
4. Denisse Kuri
Models in Denisse Kuri’s most recent collection. Photo courtesy of Denisse Kuri.
Denisse Kuri is a Mexican brand that fuses indigenous textiles with contemporary dressing. Denisse Kuri, designer and founder, created her brand to preserve indigenous craftsmanship in forgotten communities. Kuri works directly with groups from Chiapas, Puebla, Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Guerrero. If you’re looking for neutral yet subtle statement garments that can be paired with just about anything, then this brand is for you.
5. Bamboleira
Photo courtesy of Bamboleira.
Based in Colombia, Bamboleira emphasizes the connection between femininity and nature. The brand works with Colombian artisans to handcraft their jewelry. Inspired by ancestral knowledge, Bamboleira embellishes stories within each piece, building a theme of feminine strength. ‘More is more’ is how I’d describe their statement jewelry. They‘ll dress up any outfit and give you dozens of compliments!
6. Kuna
Photo courtesy of Kuna.
Kuna is a Peruvian brand focused on embracing the past and present of the Andean culture. The brand aims to responsibly produce garments with fibers from Alpacas and Vicuñas. Known for its soft and comfortable fabrics, Kuna has a wide variety of casual clothing that can also be dressed up. Their most popular items are the shawls that can be worn on top of any outfit. Accessorize any fit with beautiful and rich Peruvian heritage!
7. La Funky Mexicana
Photo Courtesy of La Funky Mexicana Instagram
Founded by Fernanda Alvarez, La Funky Mexicana is an accessories brand with an energizing and playful aesthetic. “You don’t need to buy a completely new bag, just a new Funky strap to give your old bag a new life and personality,” Alvarez says. As detachable straps are becoming more popular because of their practicality, Funky has too. People even use Funky straps on their designer bags to give them a whole new vibe. Instead of spending hundreds or thousands on a designer purse, buy a Funky strap and add it to your favorite bag. Your outfit just got a makeover.
The fashion industry is gradually showing more Latino representation, but we need your support because we still have a long way to go. Hopefully you’ll think of these fabulous brands on your next shopping spree!
