No Matter Your Budget, Here's How You Can Support Latin-Owned Brands
Photo:
@simonett; @sabrina.wrk; @mozhmozh_; @selvanegra_
Utilizing materials that are native to Peru, Mozhdeh Matin is constantly pushing the innovation of traditional materials, techniques, and local artisans to both preserve the history of Peru and create stunning products.
What do you get when two design students in New York with a Latina heritage become friends? Selva Negra. This trendy yet approachable brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint in every way possible while maintaining comfort and versatility along the way.
Agua by Agua Bendita is a Colombian brand that boldly presents its heritage through design, print, and silhouette. Although the brand is more commonly known for its swimwear, we are particularly loving the ready-to-wear selection this season.
Designer and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund nominee Victor Barragán uses his designs to exude the vibrant life that Mexico City has to offer, with an emphasis on the youth, strong colors, and loud prints. If you're obsessing over these pants as much as I am, then you're in for a real treat when you see all the other must-have pieces that are currently available.
With pieces handcrafted in Brazil by local expert artisans, Lapima's founders, Gisela and Gustavo Assis, aim to provide eyewear that is fun, vintage inspired, and, honestly, pretty unforgettable.
Simonett is basically all the trendy yet unique (and affordable) clothing you dream about all in one place. Born in Venezuela, Simonette Pereira has made it her priority to be a fully transparent brand in terms of sustainability and supply chain. Did she become every major influencer's favorite brand along the way? Yes, yes she did.
Montunas handbags are the kind of bags that will grant you dozens of compliments throughout every wear and that will never go out of style thanks to their unique yet classic shapes. Designer Elke Ruge took advantage of her roots from both Costa Rica and London and used them to inform the designs of some of the most Instagram-worthy bags, period.
Completely founded in Mexican design, Collectiva is dedicated to giving back to Mexico by employing Indigenous artisans in over 40 rural communities. Including pretty blouses and elevated basics, this brand is one you will buy, wear, and then buy more of. I can guarantee that.
Mexican designer Sabrina Olivera's designs have been keeping everyone on their toes. From loud prints to inspiring imagery, this brand is definitely one worth splurging on. Additionally, proceeds from her latest collection will be donated to Red Nacional de Refugios A.C., which means you know your money is going to something greater than just a cool pair of pants.
If you're looking for eye-catching knitwear, look no further than Ayni. Peruvian designers Adriana Cachay and Laerke Skyum have mastered the art of striking yet subdued silhouettes, and it would be a mistake not to add at least one stunning piece to your cart.
Martha Calvo should be your new destination for trendy and affordable jewelry. The Miamis-born founder launched her namesake label in 2006 and has since gained a cult following that includes celebrities. Drawing inspiration from her heritage, her hometown, and her travels, the collections often feature hand-painted baroque pearls, quirky beads, and mismatched elements.
"Classics with a twist" is my favorite way to describe fan-favorite Colombian brand Gauge81. Between the off-center buttons and kitschy reworking, this brand will have you rethinking everything you think you once appreciated about basics and tailoring.
Founder Valeria del Rey, born and raised in Puerto Rico, took her love of the ocean and channeled it into a successful swimsuit brand. But this is not just any normal swimsuit brand. La Gotta uses SPF 50+ fabrics to protect your skin further than just the sun protection you put on your skin.
Jewelry designer Jonne Amaya was born in Mexico and is currently living in Los Angeles, where she is truly creating magic. She considers herself more of a "personal jeweler," as she designs more for the individual rather than in bulk. From new, one-of-a-kind pieces to repurposing those family heirlooms you don't know what to do with, Jonne Amaya has got you covered.
Don't click into Maygel Coronel's site if you don't want to leave with five new swimsuits in your cart. Hands down, these suits are some of the most stunning I've seen in a while. Having grown up on the Caribbean coast, the Colombian designer uses her designs to celebrate women, their bodies, and their personalities.
Designer Luiny Rivera is a Puerto Rico native now living in New York. Her pieces are wearable, conversational, and—considering how expensive they look—actually pretty affordable. If you're looking to add a new fun piece of jewelry to your collection, click into her site and go wild.
Silvia Tcherassi quickly became a favorite brand among fashion girls everywhere thanks to its festive nod to Colombian culture, Instagram-friendly colors, and statement-making silhouettes.
Carolina Herrera is a name that likely sounds quite familiar to you. Known for her stunning eveningwear and classic designs, if you're looking to invest in something truly timeless, make it something from this beloved Venezuelan designer.
Sensi Studio is ethically made in Ecuador, offering bags, hats, resortwear, and more.
Grl Collective is a Latina-founded lifestyle brand that is constantly giving back with its proceeds. From profits that fund girls' education in India (The Sambhali Trust) to products that directly donate to the Black Lives Matter movement, this brand will have you looking cute and feeling even better about where your money is going.
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz designs pieces that will make you feel like you're on vacation no matter where you are. Be it a frilly swimsuit or a jaw-dropping gown, this brand is one we are constantly seeing worn and loved by fashion lovers across the globe.