An event long overdue, the first-ever Latin American Fashion Awards took place at the iconic Amphitheater of Altos de Chavón in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic on Saturday, November 4th.

Founded by Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello, the Latin American Fashion Awards is a fashion and culture event that celebrates and supports Latin American talent in the world. With a mission to honor the Latin heritage, the awards celebrate diversity and inclusion to help shape the fashion industry in the process. The highly anticipated event was chock full of emotions, anecdotes, and extensive good vibes. The ceremony was hosted by Leslie Grace, the renowned actor and singer known for In the Heights who is of Dominican roots, and Iván de Pineda, the Argentine-Spanish international fashion model, film actor, and TV host, creating the perfect blend of vitality to the ceremony.

The guest list was fully stacked with local and international industry members, celebrities, designers, and socialites with roots spanning from Puerto Rico to Colombia. Attendees included J. Balvin, who was rightfully named “Latin Fashion Icon of the Year”, Tokischa, Nina Garcia of ELLE US, Haider Ackermann, Petra Nemcova, Valentina Ferrer, Dascha Polanco, Candela Pelizza, Kiko El Crazy, Jenny Lopez, DJ Pope, Stella Jean, Willy Chavarría, Raúl López, Elena Velez, the founders of Agua Bendita, Karoline Vitto, the founders of Àcheval, Lineisy Montero, Daniela Villegas, Camila Coutinho, Camila Falquez, Devyn Garcia and Hiandra Martinez, among others. Upon arrival, guests walked the fiery red carpet following the dress code “Fashion Attitude”.

A highlight of the accolades was the prestigious international jury, headed by Haider Ackermann, who presented awards from across 14 categories, simultaneously underlining what makes Latin American talent stand out in the world. Judges included Nina Garcia, who presented the “Brand of the Year” award for Raúl López (Luar), journalist and industry icon, Anna Dello Russo who presented the “Accessories Brand of the Year” award for Daniela Villegas, Head of Content of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla Martinez de Salas, presented the “Emerging Fashion Photographer of the Year” award for Elliot & Erick, while stylist and i-D Global Fashion Director, Carlos Nazario, presented the “Fashion Artist of the Year” award for Marcelo Gutierrez.

Model, actor, and activist Indya Moore presented the “Dominican Republic Local Star” award alongside Tokischa, Creative Director and Sustainability Expert Kean Etro, presented the “Artisanal Project of the Year” award for Verdi, Photographer, and Filmmaker Bruno Aveillan, presented the “Fashion Film of the Year” award for “Divina” by Ode, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, Sara Sozzani Maino, presented the “Emerging Designer/Brand of the Year” award for Karoline Vitto, Philanthropist, Strategic Investor, and Entrepreneur Carmen Busquets, presented the “Responsible Project” double award for Desserto and Ecocitex, and the Fashion Director of Vogue Brasil, Vívian Sotocórno, presented the “Fashion Photographer of the Year” award to Camila Falquéz.

Trophies were artistically designed by El Salvadorian contemporary artist Studio Lenca, currently based at Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios in London. The ceremony was serenaded with a performance by J Balvin. After receiving the “Latin Fashion Icon of the Year” award, guests were moving to the rhythm of some of the Colombian singers’ well-known songs. An after-party celebration at SBG Casa de Campo closed off the evening, where guests enjoyed cocktails and danced in joyous harmony.

Below, discover the full list of winners and nominees across the 14 award categories.

Latin Fashion Icon of the Year

J Balvin

Designer of the Year

Johanna Ortiz – Colombia

Kate y Laura Mulleavy – Mexico

Raúl López – Dominican Republic

Stella Jean – Haití

Willy Chavarría – Mexico

Brand of the Year

Agua by Agua Bendita – Colombia

Botter – Curaçao / Dominican Republic

Farm Rio – Brazil

Johanna Ortiz – Colombia

Nous Etudions – Argentina

Raúl López – Dominican Republic

Emerging Designer/Brand of the Year

Àcheval – Argentina

Banzo – Mexico

Diotima – Jamaica

Elena Velez – Puerto Rico

Karoline Vitto – Brazil

Lucas Leão – Brazil

Artisanal Project of the Year

A New Cross – Colombia

Ayni – Peru

Carla Fernández – Mexico

Joao Maraschin – Brazil

Mozhdeh Matin – Peru

Verdi – Colombia

Responsible Project of the Year

Chain – Argentina

Desserto – Mexico

Ecocitex – Chile

Ponto Firme – Brazil

Vístete de Sueños – Venezuela

Accessories Brand of the Year

Daniela Villegas – Mexico

Fernando Jorge – Brazil

Paula Mendoza – Colombia

Sordo – Venezuela

Fashion Film of the Year

“Divina” by Ode – Brazil

“Regreso a Venezuela” by Maco Diaz – Venezuela

“Rito” by Mar+Vin – Brazil

“The Desert Spirit” by Mauricio Sierra – Mexico

Model of the Year

América González – Venezuela

Devyn García – Cuba

Hiandra Martínez – Dominican Republic

Lineisy Montero – Dominican Republic

Valentine – Mexico

Fashion Photographer of the Year

Camila Falquéz – Colombia & Mexico

Mar + Vin – Brazil

Sofía & Mauro – Argentina

Emerging Fashion Photographer of the Year

Elliot & Erick – Cuba

Gleeson Paulino – Brazil

Pedro Napolinario – Brazil

Santiago Sierra – Mexico

Fashion Artist of the Year

Chino Castilla – Mexico

Marcelo Gutierrez – Colombia

Stephania Yepes – Colombia

Dominican Republic Local Star

Giannina Azar – Designer

Indo Mita – Art Gallery

Le Blanc Studios – Brand

Lineisy Montero – Model

Tiempo de Zafra – Responsible Project

Yoanny García – Marca de Accesorios

Fashion Influencer of the Year

Babba Rivera – Chile

Camila Coutinho – Brazil

Laura Tobón – Colombia

Marina Testino – Perú

Zaya Guaraní – Brazil

Zucki – Mexico