Miami Fashion Week: Redefining The Runway
By Carlos Mesa
Miami Fashion Week (MIAFW) is a fashion event held annually in our city. Founded in 1998 by Beth Sobol, MIAFW was designed to be a stage for Latin American and Caribbean designers to showcase their clothing lines to the global fashion industry, although it was initially called “Fashion Week of the Americas.” Since its creation, it has been a celebration of the immigrant culture and creativity that Miami is widely known for.
MIAFW has also consistently helped uphold the Miami community by attracting tourism and raising money for local businesses. They engage in institutional partnerships with Miamian brands, allowing these brands to directly communicate with consumers and generate revenue
After the event was acquired by the event production company, “The Fashion Shows LLC,” in 2015, the emphasis on Latin culture became even more present. The event invites international guests and partners with local designers to grace the runway in unison. This year, it was held October 13 to 18, celebrating its 10th anniversary in partnership with Miami Dade College across multiple iconic Miami venues.
Artists such as Dominican luxury fashion designer Jacqueline Then, Colombian resortwear designer Andrés Otálora, and even Giannina Azar were in attendance, each exhibiting their own unique Latin-inspired wardrobes. Azar, the Dominican-Lebanese designer also known as “La Maestra,” displayed warm, crystal-embellished pieces and flowing silhouettes. Though equally silky, Jacqueline Then opted for fitted pieces with an aquatic summer theme.
One of the main events at MIAFW is the Miami Fashion Week Summit, an informational fashion forum held to facilitate conversations about global trends and issues in the fashion industry. Topics like innovation, incorporating technology into fashion, and efforts towards a more sustainable fashion industry were discussed by speakers like the founder of the Upcycle Project, Gabriella Smith, and philanthropist Marile Lopez.
After mentioning aspects of the Upcycle Project, such as the textile repurposing scholarship competition the organization offers to MDCPS students, she prompted David Abissidan to speak about his brand Lola Denim. Abissidan created Lola Denim with the goal of creating denim pieces that will last by using strong denim that can be worn intensely for long periods of time with little to no damage.
In the same discussion, Jacqueline Then spoke about her journey to give her brand identity beyond just being a Dominican fashion brand. She described her process of synthesizing designs from the indigenous, African, and European roots that make up Dominican culture, and projecting them onto plant-based, biodegradable textiles.
“Broadcasting really gives perspective; people can watch fashion events at home and really take in what’s happening, even though they can’t be there. Trends start to grow, people get more connected, people have more to talk about. You can start participating and getting inspiration and becoming themselves when they see these types of events,” said sophomore Ammy Perez.
Not only is MIAFW a great source of income to fund local Miami designers and infrastructure, but it’s also a representation of Miami’s status as the bridge between the US and Latin America. The philanthropy that funds MIAFW is what allows it to highlight authentic Miami fashion; rather than focusing on luxury fashion houses, it puts the spotlight on smaller, traditional artists while incorporating various aspects of Miamian culture.
The event gives opportunities for the next generation of Miamian fashion designers to play a part in the industry. It creates scholarships and opens positions for fashion students and aspiring fashion designers to take part in the behind-the-scenes of MIAFW. Ultimately, diversifying the industry.
“I think local fashion and art events encourage teens to be more bold with their self-expression, as well as it gives them a platform to see different types of fashion whether it’s cultural, elegant, or avant-garde and appreciate the artistry behind it,” said senior Angelina Chirino.
MIAFW is a force for revolutionizing the expectations people have for not only the garments that show up on the runway, but also the people who made them. It’s an event where Latin American innovation steers the industry away from a runway that centers Western luxury fashion. One day, MIAFW may be the blueprint for a better, more inclusive fashion industry.
