Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS), the leading global platform created by Latin American entrepreneurs Estefania Lacayo and Samantha Tams with the aim to connect, empower and generate real business opportunities for the Latin American fashion community, celebrated its seventh annual summit and third edition at the Miami Design District. With Miami Design District Associates as lead investors, 30 speakers, 50 countries in attendance, and a total of 5,000 attendees including luminaries such as Antonela Roccuzzo, Isabela Grutman, Karolina Kurkova, Rodner Figueroa, Catalina Maya, Martha Graeff, Stephy Carillo, Eglantina, Zingg, Stephanie Roitman, Mariana Hinestroza, Catalina Alvarez, and two-time Latin Grammy nominee Giulia, the summit had its most powerful engagement to date.
From Saturday, November 9th through Tuesday, November 12th, the Latin American Fashion Summit brought together a more global than ever Latin American community through an exciting circuit of events and programming, including panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, with an amazing lineup of speakers, judges and mentors. This year’s distinguished lineup included industry leaders such as Alexandra Winokour, President of Dior Americas; Ewa Abrams, President of Kering Group; Alejandra Rositto, CEO of Bottega Veneta; Gisela Dantas, CMO of Azzas 2154 Group; and Jessica Dennis-Capiraso, Senior VP of Marketing at Victoria’s Secret, alongside fashion directors from major retailers like Shopbop, Saks, Net-a-Porter, and Moda Operandi, as well as other influential talent and Gen Z content creators.
In this latest edition, LAFS hosted a curated pop-up at Paradise Plaza, showcasing the amazing work of Latin American designers and brands. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore, engage, and connect with industry leaders in some of the most iconic venues in the area through exclusive in-store activations,inspiring panel talks, and movement classes that immerse attendees in the best of Latin American fashion, beauty, and culture.
On Sunday 10th and Monday 11th, attendees joined the riveting Intimate Talks and Workshops that LAFS curated at Palm Court and Instituto Marangoni. From ‘Made in Colombia: The keys to success of Colombian fashion’ to ‘Luxury Marketing in a Digital World: Evolving Brand DNA and Consumer Engagement’, ‘Victoria’s Secret: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion and ‘Building Brands and Connection on WhatsApp: In Conversation with Maren Lau – Regional Vice President, Latin America at Meta’’, guests in attendance learned from discussions between notable industry leaders, as well as the insights from the Pitch to LAFS 2023’ winners. Maison Perrier and LALO Tequila presented the Opening Night Cocktail Party on Sunday 10th at Paradise Plaza, and Isa Grutman hosted a special private event at their flagship store in Miami Design District to celebrate the Summit.
Throughout the summit, private events were hosted in partnership with prestigious brands, including Tiffany & Co., Kirna Zabete with founder Beth Buccini, Balenciaga with CEO Vira Capeci, Bottega with CEO Alejandra Rosito, and PatBo with CEO Cara Chen.
The LAFS 2024 Summit closed with a day of Networking Sessions at Miami Design District, and the Closing Cocktail Party on Tuesday 12th at 8:00pm at Alfred Dupont Building with sponsors such as Zacapa and Martini and Rossi, where LAFS announced the Pitch to LAFS 2024 winners: Baobab as Design of the Year, Studio Conchita as Accessories Designer of the year, and Curatoria Design as Social Impact Project of the Year.
Photo credit: LAFS