Latino Fashion Week - Memories De La Moda

Latino Fashion Week- A Decade of Elegance, coordinated by co- founders Arabel Alva Rosales and Cesar Rolon Jr. put on quite the show celebrating 10 years of LFW in Chicago and beyond. This was my first time at LFW and I attended night two, memories "De La Moda", which took place at the Bien Venido lounge of Block 37 in downtown Chicago. The dress code for the red carpet event was lace and velvet and as a result guests were dressed in beautiful lace and velvet attire ranging from gowns to cocktail dresses and the men in velvet jackets.

Upon arrival guests were treated to delicious hor d'oeuvres from Latinicity a food hall by Richard Sandoval and Jose Garces, as well as  Korbel pink champagne which was flowing through the night. Guests were able to have some fun taking pictures at Big Hugs photo booth  as well as shop before the show started. One booth in particular that caught my eye was Be Buddha Jewelry with their bright colored pieces. The owner of BBJ Erin Leary  is very passionate about travelling and this is evident in her collection of designs which feature semi precious stones from all over the world.

The fashion show was hosted by Gabriel Ramirez of Chicago's B96 and Lourdes Duarte of WGN. Lourdes looked absolutely fabulous in her velvet evening gown, together they made a great team in entertaining the crowd.

From Right to left: Gabriel Ramirez, Arabel Alva Rosales, Cesar Rolon Jr. and Lourdes Duarte

The show featured national and international designers such as HekaTure, Willfredo Gerardo, Mexican Designer Ada, and Peruvian Designer Yirko Sivirich.
Willfredo Gerardo showcased over 20 designs, not to mention his collaboration with up and coming young Mexican designer Ada. The designs from the collaboration consisted of an earthy palette with olive greens and mustard yellows.

Willfredo's own individual collection was filled with fun glamourous looks with black, white silver and gold dominating the color palette of his designs. It was very difficult to choose a favourite from the collection although his look 1955 was quite unique. It was a white long sleeved, turtleneck gown that featured an open back and sides embellished with metallic silver and white sequins. The way the sequining was placed and the texture it created with the velvety look of the material it almost looked like it was an animal fur with shimmery patches.

Models wearing Willfredo Gerardo's Designs posing with the designer are Cesar Rolon Jr. (centre) and Ada(right)

Leah Little Miss Puerto Rico Latina Illinois in HekaTure Design

HekaTure's designs were showcased by the gorgeous little princesses from Miss Little and Pre Teen Puerto Rico Latina Illinois. I also had the pleasure of meeting Leah who is Little Miss Puerto Rico Illinois after the show and what a sweet little girl she is.

My personal favorite of the night was Peruvian designer Yirko Sivirich. His designs screamed "relaxed beach vacation", color tones ranging from bright pinks to yellows and cool pinks and whites. The designs that really caught my attention included a lady's bright pink linen jumpsuit, a bright yellow fish print women's swimsuit, a yellow men's cargo jacket teamed with white linen trousers and a men's wear light pink baseball jacket and shorts ensemble. It was very difficult to choose from Yirko's  range. The clean cut simple designs were like a waft of fresh summer breeze. Yirko accessorised his designs with rope belts and backpacks with leather flaps. Yirko is one designer I will be following closely in the future.

Yirko Sivirich and Cesar Rolon Jr.

The night was ended with a fabulous after party at  Chop  steakhouse in Chicago. I plan on attending the Latino Fashion Week next year to catch events I missed this year, such as "Tea with a Latin Twist" that showcased designs by Stacey and Valdavia Ellis of MADE and will make sure not to miss the opening and closing nights as from what I have heard are spectacular.
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