New York: Renowned designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada showcased her sustainable autumn-winter collection at New York Fashion Week, wholly crafted from recycled materials. The event celebrated Latin American designers while promoting slow fashion principles and environmental consciousness within the industry.

During New York Fashion Week, renowned designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada showcased her latest collection for the autumn-winter season, with an innovative focus on sustainability. The collection, featured at the Latin American Designers showcase, was unique in that it was entirely crafted from recycled materials. This event marked its 15th edition and highlighted designers from across Latin America, including Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Among the distinguished participants was Carlos Pineda from Mexico, known for his intricate designs that embody vivid colours and prints.

Speaking to EFE, Ruiz de la Prada emphasised the significance of her work, stating, “All the clothing here is made from reused clothes from previous collections or scraps. We are giving a second life to the recycled pieces.” Her commitment to sustainable fashion was evident in the exciting array of garments presented, including dresses, skirts, long and short trousers, and winter sweaters, all adorned with a bold palette of orange, blue, yellow, green, pink, red, and purple. The runway experience was described as non-traditional and playful, with models engaging the audience by blowing kisses, dancing, and creating heart shapes in the air with their fingers.

In a unique twist, some models incorporated foldable shopping carts from Ruiz de la Prada’s collaboration with Rolser, a company known for manufacturing practical tote options. The designer has been recognised not only for her colourful aesthetic but also for mentoring aspiring talent. Ruiz de la Prada revealed plans to unveil a more extensive collection made from recycled materials in Madrid, predicting that it would be “apotheotic” and a significant milestone in her sustainability journey.

The evening also introduced emerging talents, including 17-year-old Puerto Rican designer Disiego Borrero, who made his New York debut. He presented a fusion of contemporary and Victorian styles, with transparency and lace as key elements. Reflecting on his experience, Borrero remarked, “It was an unforgettable experience and it will mark my life,” receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Another highlight of the showcase was Brazilian model Ricardo Beranger, who took to the runway at the age of 52. Beranger, having started his modelling career later in life, showcased creations by Aaron Fonseca, who represented Mexico alongside Pineda. Fonseca’s collection included modern interpretations of the traditional Mexican poncho for both men and women, featuring illustrations of iconic figures such as actress María Félix and artist Frida Kahlo, surrounded by floral motifs.

Carlos Pineda captivated the audience with elegant, body-hugging dresses, including draped designs and ruffled styles. He opened his show with a striking red gown, ensuring that vibrant prints representative of Mexican culture were prominently featured throughout his collection.

The event illustrated a growing appreciation for second-hand clothing and slow fashion principles, highlighting the potential of sustainable practices within the fashion industry. The influence of these initiatives, along with the creative energy of Latin American designers, contributes positively to the ongoing dialogue surrounding environmental impact and sustainability in fashion. As such, the vibrant displays on stage provided an empowering space for readers and attendees to consider their style choices without sacrificing aesthetic values.

Source: Noah Wire Services