Callao: A historic mansion hosted the unveiling of the ‘NAVAL’ collection by DELOSANTOS, celebrating tradition and sustainability. The runway showcased 32 unique pieces influenced by military aesthetics, highlighting eco-friendly materials and a rich visual palette, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s local journey.

Last Tuesday, a noteworthy event in the Peruvian fashion scene unfolded as local designers showcased their Spring-Summer 2025 collection titled “NAVAL” within a historic mansion located in Callao. This presentation marked the first solo runway show for the brand, signalling a significant moment in their local development.

The choice of venue was intentional; the designers aimed to capture the essence of NAVAL, reflecting qualities such as tradition, strength, and an indomitable spirit. Danilo Martínez, one of the key designers, expressed this sentiment, saying, “We wanted a space that conveyed the essence of NAVAL: tradition, strength, and an indomitable spirit. Callao not only has a direct connection to the Navy but also represents resistance and evolution, values that are in the DNA of our brand.”

Martínez’s journey into fashion was deeply influenced by his background, with a pivotal experience stemming from his near-graduation from the Naval School of Peru. In his words, “One of the stages of my life that taught me the most… With this collection, we pay tribute to the effort and sacrifice behind this vocation.” The collection is a direct homage to this personal history, embodying the dedication inherent in naval service and interpreting the military uniform’s aesthetics through the lens of contemporary fashion.

The “NAVAL” collection features 32 distinct pieces, skillfully blending military influences with fashionable design elements. The designers explored a rich colour palette and visual motifs tied to naval history, employing camouflage prints, dresses with rectangular collars, golden buttons, and anchor-themed accessories. The runway was described as showcasing impeccably tailored garments, including fitted pants, asymmetrical skirts, and oversized jackets, with standout items like a short navy blue jumpsuit adorned with golden buttons.

Danilo Martínez elaborated on the collection’s design choices, stating, “I wanted to capture the strength and structure of the naval uniform but with the bold essence of DELOSANTOS.” The integration of structured designs was complemented by knitwear made from baby alpaca and innovative 3D applications resembling golden bullets, adding a modern twist to traditional military aesthetics. The collection also highlighted the use of playful accessories, including canteen-shaped bags and naval hats.

A notable aspect of this presentation was its commitment to sustainability. The designers incorporated materials such as sequins created from recycled paiche scales—an eco-friendly choice sourced from artisanal fishing—and latex obtained from the shiringa tree. This marks a continuation of the brand’s sustainability efforts, following their successful Huacachína collection released in 2023, which featured garments made from hemp fabric.

“The knitted pieces were the revelation of the collection, made from baby alpaca,” remarked a member of the brand’s design team, emphasising the dedication to sourcing sustainable fibres. The halter-striped dresses crafted from jersey scraps using crochet techniques effectively showcased the label’s focus on upcycling and reducing textile waste.

The event attracted significant attention from local industry figures and celebrities, including model and television host Natalie Vertiz and Peruvian singer Leslie Shaw. As Victor Montalvo, another designer from the team, highlighted, “This show is a dream come true. It’s a key moment for DELOSANTOS, where we can showcase our vision in a comprehensive way.”

The runway presentation concluded with a striking wedding dress that encapsulated the brand’s signature style—feminine, sensual, and bold. Through this collection, the designers not only celebrated their personal narratives but also contributed to the broader dialogue surrounding sustainable fashion, the value of second-hand clothing, and the importance of slow fashion practices in reducing environmental impacts.

Source: Noah Wire Services