The Museum at FIT, New York, openes a new exhibition entitled ‘¡Moda Hoy! Latin American and Latinx Fashion Design Today’ on May 31. The exhibition showcases over 60 items from the museum’s permanent collection and new additions, with bilingual texts in English and Spanish and supplementary fashion media.
Spotlight on Latin American and Latinx Fashion Designers
The exhibition focuses on designers from Latin American countries and those of Latin American heritage living in the US, often referred to as Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or Latinx. The featured brands are from over ten different countries, including Barragán from Mexico, Suki Cohen from Colombia, Juan de la Paz from Bolivia, and PatBo from Brazil. The museum intends to challenge stereotypes about fashion by designers of Latin American heritage and highlight the diversity of talent in the region.
Emerging Designers Making Their Mark
Long-time esteemed Hispanic fashion designers such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and Alexandre Herchovitch have paved the way for many young designers, including Gabriela Hearst, Jonathan Cohen, Willy Chavarria, and Kika Vargas. These emerging designers are making their mark on the fashion scene by creating for famous fashion houses, winning prestigious awards, and dressing celebrity clients.
No Singular Latin American Style
The exhibition takes a decentering approach to fashion studies, shifting perspectives away from a single cultural viewpoint. There is no singular Latin American style, but rather a diversity of talent that continues to shape contemporary fashion. Latin American fashion is a powerhouse. During the 20th century, a number of Latin American and Latinx designers gained global recognition, while the region served as an inspiration for designers from Europe and North America, functioning as a background in fashion publications and becoming a source of talent.
The exhibition, curated by Tanya Melendez Escalante, senior curator and public programs, and Melissa Marra-Alvarez, curator of education and research at The Museum at FIT, can be viewed from May 31, 2023 until November 12. The showcased designers exemplify the era when Latin American and Latinx fashion gained global recognition. The Museum at FIT is giving visibility to underrepresented designers and challenging stereotypes while highlighting the diversity of talent in the region. The exhibition provides an opportunity to learn about and appreciate Latin American and Latinx fashion while recognizing its significant contributions to contemporary fashion.
