Miami Fashion Week to showcase global design talent

Miami Fashion Week kicked off on Monday with a six-day fashion event scheduled to showcase the latest collections from a mix of local and international talent, especially Latin American designers.

The MIAFW, recognized by the CFDA, began with a press conference at Miami Dade College's Freedom Tower, with speakers and guests including Lourdes Fernández-Velasco, executive director of Miami Fashion Week; Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III; and Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College; as well as a group of fashion designers and other interested parties.

On Tuesday we will see shows by Spanish designer Beatriz de la Cámara, known for her romantic silhouettes, and Peruvian sustainable women's brand Sitka Semsch, which fuses artisanal heritage with modern clothing.

The MIAFW Summit with the Miami Fashion Institute will take place on Wednesday, under the theme “The future of fashion is built here.” The summit will bring together more than 20 speakers, designers and digital pioneers for a day of panels, keynotes and innovation, with a program featuring Nicole Miller, Naeem Khan, Angel Sanchez and Shantall Lacayo, and other industry leaders.

The day will culminate with the Miami Fashion Institute's inaugural digital fashion show.

Thursday's main event is the Miami Fashion Week Gala with the Naeem Khan show. The Indian red carpet designer is famous for his dresses made with intricate beading, embroidery and luxurious fabrics, and proceeds from the gala will go to the Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College.

The Friday and Saturday schedule will feature four shows, including Miami-based Puerto Rican designer Brenda Noy and Dominican designer Jenny Polanco, followed by Venezuelan fashion designer Yenny Bastida and Colombia-born fashion designer and “Project Runway Season 17” winner Jhoan Sebastian Grey, closing out the week.

In addition to scheduled shows and events, participating designers at MIFW will gain exclusive access to the Mana Fashion Showroom, showcasing their collections to top buyers, retailers and industry leaders.

“Miami Fashion Week is where creativity meets opportunity,” says Lourdes Fernández-Velasco, executive director of Miami Fashion Week.

“From emerging Miami talent to international icons, our goal is to inspire collaboration, spark innovation and showcase fashion as a force for culture and sustainability.”