Latin American Fashion Awards, the unprecedented fashion event founded by the two bona fide Latin American fashion legends Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello, has named Colombian-born artist J Balvin “Latin Fashion Icon of the Year”. The award will be followed by a jaw-dropping half-time show performance by the global superstar J Balvin, to celebrate the region’s vibrant culture and set the stage on fire.
The Award Ceremony is set to take place on November 4th at the iconic Altos de Chavón Amphitheatre in the Dominican Republic. Inspiring people worldwide to dream big, work hard, and uplift themselves and their communities are among the shared values of J Balvin and the Latin American Fashion Awards, making him the undoubted winner of this unique recognition.
“It’s a true honor to share the stage with J Balvin. His inspiring life story and gifted power to make the whole world dance together is an unparalleled combination that will heat the audience and empower the future generations of Latin American Talent”, – co-founders Constanza Etro and Silvia Argüello. “I’m excited to be celebrating the next generation of Latin American designers and be surrounded by creative minds looking to push the boundaries. I’m honored to be part of this event that cherishes hardwork and creativity of the highest caliber”, – J Balvin. Leslie Grace, the renowned actress and singer of Dominican roots, will host the ceremony while revealing the Winners of the 14 Award Categories.
The prestigious international jury of the Latin American Fashion Awards, presided by designer Haider Ackermann, is comprised of international fashion industry heavyweights who are committed to honoring the values of the Latin American style set and building a global platform that will shine a spotlight on Latin American Talent around the world. Along with Ackermann, the jury includes CFDA CEO, Steven Kolb; Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana President, Carlo Capasa; ELLE USA Editor-in-Chief, Nina Garcia; Head of Content of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla Martinez de Salas; Journalist and industry icon Anna Dello Russo; stylist and i-D Global Fashion Editor, Carlos Nazario; supermodel, actor and activist Indya Moore; Creative Director and Sustainability Expert Kean Etro; Photographer and Filmmaker Bruno Aveillan; Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, Sara Sozzani Maino; Philanthropist, Strategic Investor, and Entrepreneur Carmen Busquets; Creative Director Margherita Missoni; Founder of Osklen and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Oskar Metsavaht; Fashion Director of Vogue Brasil, Vívian Sotocórno; and Global Director of Photo at Vogue, Alessia Glaviano.
The Open Call for Latin American Talent resulted in over 1,500 applications from more than 23 countries. The hot list of rising stars selected by the prestigious international jury include designers Raúl Lopez, Willy Chavarría, Johanna Ortiz, Stella Jean and Elena Velez; Accessories Designer, Daniela Villegas; Responsible Project by Carla Fernández; Fashion Influencers, Camila Coutinho and Marina Testino; Fashion Photographers Mar+Vin and Camila Falquez; Fashion Model Hiandra Martinez, amongst others. To further celebrate the region’s heritage, Latin American Fashion Awards has chosen the unapologetically honest contemporary artist Studio Lenca to create the Iconic. Latin American Fashion Awards Trophy. The sought-after artist from El Salvador is currently based at Tracey Emin’s STK Studios in London.
