The Latin American Fashion Awards, founded by Constanza Cavalli Etro and Silvia Argüello and presided over by Donatella Versace, returned for its second edition with an unforgettable celebration themed “Hot by Heritage.”
In a striking artistic gesture, artist Raquel Paiewonsky transformed the red carpet’s photo wall installation into a sculptural tribute to women, motherhood, and the origin of heritage itself. Her piece, featuring symbolic forms of women’s breasts, stood as a powerful reminder that creativity, identity, and culture are born through women – the ultimate bearers of life and legacy.
“This second edition is a celebration of unity, identity, and the women who give life to our heritage,” said Silvia Argüello and Constanza Etro, Co-Founders of the Latin American Fashion Awards. “With Donatella Versace leading our Jury, we felt the power of global sisterhood and the beauty of solidarity through creativity. Hot by Heritage was our way of honoring the past while igniting the future, proving that when we come together as a community, our culture doesn’t just shine… it transforms the world.”
Hosted by global superstar Becky G and acclaimed actor and producer Luis Gerardo Méndez, the biennial event took place in the breathtaking Altos de Chavón Amphitheatre in the Dominican Republic’s exclusive Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Carrying symbolism and purpose, the night united the world’s most influential figures in fashion, art, and culture to honor the best of Latin American creatives.
Honoring womanhood as the source of creation and heritage, the evening was illuminated by two extraordinary performances. Brazilian superstar Luísa Sonza opened the night with fierce energy and unapologetic Latin power, while Venezuelan artist Elena Rose closed the ceremony with her luminous voice and soulful grace. Together, they embodied the spirit of the Awards, celebrating strength, beauty, and the creative fire of women across Latin America.
This edition also marked the inaugural presentation of the Carmen Busquets Couture Prize, created by visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Carmen Busquets to revive and promote couture craftsmanship across Latin America and the world. The prestigious award, which includes a $50,000 grant and a tailormade mentorship, was bestowed upon Raúl López, the acclaimed designer behind LUAR to recognize his commitment to preserving traditional excellence within a contemporary framework.
In a defining moment of the evening, Donatella Versace presented the Designer of the Year to Willy Chavarria, celebrating his transformative contribution to global fashion and his ability to merge social consciousness with timeless style.
One of the award’s highest honors, Fashion Icon of the Year award was presented to cultural phenomenon Maluma, in recognition of his fearless individuality and global influence uniting fashion and music on the world stage. This tribute honors the Colombian-born artist’s trendsetting presence, devotion to Latin heritage, and the legacy he continues to shape as a fashion leader of our time.
Nina García presented the Brand of the Year award to Agua by Agua Bendita, celebrating the brand’s exceptional storytelling rooted in heritage and sustainability.
Karla Martínez de Salas honored Campillo as Emerging Designer of the Year, highlighting the region’s new generation of creative talent.
Another powerful moment came when Chilean supermodel Paloma Elsesser received the Model of the Year award from Dominican rapper and star Tokischa.
Recognized for her intimate and cinematic portraits of global icons, Renell Medrano received the Fashion Photographer of the Year, presented by Vivian Sotocorno. An acclaimed visual storyteller of her generation, Medrano’s work transcends fashion imagery, reflecting the unapologetic spirit of today’s Latin creatives.
The prestigious international jury, presided by legendary Italian designer and fashion icon, Donatella Versace, includes leading voices from across the fashion world: Steven Kolb (CEO, CFDA), Carlo Capasa (President, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana), Nina Garcia (Editor-in-Chief, ELLE USA), Karla Martinez de Salas (Head of Content, Vogue Mexico & Latin America), Anna Dello Russo (Journalist and Industry Icon), Carlos Nazario (Stylist & Style Director at Large, Harper’s Bazaar), Imran Ahmed (Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Business of Fashion), Gabriela Hearst (Founder and Creative Director), Kean Etro (Creative Director & Sustainability Expert), Sara Sozzani Maino (Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani), Zelika Garcia (Founder, ZONA MACO), Carmen Busquets (Philanthropist & Investor), Vívian Sotocórno (Fashion Director, Vogue Brasil), and Alessia Glaviano (Global Director of Photo, Vogue).
The night ended at Minitas Beach Club, where guests enjoyed Tequila Don Julio cocktails and danced the night away.
The 2025 Latin American Fashion Awards are available to watch exclusively on ViX, the leading Spanish- and Portuguese-language streaming service from TelevisaUnivision, offering premium content to audiences worldwide. Through ViX, viewers in the United States, Mexico, and Latin America will be able to experience the energy, creativity, and cultural pride of Latin fashion’s biggest night.
Images courtesy of BFA
