#9 latin american designers you 1Hernan Lander- Dominican Republic Thanks to the internet the world became a global village, and people from the farthest corners of the world started having a voice. Fashion has been immensely influenced by this new found globalness, true that before that, exotic lands and different cultures have served as inspiration for seamstress and designers, but now it goes beyond simple colours, fabrics and fashions; there is a real connection to the way people act and feel, the way they dress and the reasons why they do it. Latin-America has never been the go to place for fashion inspiration, the way eastern Asia and Tribal Africa have been. The colourful prints, the lively birds and the happy, sexy vibe that represents the continent influenced the Spring/Summer 13 Ralph Lauren collection and Charlotte Olympia´s trendy tote bag, but still is not the most popular location to find inspiration, or new talent. Sao Paulo Fashion Week, Buenos Aires Fashion Week, Colombiamoda and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Mexico, are the most important fashion weeks in the continent, and they are becoming incredibly popular, everybody is looking to get in the contagious “Fiesta” mood and discover the next Alexandre Hercovitch, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de La Renta; so here is a list of the paradise birds that are showing off big time in the new continent.
After finishing Fashion design in the Altos de Chavon School he won a scholarship to study at Parsons School of design in New York. Lander gained experience working with Proenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, but in 2008 he decided to start his own eponymous brand. His style is very structured, with strong lines and defined silhouettes; he creates garments that resemble architectural jewels. He imprints a contained dramatism to his pieces; these are full of delicate and intricate details, making them very much alive. Celebrity fans include Rihanna, Nicky Minaj and Angelina Jolie.
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