Ask any editor at Who What Wear what one of their favorite parts of their job is and they will tell you it is supporting and championing brands of kinds—both big and small. With that said, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I am beyond excited to present you with the ultimate Latin-owned brands shopping guide. By no means is this a comprehensive list of all the amazing Latin brands you could be supporting—these are simply a few of the ones that stood out to me the most and that I personally will be shopping from.
The good news about this shopping roundup is that it features products at a variety of price points (starting at just $18). So no matter what your budget is, there is a way that you can support these brands with whatever means you have. Featuring both well-known names like Carolina Herrara and smaller brands such as Wasi Clothing, go on to read up on the 25 Latin-owned brands that should definitely be on your radar this month and beyond.
Utilizing materials that are native to Peru, Mozh Mozh is constantly pushing the innovation of traditional materials, techniques, and local artisans to both preserve the history of Peru and create stunning products.
ESCVDO is a Peruvian brand that cherishes the country’s traditions by working with weavers to reclaim traditional Peruvian techniques. The garments are made and sourced locally and the quality of each and every piece proves it.
What do you get when two design students in New York with a Latina heritage become friends? Selva Negra. This trendy yet approachable brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint in every way possible while maintaining comfort and versatility along the way.
Agua by Agua Bendita is a Colombian brand that boldly presents its heritage through design, print, and silhouette. Although more commonly known for its swimwear, we are particularly loving the ready-to-wear selection this season.
Calling all Converse lovers, this new limited-edition series is for you. This new collection of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, designed for and by the community, seeks to honor the Latin heritage, both in the U.S. and beyond. Each sneaker style tells a different story, so be sure to head to the site to learn more.
Designer and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund nominee Victor Barragán uses his designs to exude the vibrant life that Mexico City has to offer with an emphasis on the youth, stong colors, and loud prints. If you’re obsessing over these pants as much as I am, then you’re in for a real treat when you see all the other must-have pieces that are currently available.
Handcrafted in Brazil by local expert artisans, Lapima’s founders, Gisela and Gustavo Assis aim to provide eyewear that is fun, vintage-inspired, and honestly, pretty unforgettable.
Simonett is basically all the trendy yet unique (and affordable) clothing you dream about all in one place. Born in Venezuela, Simonette Pereira has made it her priority to be a fully transparent brand in terms of sustainability and supply chain. Did she become every major influencer’s favorite brand along the way? Yes, yes she did.
Montunas handbags are the kind of bags that will grant you dozens of compliments throughout every wear and that will never go out of style thanks to their unique yet classic shapes. Designer Elke Ruge took advantage of her roots from both Costa Rica and London and used them to inform the designs of some of the most Instagram-worthy bags, period.
Completely founded in Mexican design, Collectiva is dedicated to giving back to Mexico by employing indigenous artisans in over 40 rural communities. Including pretty blouses and elevated basics, this brand is one you will buy, wear, and then buy more of. We can guarantee that.
Mexican designer Sabrina Olivera’s designs have been keeping everyone on their toes. From loud prints to inspiring imagery, this brand is definitely one worth splurging on. Additionally, proceeds from her latest collection promises donate to Red Nacional de Refugios A.C., which means you know your money is going to something greater than just a cool pair of pants.
If you’re looking for eye-catching knitwear, look no further than Ayni. Peruvian designers Adriana Cachay and Laerke Skyum have mastered the art of striking yet subdued silhouettes and it would be a mistake not to add at least one stunning piece to your cart.
Coco + Peach should be your new destination for trendy and affordable jewelry. Founder and designer Jessica Isel values family more than anything. Her parents immigrated here from Ecuador and Colombia which has since given her the fire to pursue her own business and work hard while still remembering the value of family. With a handful of jewelry-loving women in her family, it’s clear Jessica has a true love of the industry.
“Classics with a twist” is my favorite way to describe fan-favorite Colombian brand, Gauge81. Between the off-center buttons and kitschy reworking, this brand will have you rethinking everything you think you once appreciated about basics and tailoring.
Founder Valeria del Rey, born and raised in Puerto Rico, took her love of the ocean and channeled it into a successful swimsuit brand. But this is not just any normal swimsuit brand. La Gotta uses SPF 50+ fabrics to protect your skin further than just the sun protection you put on your skin.
Jonne Amaya Emerald Ring (price upon request) . Jewelry designer Jonne Amaya was born in Mexico and is currently living in Los Angeles where she is truly creating magic. She considers herself more of a “personal jeweler,” as she designs more for the individual rather than in bulk. From new, one-of-a-kind pieces to repurposing those family heirlooms you don’t know what to do with, Jonne Amaya has got you covered.
Colombian designer Esteban Cortázar might be a more familiar name, as you’ve probably seen his designs in retailers from Net-a-Porter to MatchesFashion. Known for his striking prints and constant innovation, Esteban Cortázar is definitely one to watch (and shop).
Wasi Clothing is a Bolivian-American–owned business founded by Vanessa Acosta. Her goal is to champion the Bolivian culture through her designs and messaging. After having worked in the fashion industry prior to starting Wasi, her goal is to run a business that is ethical, sustainable, and morally supportive to all employees, and that’s exactly what she’s doing.
Don’t click into Maygel Coronel’s site if you don’t want to leave with five new swimsuits in your cart. Hands down, these suits are some of the most stunning I’ve seen in a while. Having grown up on the Caribbean coast, Colombian designer Maygel uses her designs to celebrate women, their bodies, and their personality.
Designer Luiny Rivera is a Puerto Rico native now living in New York. Her pieces are wearable, conversational, and considering how expensive they look, actually pretty affordable. If you’re looking to add a new fun piece of jewelry to your collection, click into her site and go wild.
Silvia Tcherassi quickly became a favorite brand amongst fashion girls everywhere thanks to its festive nod to Colombian culture, Instagram-friendly colors, and statement-making silhouettes.
As we enter into the fall and winter seasons, the Mexican ready-to-wear brand Pink Magnolia should be at the top of your radar. The brand’s kitschy sweatpants and cozy basics are going to put a smile on your face every time you wear them.
Carolina Herrera is a name that likely sounds quite familiar to you. Known for her stunning eveningwear and classic designs, if you’re looking to invest in something truly timeless, make it something from this beloved Venezuelan designer.
GRL Collective is a Latina-founded lifestyle brand that is constantly giving back with its proceeds. From profits that fund girl’s education in India (The Sambhali Trust) to products that directly donate to Black Lives Matter, this brand will have you looking cute and feeling even better about where your money is going.
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz designs pieces that will make you feel like you’re on vacation no matter where you are. Be it a frilly swimsuit or a jaw-dropping gown, this brand is one we are constantly seeing worn and loved by fashion lovers across the globe. Next up, learn about all the Latin-American brands Latina fashion editors are loving now.
