5 Reasons You Need to Pay Attention to Latino Fashion Week

Latino Fashion Week opened Wednesday, September 30th, at Block Thirty Nine. The red carpet swarmed with Chicago’s fashion forward and the event did not disappoint. Celebrating its 9th year with the theme, "Timeless Fashion - A Decade of Elegance," guests were introduced to local designers including Robdechi, Iridium Clothing, e&e Aubé Designs, Amanda Nicole by Jessica Blair, Moi Soli and student designers from the Chicago Fashion Foundation. If you haven't attended an LFW event in the past, here are 5 reasons why Latino Fashion Week should be in your line of sight.

1. By Latinos, For Everyone

This is LFW's tagline and what makes the event stand out. Founded by Cesar Rolon, Jr. and Arabel Alva Rosales, J.D., Latino Fashion Week was created to fill the void of available channels for Latino designers to showcase their work. It can be hard for a budding designer to find support in the fashion world, however, LFW not only supports designers but allows them to be showcased in cities that they tour, including Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles. LFW is also inclusive in that it supports designers, makeup artists and stylists of all backgrounds.

2. Unique in Nature

LFW is the only fashion venue that supports the talent of local, national and international Latino designers. Latino Fashion Week is the go-to for designers looking to break into the industry.

3. Latinos are Haute Couture

Don't count Latinos out as influencers of the fashion world! Latinos are trendsetters and have enough spending power to make even those producing Paris Fashion Week take notice.

4. Know These Hot Designers Before They Are Brand Names

Where would the fashion world be without Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera? Many of the designers at Latino Fashion Week have been in the game for some time, while others are starting out. But they all share one thing in common - an immense talent and a discerning eye.

5. LFW Gives Back

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) and Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association, chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses are among this year's benefactors.