Antonio Banderas On The Impact And Future Of Miami Fashion Week

Miami Fashion Week is the second largest fashion week in the country and fifth-largest fashion week across the globe, and for good reason. The highly-coveted fashion week event, spearheaded by Honorary President Antonio Banderas has revolutionized the industry by thinking outside the box and curating a week-long event that not only focuses on the luxurious, over-the-top glamorous appeal of fashion but also brings awareness to the deep-rooted issues of the industry such as labor conditions and sustainable designs. Held at Ice Palace Film Studios, Miami Fashion Week serves as the perfect backdrop to international talent with its diverse cultural scene as some of Latin America and Spain’s most renowned household names come together to showcase their latest collections.

Photo Credit: Juan Vergara (www.vergaraphoto.com)

“The concentration of the Spanish community here is enormous. In a way, I would love to re-brand the week to be Miami’s Spanish Fashion Week or something along those lines,” Banderas said in an exclusive interview with Haute Living. “There’s so much great talent that taps into the community here, from Mexico to Honduras and now this year, the Dominican Republic.”

Part of Miami Fashion Week’s tradition is to honor a Latin American country by bringing forth emerging talent and showcasing their collections on the pasarela (runway) and this year, the event honed in on the Dominican Republic, including acclaimed designers Jenny Polanco and Arcadio Díaz, Jacqueline Then and Giannina Azar.

Photo Credit: Juan Vergara (www.vergaraphoto.com)

“This year, it was important for us to showcase [Dominican] talent. It’s a booming country with a lot of culture and talent that is ready to be exposed here in America,” Banderas said.

The fashion soiree launched on Wednesday, May 30th, with an exclusive kick-off party at Brickell City Centre’s Saks Fifth Avenue with Miami’s most stylish fashion influencers as they enjoyed small bites, deliciously-crafted cocktails and lively music. Following the party, a select group of fashion week attendees were invited to join Banderas and the Miami Fashion Week team at Chotto Matte for an intimate Designers Dinner in celebration of this year’s acclaimed designers.

Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada opened this year’s Fashion Week with a vibrant and colorful collection showcasing her ability to tap into the innocence and playfulness of oneself. For Banderas, this year’s Fashion Week focused on tapping into the theatrics of the pasarela, something he was certain Ágatha de la Prada’s show would be able to bring to life.

“[de la Prada] is a dear friend of mine. She has the ability to bring to life one’s fantasies and imagination into the enchanting world that is fashion. I love what she brings to Miami Fashion Week,” Banderas said.

On Friday, May 31st, Daniella Battle, Herminas Reea and Vero Diaz took over Ice Palace Film Studios with sold-out shows throughout the evening. Notable attendees during Friday’s runway shows included Aida Domenech, Karina Salmen and Maria Claudia. Later in the evening, guests were invited to the Miami Fashion Week Benefit Gala hosted by Antonio Banderas. This year’s gala featured a surprise special performance by Juanes. The highly-anticipated event raised funds for both the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and Lagrimas y Favores, the latter founded by Antonio Banderas.

Miami’s most stylish fashionistas came together on Saturday, June 1st, for an Influencer Brunch at Speaspice where guests got to enjoy a delicious breakfast spread with mimosas ahead of the evening’s runway shows. Later on, Glory Ang and Fernando Alberto Atelier took over Ice Palace Film Studios to debut stunning, ready-to-wear collections. The jam-packed, week-long festivities came to an end on Sunday, June 2nd, with the grand finale: the Dominican Republic designer shows including Jenny Polanco and Arcadio Diaz, Jacquline Then and Gianna Azar.

As Antonio Banderas and the Miami Fashion Week team prepare for the future of the prestigious fashion event, Banderas reflects on what the last few years have been like as Miami Fashion Week celebrated its 4th Annual run this year.

“Fashion has no language, no barriers. [Miami Fashion Week] will continue to bring awareness to international talent and we hope to be able to continue to assist the discussion around sustainable fashion,” Banderas said.