'Not a country that rejects fashion': Crisis-hit Venezuela vamps up industry


By AGENCY

Venezuelan designer Angel Sanchez accompanied by a model, salutes on stage after presenting his collection. Photo: AFP

With a series of vibrant evening dresses and urban futuristic metallic ensembles, designers at a Venezuelan fashion week sought to revive an industry in the doldrums after years of economic turmoil.

Venezuela, known for a love of style and pomp often seen in its myriad beauty pageants, had not held a fashion week for almost two decades until the industry event was revived earlier this year.

The second edition of that event wrapped up recently in the industrial northern city of Valencia, with top designers such as Angel Sanchez – who has dressed stars such as Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock and Beyonce – parading their creations on the runway.

It was the first time in 10 years that Sanchez, 62, who has appeared at New York Fashion Week and Madrid Fashion Week, held a show in his native Venezuela.

Read more: How designers like Malaysia's Melinda Looi are weaving heritage into fashion

He said that it was "the perfect opportunity to reconnect with my country, with my work and with colleagues".

"I believe that Venezuela has always been a leader in fashion. I remember when I started 35 years ago, we emerging talents had fashion weeks, so I am happy to see the concept is back."

Restarting the Venezuelan event in which designers present their latest collections was the brainchild of Venezuelan model Romina Palmisano, who returned to the country in the past year to try to revive the neglected fashion industry.

"At an economic level, Venezuela is a country facing an uphill battle in every way, from manufacturing to purchasing supplies," said Palmisano, who acknowledged the economic difficulties, but is convinced of the fashion industry's potential.

After years of hyperinflation and a currency in free fall that plunged Venezuelans into misery and pushed more than six million to flee the country, the ravaged economy has shown signs of recovery.

The de facto dollarisation of the economy and easing of price controls have allowed businesses and merchants to increase imports, resulting in a greater variety of products on offer and new shops opening up selling clothes, shoes and more.

Sanchez said that holding a fashion week was crucial to "give space for the fashion world to recover at a professional level".

At the fashion week, his classic, elegant evening dresses were each named after one of his famous clients.

Read more: Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli and model Bella Hadid win at the 2022 Fashion Awards

The Italian-Venezuelan designer Giovanni Scutaro created an "ode to Spain" with his most recent collection's flamenco vibes, which he carried off via black and red colours, pleats, jackets and hats.

Scutaro said Venezuela is a "noble country with capable people".

"People like fashion, this is not a country that rejects fashion. It is a country that really invests a lot in its physical appearance."

Two Colombian brands graced the runways: Cubel with its avant-garde urbanism, and Agua Bendita with a series of brightly coloured swimsuits.

Adding a touch of feminism to the show, Venezuelan brand Kosh worked the phrase "God is a woman" into its designs. – AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Style

Can AI support fashion's climate goals? Yes, but workers may be left behind
'Performance of power': The pussy-bow blouse – fashion trend or rallying cry?
Looking back at Rohit Bal's legacy as a celebrity fashion designer loved by all
En pointe! The ballet flat is a fashion classic, and comfortable too
'One day at a time': Fashion designer Giorgio Armani on his life's trajectory
Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli transformed red carpet fashion, now what?
Vanity Fare: Here are fresh skin solutions for your body, from neck downwards
Classic, chic or gothic: The colour black can effortlessly elevate your style
Adidas says it has settled 'Yeezys' dispute with US rapper Kanye West
Ralph Lauren unveils its first women’s watch, The Ricky Trench Coat Bear

Others Also Read