Guatemalan rum brand Ron Zacapa is partnering with the Latin American Fashion Summit to support fashion creatives.
LAFS is an annual event that showcases key brands from Latin America and provides an opportunity for people to learn from prominent figures in the fashion business. It was founded by Estefanía Lacayo, from Nicaragua, and Samantha Tams from Mexico, and has traveled to different locations through its six years.
Each year, the LAFS has honored Latin American designers who are changing the face of the industry in three categories: Ready to Wear Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year and Social Impact Project of the Year. This year, Zacapa will double the prize value for winners in the three categories, as each aims to build impactful projects.
The spirit brand is crafted in Southern Guatemala from sugar cane grown in its mineral-rich volcanic soil, and blended by Master Blender, Lorena Vásquez, a rare female master blender in the world of spirits. Zacapa employs around 700 Guatemalan women to make the petate bands that wrap around its bottles.
Wednesday evening, Zacapa will announce the first recipient of the “Visionary of the Year” award, presented to Raul Lopez of Luar.
Lopez, who is of Dominican descent, crafts designs inspired by his family and roots, including pieces drawn from his grandmother’s style and community heirlooms. Lopez has been able to achieve what many Latine designers aspire to: a brand with a mission that focuses on inclusivity that celebrates Latino culture in every detail.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the inaugural Visionary of the Year at the Latin American Fashion Summit, and very grateful to Zacapa for giving Latin creatives a new and thoughtful platform to reach new heights. We have exciting things to come and I’m looking forward to sharing more with you. This partnership is not only a celebration of culture, but a testament to the power of community inspired by our roots. I can’t wait to see our visions from the worlds of high fashion and spirits continue to come to life together,” Lopez said.
Zacapa plans to work with Lopez into the future, too — including a collaboration due out in spring 2024.
