The fashion industry has always thrived on change, but lately, it feels like we’re living in a whirlwind. Conversations around sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices are reshaping the way we consume. Add to that the lingering aftershocks of a global pandemic, and it’s no wonder so many of us—creators, consumers, and designers alike—are rethinking what fashion means in our lives.
For me, that reflection led to a hard question: Am I serving my audience in the best way possible?
That’s when I circled back to one of the projects closest to my heart: my Emerging Designers I Love series.
Where It All Began
I started this series three years ago, fueled by a deep love for uncovering hidden gems in the fashion world. It began as a tribute to my roots—highlighting Latin American designers who embodied beauty, craftsmanship, and femininity in ways that felt both fresh and timeless. With my mom’s Cuban-Puerto Rican-Spanish heritage and my dad’s American background, celebrating Latin American artistry felt personal.
But the series grew quickly. What started regionally soon blossomed into a global showcase of talent. Today, it includes designers from all corners of the world, each bringing something unique and inspiring to the table. Writing these features has always been a joy, but I’ll admit—in the chaos of recent years, the series has taken a backseat while I recalibrated my priorities around family, health, and stability.
The Magic of Stitch Lab
When I think about why this work matters so much to me, my mind goes back to my very first Stitch Lab pop-up event in Miami.
I can still remember walking through the space, meeting designer after designer who radiated passion for their craft. Names like Maygel Coronel, Stella & Amelia, Casa Lima, Tao Jewelry, and Glory Ang Atelier still stand out vividly. Each person shared their vision with such conviction, gifting me not just with beautiful pieces but with stories that gave those pieces soul.
The remarkable part? Many of those designers have since gone on to achieve incredible success on larger stages—yet they’ve stayed true to the values and beliefs that shaped their beginnings. That balance of ambition and authenticity is exactly why I continue to support Stitch Lab’s mission: to create opportunities for underrepresented brands, many of them women-owned, to grow and thrive in new international markets.
Why It Matters Now
It’s no secret that small brands are facing unprecedented challenges. Supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer habits, and economic uncertainty have left many fighting to keep their dreams alive. And yet, I’ve seen firsthand how resilience and creativity fuel these designers in ways that larger, more established brands sometimes struggle to replicate.
That’s why I feel so strongly about using my platform to spotlight their work. Supporting small, independent designers isn’t just about buying a beautiful dress or piece of jewelry—it’s about investing in stories, in people, and in a vision of fashion that values artistry over mass production.
Every purchase has power. Every share, every mention, every connection we make can help keep these creative businesses alive.
This Month’s Standouts
So if you’re in the mood for a little browsing—or better yet, some intentional shopping—I’d love to introduce you to a few of the designers who recently caught my eye, thanks once again to Stitch Lab. Their work is inspiring, thoughtful, and exactly the kind of fashion that feels worth celebrating right now.
(Consider this your official nudge to discover them for yourself—you might just stumble across your new favorite piece, the kind that doesn’t just sit in your closet but becomes part of your story.)
Final Thoughts
Fashion, at its best, is about connection. It’s about how clothes make us feel, the people who craft them, and the stories they carry. Emerging designers remind us that style doesn’t have to be dictated from the top down. It can be intimate, personal, and deeply rooted in community.
As the industry continues to evolve, I hope we all keep making space for these smaller voices—the ones whose impact may be quieter, but whose influence is lasting. Because in supporting them, we’re not just reshaping wardrobes. We’re reshaping the future of fashion itself.
