Latin American Fashion
LATAM Fashion Circle: South American Craft Meets Paris
Eleven Latin American brands showcase artisanal heritage at a new Paris showroom during Fashion Week, blending traditional skills with contemporary design.
Can the rich heritage of Latin American artisanal skills be transformed into an offering that resonates on the international stage? Dan Silva asked himself this very question when he conceived LATAM Fashion Circle, a project that has now become a reality. The initiative is set to make its debut during Paris Fashion Week, bringing together eleven brands from South America in the heart of the Marais, at 16 rue de Turenne – the beating heart of Parisian fashion.
When asked about the name, Silva explained that ‘LATAM’ stands for Latin American, and ‘Circle’ reflects his belief that fashion is built around circles of mutual support. “I envisioned this initiative with the idea of moving forward together, as a group,” he said. This collaborative spirit is at the core of the event, which aims to spotlight designers who are still largely unknown in Europe.
A diverse line-up of South American talent
The showroom will feature a predominantly Colombian selection: Anca Ravelo, Antoine Atelier, Faride Ramos, La Petite Mort, Laura Aparicio, Patricia Acosta, and Paula Mendoza WomaJewelry. Joining them are two Argentine brands – Cachí and Kostüme – and one Brazilian label, Argalji. This eclectic mix represents the breadth of craftsmanship and contemporary design emerging from the continent.
La Petite Mort and Antoine Atelier: contemporary expressions of Colombian craftsmanship
Founded by Andrés Durán and Jonathan Cortez, La Petite Mort merges tailoring with traditional Colombian artisanal weaving. The studio places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, championing production carried out entirely in Colombia by local seamstresses and artisans, including elderly people in vulnerable situations. The brand is committed to guaranteeing dignified working conditions for all involved.
Similarly, Antoine Atelier was born from a desire to move away from mass production. After working in footwear and leather goods for industrial brands, founder Patricia Bueno turned to handmade pieces crafted by Colombian artisans. The atelier reworks plant-based fibres and traditional techniques through design, deconstruction, and customisation, resulting in contemporary accessories. Her work is supported by sophisticated imagery that adopts international fashion codes to create a distinctly exotic aesthetic – a fusion of heritage and modernity.
Promoting brands still unknown in Europe
“When you ask most professionals if they know any Latin American brands, the majority can’t even name one,” Silva explains. “At best, they mention the Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera or the Colombian Esteban Cortázar, who was the artistic director of Ungaro. That is as far as it goes.” This lack of visibility is precisely what LATAM Fashion Circle seeks to address.
“Through this organisation, I want to give designers the opportunity to speak to multi-brand buyers and also to gauge the mood of the Western clientele gathering in Paris for Fashion Week,” Silva adds. The event’s format is designed to facilitate both business-to-business and business-to-consumer interactions. The first two days, October 1 and 2, 2026, will be dedicated to B2B appointments, while the weekend of October 3 and 4 will open to the public, allowing fashion enthusiasts to discover and purchase pieces directly.
It is worth noting that this first edition is supported by ProColombia, the agency responsible for promoting the exports and internationalisation of Colombian companies. This backing is part of a broader strategy to connect South American brands with buyers, distributors, retailers, and other players in international markets. For Silva, the ultimate goal is to create a sustainable platform that not only showcases Latin American creativity but also fosters long-term commercial relationships.
By bringing together these eleven brands, LATAM Fashion Circle offers a fresh perspective on luxury – one rooted in artisanal traditions, ethical production, and cultural exchange. As the fashion world increasingly seeks authenticity and story, this initiative positions South American craftsmanship as a vital and vibrant contributor to the global stage.
