Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUENOS AIRES' EMERGING DESIGNERS
One of the most notable transitions in Buenos Aires fashion in the last few years is the growing prom-
inence of emerging designers. Based mostly out of private homes and apartments, known locally as
'showrooms,' a young community of recent fashion school grads and 20-somethings with an entre-
preneurial spirit are taking over BA's inventive design world. Recent initiatives by the Buenos Aires
City government such as competitions like IncuBA and La Ciudad de Moda (which allowed several of
the most promising emerging designers to stage runway shows at Buenos Aires Fashion Week), have
given the industry the boost it desperately needs to make BA one of the most intriguing fashion hot-
spots in Latin America. Whether you're on the hunt for casual streetwear, luxurious leather or innovat-
ive jewelry design, BA's best emerging designers take pride in their originality and skilled craftsman-
ship.
When it comes to clothing design, rising names like
Belén Amigo
(
www.belenamigo.com.ar
) and
Joan Martorello
(
www.facebook.com/JMARTORELLO
), both present at La Ciudad de Moda's run-
way show, are capturing stylish locals with their alternative, street-chic designs that range from
Martorello's signature knits to Amigo's tailored pants and drapey silk organza tops. For more comfy
casual wear, stop in at
Deleon's
(
www.deleonba.com
) Palermo Hollywood showroom, a destination
for young fashionable locals looking to expand their collection of urban cool garments that scream
sophistication.
Yet another exciting fresh face in BA's emerging fashion scene is
Julia Schang-Viton
(
www.schangviton.com.ar
)
, a young design prodigy whose structured, architectural cuts and neutral
color palette draw upon her Asian heritage.
If you're in the market for leather, you've come to the right city. The independent design team be-
hind artsy leather jacket label
Oveja Oveja
(
www.ovejaoveja.com
)
have created a stir with their high-
quality, hand-painted jackets that fit perfectly with BA's cosmopolitan vibe.
For leather bags, don't miss the geometric gems by
Bellebas
(
www.bellebas.com
), whose sleek
clutches and embossed satchels make for the quintessential Buenos Aires accessory.
In the world of jewelry, both
Inés Bonadeo
(
www.inesbonadeo.com.ar
), a metal-working craftswo-
man who has already shown her work in New York at the international design fair NY Now, and
Ven-
daval
(
www.vendavalbuenosaires.com.ar
)
, whose amulets are available at indie boutique
Monoambi-
ente
(
www.mono-ambiente.com.ar
) can't be missed.
While popular among locals, shopping in showrooms can prove intimidating for visitors. To gain
access to these hidden treasures, it takes some local knowledge and the right connections. Thankfully,
a few ambitious expats are giving tourists the chance to discover the exciting world of BA's emerging
design through personalized shopping tours that'll take you to some of the most notable showrooms in
town as well as the hippest open-door boutiques. Sophie Lloyd at
ShopHopBA
(
www.shop-buenosa-
ires.com
)
is the perfect option for those looking to get inside the city's exclusive showrooms. Warm,
welcoming and knowledgeable, Sophie's tours include champagne toasts and privately catered
lunches, and she also offers personal color consultations to those in need of a wardrobe makeover.
Vanessa Bell at
Creme de la Creme
(
www.cremedelacreme.com.ar
)
is known for her extensive con-
tacts and excellent taste.
