5710/9/2024
¡Fiesta time! As Latino Heritage Month comes into full swing, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural contributions that have shaped America's vibrant tapestry. From music and art to food and fashion, Hispanic and Latinx influences are everywhere—and they're fiercer than ever. Two powerhouses, Denise Focil and Flor de Maria, are taking the fashion world by storm, blending heritage with innovation and inspiring a new generation of Latinas to pursue their dreams in a historically exclusive industry.
Let’s dive into the stories of these trailblazing Latinas who are making waves in Hollywood and beyond, one eco-friendly jacket and pair of chic stilettos at a time!
Denise Focil: Fashion with a Conscience
First up, meet Denise Focil, founder and designer of AS by DF (Alpinestar by Denise Focil), who is proving that fashion can be both stunning and sustainable. Originally from Ecuador and now based in Los Angeles, Denise is turning heads with her environmentally conscious approach to luxury. At the core of her brand is a dedication to using sustainable materials, including recycled leather scraps and biodegradable fabrics. Not only are her designs beautiful, but they are also rooted in a mission to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint—because who says you can’t save the planet while looking fabulous?
Denise’s use of green technology doesn’t just stop at fabrics. Even the tags and packaging for AS by DF pieces are eco-friendly, making her label a standout in the fast-paced, often wasteful fashion industry. The impact? Instead of clearing 10,000 square meters of land to produce a handful of leather jackets, Denise’s innovations drastically cut that down while still delivering high-end fashion. Talk about a win for both style and Mother Earth!
Her commitment to sustainability has earned her an impressive following among Hollywood’s finest. Celebrities like Jessica Alba, Jenna Ortega, Kelly Rowland, and Selena Gomez have all been spotted rocking AS by DF pieces, turning heads at red carpet events and beyond. Denise’s message is clear: eco-conscious fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.
Want to make your wardrobe a little more planet-friendly? AS by DF can be found at luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Trust us—these are statement pieces that look as good as they feel, both on your skin and your conscience.
Next on the list of Latina innovators is the unstoppable Flor De Maria Rivera, the Peruvian-born designer behind the eponymous shoe brand Flor De Maria. After moving to the U.S. as a child and initially pursuing a career as a sportscaster for Univision and Telemundo, Flor decided to pivot toward her true passion: shoes. In 2019, she took the bold step of launching her own luxury footwear line, and the fashion world has been paying attention ever since.
Flor’s journey is the definition of fearless. Leaving behind a successful media career, she packed her bags and moved to New York and later to Italy, where she studied shoe design at the prestigious Arsutoria School. Her designs are the perfect fusion of high fashion and functionality, offering women the kind of bold, statement-making shoes that allow them to walk confidently into any room. Whether you’re heading to a glamorous event or just living your day-to-day life, Flor's shoes make sure you do it in style—and comfort.
Her brand has attracted the likes of Eva Longoria, Nicki Minaj, Camila Cabello, and Mariah Carey, solidifying her spot in the world of celebrity fashion. Flor’s creations have also graced the pages of major publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire, proving that her designs are here to stay.
With padded soles and premium materials sourced from Italy, Flor De Maria shoes combine elegance with the comfort that mainstream brands often overlook. These shoes are made for women who want to conquer the world—one stylish step at a time.
Celebrating Latina Excellence
As we celebrate Latino Heritage Month, it's important to recognize trailblazers like Denise Focil and Flor De Maria, who are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women of color in fashion. Their journeys are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion that define Latinx culture.
From Denise’s eco-conscious designs that put sustainability at the forefront to Flor’s bold and beautiful shoes crafted for fierce women, these two Latinas are redefining what it means to be a powerhouse in the fashion industry. Their success is not only a win for the Latinx community but for women everywhere who are daring to dream big.
So, whether you're in the market for a new eco-friendly jacket or a pair of fierce heels, remember: these Latina-run brands have got you covered. Support women who are making history, breaking barriers, and doing it all with style. ¡Viva Latina power!
For more info, visit asbydf.com or flordemariacollection.com