The Latin American Fashion Awards, founded by Constanza Cavalli Etro and Silvia Argüello and presided over by Donatella Versace, returned for their second edition with an unforgettable celebration under the theme «Hot by Heritage.».

In a striking artistic gesture, the artist Raquel Paiewonsky transformed the red carpet photo wall installation into a sculptural tribute to womanhood, motherhood, and the origin of heritage itself. Her piece, featuring symbolic forms of the female breast, stood as a powerful reminder that creativity, identity, and culture are born through women – the supreme bearers of life and legacy.

«This second edition celebrates unity, identity, and the women who bring our heritage to life.», they said Silvia Argüello y Constance Etro, Co-founders of the Latin American Fashion Awards. «With Donatella Versace leading our Jury, we felt the power of global sisterhood and the beauty of solidarity through creativity. ‘Hot by Heritage’ was our way of honoring the past while igniting the future, showing that when we come together as a community, our culture doesn't just shine… it transforms the world.

Presented by global superstar Becky G and the acclaimed actor and producer Luis Gerardo Méndez, the biennial event took place in the impressive Altos de Chavón Amphitheatre within the exclusive Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. Laden with symbolism and purpose, the night brought together the most influential figures in fashion, art, and culture to honor the best of Latin American creatives.

Honoring woman as the source of creation and heritage, the gala was illuminated by two extraordinary performances. Brazilian superstar Luísa Sonza opened the night with fierce energy and uninhibited Latin power, while the Venezuelan artist Elena Rose She closed the ceremony with her luminous voice and her touching grace. Together, they embodied the spirit of the Awards, celebrating the strength, beauty, and creative fire of women throughout Latin America.

This edition also marked the inaugural presentation of the Carmen Busquets Couture Prize, created by the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Carmen Busquets to revive and promote the art of haute couture in Latin America and around the world. The prestigious award, which includes a grant of $50,000 and personalized mentorship, was presented to Raúl López, the acclaimed designer behind LUAR, in recognition of his commitment to preserving traditional excellence within a contemporary framework.

At a defining moment of the night, Donatella Versace presented the Designer of the Year Award a Willy Chavarría, celebrating her transformative contribution to global fashion and her ability to fuse social consciousness with timeless style.

One of the award's highest honors, Fashion Icon of the Year, was introduced to the cultural phenomenon Maluma, in recognition of her intrepid individuality and global influence, uniting fashion and music on the world stage. This tribute honors the trendsetting presence of the Colombian-born artist, her devotion to Latin heritage, and the legacy she continues to forge as a fashion leader of our time.

Nina Garcia presented the Brand of the Year Award for Agua by Agua Bendita, celebrating the exceptional brand narrative rooted in heritage and sustainability.

Karla Martínez de Salas honored Campillo how Emerging Designer of the Year, showcasing the region's new generation of creative talent.

Another powerful moment came when the Chilean supermodel Paloma Elsesser received the Award Model of the Year of the Dominican rapper and star Tokischa.

Recognized for her intimate and cinematic portraits of global icons, Renell Medrano received the Award Fashion Photographer of the Year, presented by Vivian Sotocorno. As an acclaimed visual storyteller of her generation, Medrano's work transcends fashion imagery, reflecting the uninhibited spirit of today's Latino creatives.

The prestigious international jury, presided over by the legendary Italian designer and fashion icon, Donatella Versace, featuring leading voices from around the fashion world: Steven Kolb (CEO, CFDA); Carlo Capasa (President, National Chamber of Italian Fashion); Nina Garcia (Editor in Chief, ELLE USA); Karla Martinez de Salas (Director of Content, Vogue Mexico & Latin America); Anna Dello Russo (Journalist and Industry Icon); Carlos Nazario Stylist & Fashion Director, Harper's Bazaar; Imran Ahmed (Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Business of Fashion); Gabriela Hearst (Founder and Creative Director); Kean Etro (Creative Director & Sustainability Expert); Sara Sozzani Maino (Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani); Zelika Garcia (Founder, ZONA MACO); Carmen Busquets (Philanthropist & Investor); Vivian Sota-corner (Fashion Director, Vogue Brazil); and Alessia Glaviano (Global Director of Photography, Vogue).

The night ended in the Minitas Beach Club, where guests enjoyed cocktails Tequila Don Julio and they danced until the early hours of the morning.

The Latin American Fashion Awards 2025 will be available to watch exclusively on ViX, the leading Spanish- and Portuguese-language streaming service TelevisaUnivision, offering premium content to audiences worldwide. Through ViX, viewers in the United States, Mexico, and Latin America will be able to experience the energy, creativity, and cultural pride of Latin America’s biggest night in fashion.