By: Diana Garrido
If you could name a Latina who has reinvented the fashion industry with her unique style, who would that be? Perhaps you would think of Selena Quintanilla, or maybe the one and only Carolina Herrera. The first one found immortality with her unique voice and, most importantly, her distinctive sense of fashion: the bustiers, the embroidered roses, the biker hat; while Herrera created master pieces of design. However, the relationship between these two women is that in spite of having different ways of living fashion, both have put Latin America on the map as fashion icons.
However, the road they have paved has guided other women who are now the most recognizable faces in terms of fashion. All of them have a lot to give, and much like Herrera and Selena, they are paving a road for themselves. Know who they are and get inspired by their looks.
Jennifer López
Forbes named her the world’s most powerful Latina. She is one of the most influential people in the United States and has been the muse of some of the most representative designers of the last three decades, like Zuhair Morad and Donatella Versace.
Sofía Vergara
Originally from Colombia, this model became the highest-paid actress in television. Working in American television since 1990 (she began her career at Univision), Vergara’s charisma adds that extra something when it comes to pulling off couture gowns. A fan of form-fitted garments and bold colors, Vergara is one of the most influential Latinas in Hollywood.
Salma Hayek
One of the only three Mexican actresses to be nominated for an Academy Award in a leading role, Salma Hayek was the most influential ambassador of Latin American femininity during the 90’s. She’s been featured in high-profile fashion publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair, and she’s a woman who relies on minimalist design and neutral colors. However, she’s never lost her Mexican flair, even though she’s been living between the US and France for the last twenty years. Did I mention she’s also a philanthropist and a UNICEF ambassador, too? A real queen to admire.
Adriana Lima
If anyone made Victoria’s Secret relevant for the last two decades, that would have to be Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima. This Bahian beauty with piercing green eyes and full lips holds the record as the supermodel with most appearances on the VS runway. On and off the runway, Lima’s style has been characterized for “keeping it cool” by wearing the mainstream in everyday life and couture just for work.
Thalía
This Mexican singer is not only known for her frilly pink jumpsuit and world-famous telenovelas, but also for her contributions to the world of fashion. Thalia is petite, and she embraces it with every single one of her looks. She loves colorful, patterned outfits, and she puts extreme care into accessorizing. What does she do best? She plays with textures and, most of the time, if not always, succeeds in the attempt.
Shakira
Aside from her musical talent, her intelligence, the fact that she speaks five languages, and her humanitarian work (she’s an advocate for education in Latin America), Shakira’s sense of style is that of a woman who doesn’t play by the rules. And for that, we love her. She loves leather (hopefully faux), denim, and yes, t-shirts. But also, she knows how to take advantage of a colorful long or short dress, whether for a red carpet or for her high-grossing world tours. She’s certainly someone who always imbues her essence into every one of her outfits.
Eva Longoria
Longoria is not only synonymous with beauty and intelligence, but with style. Known for having taken semi-formal clothes to the next level, combining her classic grace with street style, or with her edgy yet posh looks. At the end of the day, the Texan actress never compromises class. In red carpets, interviews, or just dropping by her nearest coffee shop, Longoria is quite very aware that to be a fashion ambassador is no easy job. Longoria is edgy, risky, and posh; which only adds to her port and sensuality.
Eiza González
Hollywood’s breakthrough Latina actress is also synonymous with sexy. Thanks to her famous yellow dress, she showed that if you wish to stand out, you have to take risks. She did so with this skin-tight outfit she wore to the Oscars, as well as other pieces that have earned her the title of “sexiest Latina.”
Michelle Salas
No one can deny the influence of this model in today’s fashion. With runways for Dolce & Gabbana, Michelle has become one of the most sought after models and influencers. Her street style, which she mixes with elegance, have made her one of the most important it-girls in the world.
Eva Mendes
This actress perfectly combines her Cuban roots with Hollywood glamour, creating her own style, which has been imitated by countless fashion lovers. Eva mixes trends and creates her own, becoming a classic yet tropical fashion icon, which goes hand in hand with her personality.
All of these women have a clear sense of style. Follow their lead and, much like Carolina Herrera and Selena Quintilla, leave a legacy behind that is as wonderful as the space they themselves carved for the new faces of Latin fashion.
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