~ Latin Fashion Week ~
Sobeidy Vidal
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Copa: Where are you from?
Sobeidy: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Copa: What schools have you attended?
Sobeidy: High Point. Copa: At what time did you discover the love of Fashion Design events?
Sobeidy: Since I was 8 years old. I can recall seeing my aunt modeling early on for Oscar De La Renta when he began his career. I remember always loving to see her wear colorful gowns. Fast forward in my teenage year, my younger sister began her modeling career. Enjoying food, a little more than her, I traveled with her as the big sister protector. I got to experience early-on many fashion styles and influences backstage through my little sister's photoshoots and runway shows. 
Copa: What encouraged you to establish "Latin Fashion Week?"
Sobeidy: The lack of representation in the fashion industry. As I grew older and traveled as a chaperon with my little sister, I saw many beautiful models worldwide. Consistent variables I noticed were that all models were of European descent and 5'8+, regardless of their birthplace. When my daughters came of age and began to model, the same model standards from my adolescents were still prevalent in the early 2000s. I then realized that the lack of diversity didn't stem from models but instead, the spurious element of designers. The fact that many popular designers designed for European bodies caused the lack of representation of global people in the fashion media. So, I set myself on a mission to create diversity by showcasing Latin-rooted and Latin-inspired designers to embrace the beauty of our culture and to reflect the many faces, bodies, and patterns to collectively create a diverse identity. |
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Copa: How would you describe the special 'style' of your design events?
Sobeidy: We are hyper-focus on Latin-rooted, Latin-born, and Latin-inspired designers to take their products internationally into other markets. We have designers like Giannina Azar, who recently designed Beyonce's 2022 Renaissance album cover. We tap into our exclusive networks for designers to use Latin Fashion Week as a stepping stone to catapult into the next level.
Sobeidy: We are hyper-focus on Latin-rooted, Latin-born, and Latin-inspired designers to take their products internationally into other markets. We have designers like Giannina Azar, who recently designed Beyonce's 2022 Renaissance album cover. We tap into our exclusive networks for designers to use Latin Fashion Week as a stepping stone to catapult into the next level.
Giannina Azar
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Beyonce's 2022 Renaissance album cover
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Copa: Where do you receive the inspiration to create your apparel fashion event?
Sobeidy: Since starting Latin Fashion Week, our mission of diversifying the fashion industry began with designers. At LatinFW, We made diversity a prime focus in our recruitment research and never charged designers to showcase. As our audience began to grow, so did our purpose and mission for growing our good. Today, we focus on global themes and work around it.
Sobeidy: Since starting Latin Fashion Week, our mission of diversifying the fashion industry began with designers. At LatinFW, We made diversity a prime focus in our recruitment research and never charged designers to showcase. As our audience began to grow, so did our purpose and mission for growing our good. Today, we focus on global themes and work around it.
Copa: How was your experience in New York Fashion Week for the latest cycle?
Sobeidy: It was the biggest learning experience of my life. After coming back from Covid-19, I noticed that everything remained the same. Many fashion-related events continue to showcase designers as usual. However, there are special pivots my team and I have aligned for next year to push the measure of how the fashion industry functions to amplify the demands and needs of our young generation. Stay tuned!
Sobeidy: It was the biggest learning experience of my life. After coming back from Covid-19, I noticed that everything remained the same. Many fashion-related events continue to showcase designers as usual. However, there are special pivots my team and I have aligned for next year to push the measure of how the fashion industry functions to amplify the demands and needs of our young generation. Stay tuned!
Copa: Who are your top 3 clothing designers of all time?
Sobeidy: Oscar De la Renta, Oscar De la Renta, Oscar De la Renta. During a time of little diversity, Oscar De la Renta push Latin pride, pushing the envelope of what was the norm. He always acknowledged his Latin root, Latin design inspiration, and stated his Dominican nationality as a sign of pride for all Latinos.
Sobeidy: Oscar De la Renta, Oscar De la Renta, Oscar De la Renta. During a time of little diversity, Oscar De la Renta push Latin pride, pushing the envelope of what was the norm. He always acknowledged his Latin root, Latin design inspiration, and stated his Dominican nationality as a sign of pride for all Latinos.
Oscar De la Renta
Copa: When is your next event in Washington, DC?
Sobeidy: Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ The Observatory at America's Square, 300 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sobeidy: Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ The Observatory at America's Square, 300 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Copa: What does the future hold for Sobiedy Vidal and her fabulous designs Latin Fashion Week events?
Sobeidy: As a premier and significant fashion week in the Latin community there is so much more to offer which will be revealed in 2023.
Sobeidy: As a premier and significant fashion week in the Latin community there is so much more to offer which will be revealed in 2023.
