When I first started my blog, all I wanted to do was work with big, luxury brands (to build clout and legitimize who I was), but the more and more I’ve grown I’ve learned to love and appreciate smaller brands aka because there’s so many new, emerging talent out there. And being half-Latin American, I’ve developed such an affinity for Latin designers and love supporting their brands. I’m drawn to their play on colors, romantic feminine silhouettes and inventive textile technique all while telling a story through each garment. It speaks to my heritage and sense of style seamlessly, so I had to share a few of my latest designer discoveries (and current obsessions) with you!

Stella & Amelia

Yola Neme is the founder and designer behind the amazing collection. Inspired by Latin roots, all of her pieces are 100% handmade by Ecuadorian Artisan women. Her style captures the elegance and femininity of women through different fabrics, textures and prints – adding a little playfulness while keeping the romanticism that symbolizes Stella & Amelia.

Her pieces have been one of my fave go-to’s this summer. I loved my recent top I wore in the Amalfi Coast to our first dinner as a newly engaged couple. The feminine silhouette and bare shoulder was a fun twist to my evening attire. I also wore one of her dresses in Ravello!

Casa Lima

I first discovered this brand while attending Stitch Lab in Miami just a few months ago!

Casa Lima is devoted to bringing art, culture and design from Latin America to our everyday lives – always designing one of a kind products in mind. I love that their products are sustainable while helping communities in need within developing countries – that’s something I truly admire and want to intentionally work on.

The detail within their handmade bags is incredible, which I also packed on my recent trip here.

Agua by Agua Bendita

Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, two Colombian women, decided to follow their passion for design and created a brand of unique and exclusive swimsuits (now has a full line of different collections – more options here). They wanted to tell their story and show how the mixture of details, contemporary design and handicrafts represent Colombia.

Their dresses pair well with any destination like this one I wore here!

Soraya Hennessy

I met Soraya as a blogger many years ago and have witnessed her brand flourish over these past few years (love supporting her in anyway I can!).

Her goal is to share the beautiful work of Wayuu artisan women and to express a positive message about her native home, Venezuela Soraya’s bag designs add a modern twist to the traditional ones that you can see on her website. I brought one to New York Fashion Week earlier in the year and just pulled the trigger on this one!

Maygel Coronel

I was also introduced to this brand at Stitch Lab and have fallen for their luxury swim line ever since!

Each piece is handmade and embodies the essence of feminine tribute and love for the summer. Their simple silhouettes with intentional volume strikes the perfect balance between statement and everyday wear – which is so me. Maygel Coronel has become my hidden little treasure and latest go-to for beautifully crafted swim.

Xo, Stephanie