
Promising and accomplished designers presented their Autumn/Winter 2011 collections in this edition of Puerto Rico High Fashion Week, which was held at La Concha. Fashionistas from all over the island were invited to the seasons most talked about event, for the presentation of veteran and up and coming designers this season. On day one, veteran designers Heriberto Vazquez and Lisa Thon shared the runway for two intriguing presentations, while on day two striving young designers shared their vision; some for the very first time.
Day 1: Heriberto Vazquez presented ‘Sybarite Girls’ a collection inspired by the ancient city Sybaris in Greece and the luxuries of the era. Using muted flowy chiffons, silks and metallic’s, the designer embraced the season with little black dresses, jackets and shorts. This experienced and established designers proposal is definitely not for the modest.
Lisa Thon presented ‘Love Story’ a dreamy blend of the retro seventies and tropical vibes. This collection was inspired by the designer’s love of fashion and her falling in love with her calling during the 70’s. The bohemian feel of romantic florals and feminine silhouettes were the mood for the night, as also evocative men’s wear in neutrals with leather, furs and boots.
Day 2: The first show case of ‘The New Generation’ consisted of Reynaldo José, Richard Cotto, Jackie Tejada, Sofía Arana and Nicole De Jesús. This showcase was more traditional than the other designers, but not to be understated.

Opening for the novel designers was Reynaldo Jose with ‘Blood Diamond’ his proposal inspired by the exploitation in Africa during the 90’s and present time; he presented formal wear, jumpers and cocktail dresses in a color pallet that ranged from black, purple and red. That seemed odd and not relevant to his collection. Charmeuse, silk and metallic’s showed off opulence and extravagance, but seemed a bit off.
Richard Cotto’s ‘Naica’, inspired by the Naica caves in Mexico. The designer was inspired by the crystal and drew his color pallet from the ranges of blues, grays and white. His construction was impeccable and seemed to defy gravity, recreating the unique attributes of the Naica caves.
‘Ma Petite Fleur’ by Jackie Tejada was amazing from beginning to end. Inspired by Tavi Gevinson eccentric by nature a revolutionary of fashion in the Victorian era, her collection was classical and modern. With detail to short dressed and winter coats, with silks and lace; this is a true haute couture proposal that any fashionable girl would love to wear.
Sofia Arana’s ‘Colette’ was an amazing tribute to 1950’s fashion. Petty coats, pencil and pleated skirts, A line dresses and sheer tops were all part of the mad men inspired fashion with a contemporary feel.

‘The Core’ by Nicole de Jesus inspired by minerals, her color pallet was one of the most interesting of the night. Inspired by yellow sulfurs and tones of azurite, De Jesus presented a wide variety of textures and silhouettes that ranged from soft and flowy, to strong and constructed.
Jaer Cabán y Magalis García Showcase: Jaer Cabán was one of the highlights of the night; his collection ‘The big chill’ inspired by the big chill theory was amazing from beginning to end. His color pallet of reds, grays’ and black, tantalizing, ultramodern styling and beauty concept was thought-provoking and invigorating.
“El Jardín en Tormenta” by Magalis García showed her amazing eye for detail with hand painted dresses and sculpted florals, the designer introduced a muted color pallet of pinks, grays, and accents of black and red; surprising the crowd with sleek elements and sculptures.

The second showcase of ‘The New Generation’: Diana Vázquez, Vanessa Avilés, Ghabriello Fernando, Héctor Omar and Edzel Giovanni were a blend of classical inspirations and art nouveau.
Diana Vazquez’s ‘Juno’ inspired by the Grecian goddess, was full of textures of feathers, silk, crepes, organzas and leather. Her delicate color pallet of pinks, peach, white and accents of brown was a refreshing twist to the classical cocktail dress and formal wear.
Vanessa Avilés ‘Bohemia Diva’ was not up to par with her fellow designers. Poor styling and vision of retro glam was the low point of the night. Maxi dresses, jeans and short shorts covered up by chiffon enclosed the designer’s construction that seemed messy and hard to follow.
Ghabriello Fenando and Héctor Omar were the contenders of the showcase, with alluring and provocative collections.
Ghabriello Fernando presented ‘Endless Night’ a collection inspired by 1940’s flair. With seductive sheers and stunning silhouettes that showed off the glamour of the decade with a modern twist. Furs, metals and the seductive nature, excellent construction and detail of his collection show off this young designers promising future.

Hector Omar’s ‘Umbra’ was the underdog of the night; his art-nouveau collection and detail to styling and beauty concept were true to his proposal. A dark color pallet of blacks and gray with accents of white and green showed off the designer’s construction and concept. His futuristic view and accessories were polished and cool.
Edzel Giovanni’s ‘Dow’ showed off the designer’s romantic and classical style. Silk organza, sequins and pearls closed fashion week. Beautiful jumpsuits and cocktail dresses showed of the designer’s love for luxury.
This season left us asking for more and expecting amazing things for all of the Fashionistas “January”; September 29th 2010, until October 1st, 2011. This will be the next presentation of Puerto Rico High Fashion Week, which will be held at the Convention Center. We will be waiting anxiously, are you?
Heriberto Vázquez
Lisa Thon
The New Generation
Jaer Cabán
Magalis García
Photography by Naomy Quiñones of [Nao.Nao] Group for Papel Mag.
Aisha Naomi is Partner/Fashion and Beauty Director at [Nao.Nao] Group. Working with clients as a fashion stylist, makeup artist, personal shopper and image consultant. Styling for magazines, television, photo shoots and runway. She can be reached at Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla .
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