Instagram has its perks. One of them is the social communities you quickly become a part of—through your industry or interests—and the friendships that are created through that. Journalist and creative consultant Kelly Talamas is one of the coolest and most stylish friends I've made on social media. I honestly can't pinpoint how we first interacted on Instagram, but we connected and clicked. Kelly and I both work in the fashion-editorial space, we were both first-time moms at the time, we're both of Latin descent (her mom is from Cuba, and my mom is from Paraguay), and we both have a true pride and passion for Latin American culture, fashion, and people.
In fact, Kelly is my go-to person when it comes to all things Latin American fashion. At just 28, Kelly became the editor in chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, and through the role, she became a pioneer in showcasing Latin America and bringing international attention to its creative talent. She's called three Latin capitals home—Mexico City, Bogotá, and Panama City—and now consults for a range of clients, including Chanel, Silvia Tcherassi, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Last year, she launched Latinness, a platform that highlights the region's talent and diversity through its creatives.
As you can imagine, Kelly has an impeccable eye for fashion and knows all the coolest Latin brands, people, and places. I'm always stalking her Instagram to see the buzzing brand she's wearing or the stylish designer she's having coffee with on any given day as well as the beautiful landscapes and hot spots she travels to throughout Central and South America—always a source of inspiration!
With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, I reached out to Kelly and asked her if she could share some of the Latin fashion brands she's currently excited about. Keep scrolling for her stylish shopping picks from each brand.
Maygel Coronel
"Maygel's collections fuse the sensuality of her Colombian culture with the versatility required for everyday wear. Made in Cartagena, her pieces have that ability to go from beach to bar seamlessly and really speak to me when I'm thinking of what to pack when traveling to warm climates."
Shop:
"This piece is a closet staple that doubles as a bodysuit and bathing suit. I own it in two colors."
"A dress that's waterproof and sunscreen resistant but also works perfectly for city life."
Chava Studio
"I'm not sure what I love more— the story behind this brand or the chic collections they put out. Founded by New Yorker Olivia Villanti in Mexico City, it was a pandemic project born out of her Mexican husband's 30-year-old family textile and men's-shirting studio. While the made-to-order pieces have a timeless appeal, there's always a differentiating detail. As a former editor, Villanti has a clear vision for what her customer is craving."
Shop:
"I'm always on the hunt for a good pair of trousers, and these look like a solid option."
"I can never have enough oversize button-downs. The monogram detail is a huge plus."
"I have the original Tuxedo Shirt, but this cropped version recently caught my eye."
Éliou
"Maybe it's because they're from Miami like me, but everything Duda Teixeira and Cristina Mantilla create really speaks to my heart. I'm really loving their new clothing line, handmade by Duda's family in Brazil, which means each piece is created in limited quantities, so you're not likely to see them all over Instagram."
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"An easy way to spice up an outfit."
"Love the intricate embroidery on this piece. It feels like a vintage heirloom that's been passed down."
"This is such a unique and special piece that I can see myself coming back to season after season."
Bolazo Argentina
"I discovered this Argentinean brand a few years ago, and it still manages to bring a smile to my face anytime I come across it. Stylist Victoria Sanchez is the face behind it, and the pieces are a reflection of her effortless cool-girl style."
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"I'd probably wear this dress every day."
"Not your average striped button-down. I also love the skirt, which I would pair with a simple white tank top or T-shirt."
De Maria
"This relatively new accessory brand is the brainchild of Brother Vellies graduate Genoveva Pedrero Setzer and her partner Daniela Novelo Iñiguez. Based in New York but made in Mexico, their focus is on sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship, applying traditional techniques to modern design."
Shop:
"A fun, feminine take on a traditional Mexican shoe."
"The shape of this bag reminds me of something I owned in the early 2000s, and the shade of green is absolutely perfect."
"A great option for a city sandal."
Loraine Holmes
"All the Gen Z Latin girls are going crazy over Chilean designer Loraine Holmes and her statement jeans. At first look, you wouldn't suspect that Loraine is Latin, but her pieces have a hint of that sensuality we're all drawn to."
Shop:
"Hoping to add this to my collection of little black dresses."
"A great option when you need to dress practically (hi, moms) but want to look somewhat cool."
"Love the 'business in the front, party in the back' vibe on this top."
Cala de la Cruz
"Born in Cali, Colombia, where it is resort season year-round, this brand is an expert at vacation dressing. They're masters at bold prints, and their silhouettes tend to work for an urban landscape as well."
Shop:
"A chic option with a white tee or cropped top for when you don't know what to wear."
"I'm not normally drawn to floral prints, but this feels like a pattern I wouldn't get tired of. I love the idea of this with chic flat black sandals."
"Love the vintage feel of this swimsuit."
Rue Mariscal
"I only recently discovered this brand from Paraguay when I saw it on a friend of mine. The design was fresh, feminine, and modern, but the embroidered detail was so intricate and unique. I knew it had to be made by Latin artisans. Each piece feels like a work of art yet somehow still versatile enough for everyday wear."
Shop:
"The color, the shape, and the embroidery— a perfect top for anything from a weekend outing to a work meeting."
"I'm a collector of button-down shirts, so I'm always thrilled to find one that tells a story."
"A take-with-you-anywhere kind of dress."
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