There’s more to fashion than the glamorous bustling sidewalks of New York, Paris or London — classic images that dominate our consciousness at the mere mention of the word fashion. Other meccas of style are often ignored and glossed over to fit fashion’s often Eurocentric narrative. Right now, global trends are being shaped by an overflowing melting pot of cultural contributions everywhere. Designers fervently seek inspiration from all aspects of a society’s culture. Latin America has particularly enriched Western fashion with an endless flow of intriguing looks. Cuba, a country possessed with undeniable resiliency, talent and beauty, is often overlooked in the industry due to complicated political strife and poverty.
But a hopeful gust of change is sweeping through the streets of Cuba. Diplomatic changes and the recent death of the country’s controversial leader, Fidel Castro, has left the industrial doors of discussion widely ajar concerning its future. Until recently, Cuba has been shrouded in mystery and media-generated stereotypes. But with a burgeoning new chapter of its complex history on the horizon, it’s high time we give Cuba its due credit for all its meaningful contributions to the ever-changing world of fashion.
10 Amazing Cuban Contributions to Fashion
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Awe-Inspiring Architecture
Havana’s eclectic blend of old European and modern architecture has repeatedly served as the muse for plenty of inspired editorial spreads. Bright festive pastels clash wildly against rustic stone buildings, creating an offbeat vision of beauty.
Image: @1stevemac
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The First Lady's Impressive Wardrobe
Leave it to two creative visionaries like Cuban designers Isabel Toledo and Narciso Rodriguez to dress the FLOTUS in unrivaled style. Both were responsible for some of Michelle Obama’s most unforgettable fashion moments, including that iconic black and red number by Rodriguez worn on election night 2008 and the 2009 inaugural parade lemongrass-hued dress and jacket by Toledo.
Image: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
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Emerging Designers
Passionate aspiring designers are emerging from every corner of Cuba. Young artists like Celia Ledón and Yudel Rifat Contreras Garcia are eager to show the rest of the world their own creative designs.
Image: @migue_leyvaj
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Iconic Hats
Fedoras are legendary. They exude an effortless cool when paired with almost anything. Really! It’s interesting how fedoras have stood the test of time. And while they certainly aren’t Cuba’s only contribution, they’ve undoubtedly made a lasting impression here.
Image: @bee.in.tru
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An Appreciation for Vintage
Cuba’s preservation from modern globalization is overly romanticized as an undying love for the olden days of the 50s. Because of its limited access to newer exports, many citizens have no choice but to continue to utilize older technologies. This connection to the past, however, only strengthens its appreciation of the beauty and practicality of a bygone era.
Image: @a_fship
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Unique Designs
Karl Lagerfeld made history this year with a spectacular 2017 Chanel cruise runway show in Havana. Many of his creations echoed the weightlessness and fluid silhouettes commonly seen in many traditional Latin American designs.
Image: @ellarosephillips
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El Encanto and Christian Dior
During the economic boom of post-World War II, Cuba enjoyed the prosperous benefits of being one of the world’s most coveted vacation spots. Havana’s own high-end department store El Encanto housed and helped catapult high-fashion names like Christian Dior.
Image: Hulton Archive / Stringer
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Migue Leyva J
Fashion blogger, stylist and model Migue Leyva J is one of Cuba's most promising style lovers seeking to establish himself in the fast-paced industry. His fashion blog, This is This, reflects an eclectic cultural intersection of all things fashionably haute.
Image: @migue_leyvaj
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Havana Fashion Week
While we all loved Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel show last spring, the city of Havana has been making its own history. In October, the vibrant town marked the second year of its own Fashion Week with various talented designers from all over the country at the majestic Alicia Alonso Grand Theater.
Image: @gigi_maduq
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The Guayabera
We can't mention Cuban fashion and not discuss the guayabera, a classic fave in men's design. Its sleek composition is ridiculously versatile and can be worn with almost any ensemble, which makes it a definite must-have for any stylish gentleman, indeed.
Image: @osccar_leyva
