1
APAYA
Sisters Gabriela and Alexa Pacini are returning to their roots with APAYA: The Colombia-born co-founders left the country as kids, and now work with local indigenous female artisans there to produce gorgeous, playful accessories, sustainably made from natural fibers and fabrics sourced from the Andean region.
2
A Lot Studio
Bogota-born Valentina Ramirez honed her skills at the likes of Oscar De La Renta, Proenza Schouler, and Donna Karan’s Urban Zen line before co-founding A Lot Studio in 2019. Initially produced in India, the brand now makes its cheeky letterman jackets, cozy ponchos, and more in Colombia. Plus, they collab with a rotating cast of cool indie designers.
3
Wavey
This cool streetwear brand was created by Taluluah Rodriguez-Anderson in 2015 in L.A. while the Puerto Vallerta, Mexico native was a student at the Otis College of Art & Design. The colorful, Y2K-tinged label’s flagship store and workshop are both in Mexico City.
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4
Ceremonia
This clean haircare brand, from Swedish-Latina founder and CEO Babba C. Rivera, launched in 2019 with gentle yet effective vegan formulas with ingredients commonly used in Latinx beauty products like yucca, blue agave, pequi, tamarind, and more. Don’t sleep on the product that started it all: Guava Rescue Spray, a lightweight oil that smells like a beach vacay in a bottle and protects your scalp and strands from harmful UV rays. They’ve also got super cute and functional accessories like terrycloth bucket hats, silky headbands, and cute recycled toiletry pouches for total coif TLC.
5
Hermoza
If you adore Summersalt’s beach and poolside ‘fits, you’re gonna love Hermoza’s chic, color-blocked swimwear. Expect luxe materials and textures, ruching, and off-the-shoulder necklines. They also make matching cover-ups, plus v cute ‘littles’ swimwear and accessories for kids.
6
Blobb
Sofia Elias, who’s based in Mexico City, is the creator of these candy-looking resin rings that have been spotted on Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid. She also makes bangles and has done cool collabs with other indie brands, like her colorful pair-up with Marshall Columbia.
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7
Santos by Monica
Mónica Santos Gil creates the dreamiest bags, all made sustainably from cactus leather! The Puerto Rican designer started her brand in the middle of the COVID pandemic, and it’s now a favorite among the influencer set.
8
PatBO
Brazilian designer Patricia Bonaldi makes some of the most gorgeous dresses perfect for a luxe tropical beach vacation. She has plenty of celeb fans, and in 2021, she opened her very first flagship store in the United States.
9
Palo Rosa Beachwear
Made in Colombia, this beachwear brand has tons of cute styles and all with fun prints. These ones pictured are part of a collaboration with A LOT STUDIO and artist Angelica Tcherassi.
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10
Capittana
More swimsuits this way! Capittana’s suits often feature florals that’ll stand out at the beach, and the company also supports local Peruvian women by employing them and providing a stable income.
11
Peixoto
Here’s yet another swim brand that deserves your attention. Mauricio Esquenazi is the Miami-based designer of Peixoto, and his business and factory are located in his hometown of Cali, Colombia so he could bring more career opportunities there.
12
Sensi Studio
Inspired by her Ecuadorian roots, Stephany de Sensi-Contugi’s brand offers straw bags, hats, and resort wear, so you’ll feel like it’s summer year round when you’re wearing any of the label’s gorge pieces.
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13
Rebdolls
Founder Grisel Paula, who is from the Dominican Republic, offers inclusive and trendy pieces available in sizes small through 5X. Loving this corset dress and monochrome situation!
14
Carolina K
This ethical and sustainable brand works with artisans around the world, and Argentinian designer Carolina Kleinman’s pieces often feature hand embroidery and prints inspired by Latin America.
15
Julietta
Founded in 2021, Julietta creates colorful, upcycled hair accessories and jewelry using fabrics from prom dresses, deadstock materials, scarves, and more. I mean, these hair clips are MAJOR.
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17
Xio By Ylette
Ylette Luis is the sister of Cuban beauty YouTuber Kathleen Lights and has her own jewelry brand, which includes these gorgeous gold necklaces. The two often shoutout each other’s brands on their IG pages. So supportive!
18
Freda Salvador
If you’re in the market for some quality boots, Latina-owned footwear brand Freda Salvador has some standout styles, like these lace-up heeled bbs.
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19
Pepa Pombo
This Colombian brand specializes in knitwear, but also has some pretty dreamy prints, like the blue-and-white motif on this breezy dress.
20
Soraya Hennessy
This Venezuelan designer works with Wayuu indigenous artisans to create these handmade woven bags in a variety of colors and prints, from florals to leopard print, and they’re the ultimate vacation-worthy accessory.
Fashion Features Director
Rachel Torgerson is the fashion features director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing fashion coverage online, in print, and on our various social media platforms. She has over a decade of experience in the fashion and media industries, musing on style through multiple lenses, including cultural, celebrity, and bridal. Her ultimate focus: making fashion less exclusive and more relatable. Before landing at Cosmopolitan as a digital fashion editor in 2016, she worked at Us Weekly, The Knot, and Fitness Magazine, among others. When she’s not discussing runway trends, you can definitely catch her trying (and, in many cases, failing) a new crochet cardigan pattern or in a spirited debate about the difference between the Bridgerton books vs the Netflix series. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @RachelTorgs
Associate Fashion Editor
I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
