Many see fashion as something ¨superficial¨ or “shallow”, but luckily many others understand the art behind it and the important role it has in our culture and history. Fashion certainly goes way beyond just pretty clothes and beautiful models, the creative hands of the artists behind each piece are telling a story, are leaving a mark and are part of the transformation of our society.

When we think of high fashion and models on a catwalk we are immediately transported to New York, we think of Victoria´s Secret models and Paris Fashion Week; glamour and high fashion were for a long time not considered as words you´d use in the same sentence as Costa Rica; yet, Leonora Jimenez and the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week San José events have changed this.

In its fifth edition, which just took place this past weekend, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show was once again a successful event, with national and international designers and models, some familiar and renown names in the fashion world, others who were looking for the opportunity to showcase their talent.

Perhaps it’s not New York Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week, but it is Costa Rica´s own and well-conceived version of these glamorous events. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week San José is unique in its own way, a fashion event certified as carbon neutral and a plastic free zone, it also promotes sustainability in the industry, so yes, it´s fashion at its best, with a Costa Rican seal.

We have to recognize the vision and work of Leonora Jiménez, model and organizer of the event, who through these activities has put Costa Rica on the map of the fashion industry, and has provided an opportunity not just for many talented designers and models, but also to visual artists, producers, etc. whose work is also a key part of this event.

In this year’s edition Chilean designer Consuelo Melo, creative director of Muss Muss brand received the S.Pellegrino award for her collection Origen, presented August 3 in the Fashion Week, “her timeless designs, exquisite sobriety and impeccable construction” stood out on the runway, explained the judges.

Each of the collections presented had a story behind it, JLang by Jennifer Lang presented “Soy”, Fabrizzio Berrocal with his “Rock Star” collection made men part of this event; Custo Barcelona with Light Years Cruise; Alexia Ulibarri from Mexico with her collection “Iris”, and other designers including Shantall Lacayo from Nicaragua, Alfredo Martínez from Mexico, Costa Rican Rob Chamaleo, to name a few.

The Mercedes Benz Fahion Week San Jose, demonstrated there is plenty of talent and style in Costa Rica and Latin America, doors open and dreams come true from the hand of this event that is now highly expected by many.