A new wave of talented New York based fashion designers has emerged and Raul Peñaranda is a rising-star among them.

Forbes Magazine recently named him one of  the fastest growing fashion entrepreneurs of the year.

Born in Cali,Colombia and raised in Venezuela, Raul arrived on the scene with his own collection, debuting during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.   Since then, he has showcased several new lines including the hugely successful Spring/Summer 2019  Ready to Wear Collection called CELEBRATION.  An emotion he says inspired his collection in an effort to honor women’s beauty, power, independence and strength.

Raul spoke to En La Escena’s Reporter, Yesenia De Avila about What his SS2019 collection means, what inspires him, what A-list celebrity he hopes to dress next and his advice to other designers hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Yesenia/En la Escena . On The Scene

What was different about your Spring 2019 that you hadn’t done before?

Raul Peñaranda:

The fact that I presented a little preview of my upcoming swimsuit line that I’m designing in a collaboration with my photographer Justin Bellucci and that will be launch next year at Miami Swim Week. Also the new format on runway show where each model celebrates individuality and show their personality to complement the looks of the collection.

Yesenia De Avila:

What was your inspiration for this collection?

RP:

It was “CELEBRATION” a simply yet powerful emotion that celebrates the beauty and power of all women on today’s world. On that note, I’, so grateful to be nominated this year by the iconic Ford Motor Company as #FordFashionista #FashionistaDeFord. A platform that highlight the work of Latino designer during New York Fashion Week and around the USA. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raul-penarandas-new-york-springsummer-womens-celebration-collection-300706313.html

YD: 

How do you select your models for your showcase?

RP:

I’m lucky to have my very good friend and the best Casting Director in NYC; Dimas Bravo who select all the models not only for the obvious external beauty but most important for their inner beauty and personality. This year we did 4 castings and saw over 400 models from all over the world and from the best model agencies to select only 16. More than half were Latin high fashion models from Puerto RIco, Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.

YD:

What celebrity would you like to see wear your designs?

RP: 

 ‪Jennifer Lopez

YD:

Who has been your biggest inspiration as a designer?

RP: 

Alexander McQueen

YD:

What three words best describe your style as a designer?

RP:

Seductive, Sophisticated and Minimalistic

YD: 

What words of inspiration do you have for upcoming Latin designers trying to make their way through the industry?

RP:

To never give up, to be yourself and to always be Humbled.