7 Designers shaping the future of Ecuadorian Fashion
May 24th marks the Battle of Pichincha, a day that symbolizes Ecuador’s fight for independence. And while we remember the past, I wanted to use this moment to shine a light on the future. More specifically, the Ecuadorians reshaping what fashion, design, and culture can look like on a global scale.
I was born in Guayaquil, raised on stories of Ecuador’s spirit and resilience. Today, I live in New York as co-founder of Young Hero, but that connection to home has never faded. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how fashion has become one of the most powerful ways our generation expresses identity. It’s how we wear where we come from. So, here are 7 Ecuadorian designers whose work inspires me, and who I think deserve your attention.
1. Awake NY (Angelo Baque)
As a fellow Ecuadorian-American, Angelo Baque has long been someone I admire. He founded Awake NY after serving as the brand director at Supreme, and continues to infuse streetwear with depth, community, and identity. His recent collaboration with Marshall celebrates youth and music in a way that feels global yet personal. A cultural connector in every sense of the word.
2. Martín Across
I was introduced to Martín’s work by my cousin and I immediately felt drawn to the brand. His collections are deeply narrative, handcrafted, and often feel like memory made physical.
3. Florencia Davalos
Florencia is one of those artists whose work blends mediums and generations. From textiles to sculpture, her aesthetic pulls from South American heritage while pushing into something entirely modern.
4. SEZ (Sarah Erazo Zindler)
I came across Sarah’s work through a mutual connection in NYC. Her tailoring is sharp, her references global, and yet there’s an ease to her work that makes it completely her own.
5. Fiallo
There’s a quiet power to Fiallo’s footwear. He’s collaborated with global names like Puma and Stella McCartney, but his design language is distinct—grounded, refined, and often architectural.
6. Staff NYC (Omar)
Omar is a model-turned-designer who came up in the KidSuper ecosystem. Staff NYC takes the idea of workwear and flips it on its head. Their 360 Yankee Brim cap went viral for good reason—it’s a bold take on identity and reinterpretation.
7. Arena Filipa
Full discolure, this is my cousin’s jewelry brand. Each piece has a sense of myth and movement. Organic, sculptural, and timeless—her work feels like heirlooms for the future.
Ecuador’s history in fashion and design is full of resilience. These designers are carrying that legacy forward, creating bold new futures rooted in heritage. Whether you're Ecuadorian or just someone who loves seeing culture evolve through design, these are names to keep on your radar.
