Featured in leading fashion publications such as Vogue, Brunela Ramirez is an emerging fashion designer making her mark in the industry. Her work “Collection 0” was part of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Fashion Design MFA program show in 2024, which title was “Beyond.” Just like the theme that explores the limitless possibilities where creativity knows no borders, Brunela Ramirez transcends traditional norms, embracing fluidity in silhouette, texture, and identity.
Vogue described her work as “soft sculpture”, because the blown-up designs carried such a strong personal style and color, the work included winsome pieces such as a padded, hooded coat paired with huge pants. This is also the most introspective work that Ramirez is so proud of, because of this project “where I aimed to visually capture how we are shaped by our experiences and the people in our lives, using film and its visual language as a key reference.”
As a Latin American, she’s happy to see more Latin American designers are gaining visibility for their work. “In the past, our voices weren’t as loud in the fashion world, but now I see many designers not only showcasing traditional and cultural references, but also expressing what it means to be Latino and highlighting the diversity within our culture. Specifically, more Peruvian designers are sharing our cultural connection to the country with the world—and it’s being received in a really positive way.”
When we talk about Peruvian, people tend to think about the Heritage textiles such as Pima cotton, alpaca—and sometimes vicuña—known for their luxurious quality, or the color and pattern: rich, saturated palettes and Andean or indigenous motifs. However, unlike many Peruvian designers who center their identity in textiles and folkloric motifs, Ramirez channels her Peruvian heritage through conceptual frameworks—using digital tools, abstract philosophies, and genderless sculptural forms to create forward-thinking fashion. Because she has studied and worked across Peru, the U.S., and Europe, she has gained from studying in different places and learning that every approach is valid. Being away from her home country for many years has shown her how passionate people in fashion truly are, and how they put a part of themselves and their history into their work. That experience has shaped her design language to become more open and less limited by boundaries. “In a way, it’s about understanding that we design for people who are constantly changing and come from different backgrounds, so it’s key to create with the awareness that I’m speaking to everyone through my work.” Ramirez added.
(“Collection 0”, photo credits to Britt Carpenter)
Another significant recognition came from the iD International Emerging Designer Awards, where she was selected as a finalist. Reflecting on her most challenging project, she explained, “the projects that require a lot of production, preparation, making, and communication tend to be the most challenging. But I think one of the most difficult was a collection I created after graduating from my bachelor’s degree, during the pandemic. I had to find ways to develop a collection with limited resources, tools, and people, but I was lucky to work alongside those who shared my creative vision and were open to helping me bring it to life.”
(“Collection 0”, photo credits to Sivan Miller)
As a new and up-and-coming designer, Brunela Ramirez sees a shift in people’s perception of fashion and other forms of artistic expression. She emphasizes that people now understand more clearly that fashion is more than just selling clothes, it works with image and becomes a platform for expression. “I’ve noticed that people are becoming more in touch with their identity and bolder in how they express themselves through clothing. When it comes to trends, I see people becoming more deeply connected to their roots and committed to expressing that through their clothing and platforms.”
Presented by: APG
