First American designer shows in Cuba after end of embargo

By

Kate Dingwall

Published
Dec 6, 2016

DiDomenico has just become the first American fashion designer to show a collection in Cuba in over 50 years. The Washington-based designer, who usually shows at New York Fashion Week, was asked by Cuban Trade representatives to move his new collection to Cuba to strengthen trade between the two countries.

The designer told the press, "There are so many ways to break barriers between countries that are at conflict. Fashion is one of those ways. I am passionate about how design moves people and ultimately moves the world. The level of difficulty getting to Havana not only as an American, but as a company was well worth the response of the people that came after.”

This move was curated by Cuban Trade representatives as a way to build connections between the United States and Cuba through arts initiatives. Representatives hope to strengthen trade relationships  through such non-political projects.

This news comes just after Chanel broke barriers by moving the fashion world to Cuba in May for the house’s Resort collection. While Chanel brought Cuba to the world stage, DiDomenico strives to pair with local businesses and events. The new collection was shown as part of Arte y Moda, the largest Cuban fashion event designed to show off the newest Cuban fashion and technical innovations. The event, which takes place at The National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. DiDomenico is the first American brand to show in the history of Arte y Moda.

DiDomenico is an eveningwear and wedding dress label founded in 2009 and designed by Kelsey Domenick.