The number of fashion designers in Guatemala has increased in recent years and members of AGEXPORT’s new commission ‘Handmade Fashion’ see a great opportunity in joining fashion with unique Guatemalan designs. The launch of this new commission would seek to put in display the talent of Guatemalan fashion designers on international platforms, offering spaces to showcase Guatemalan fashion brands and position the country as an international leader in the fashion industry.

This new ‘Handmade Fashion’ commission will focus on strengthening our members’ managing skills as well as their personal brands. Additionally, we intend to promote more young talent in fashion design and increase Guatemala’s participation on international forums, allowing our companies to supply high fashion products internationally with their unique combination of haute couture and traditional handcrafts, said Mrs. Monica Diaz, coordinator of AGEXPORT’s Handmade Fashion Commission.

This new commission is currently formed by 20 designers of garments, jewelry, footwear and accessories, all seeking to share Guatemala’s culture through top quality products.

We seek for all Guatemalan fashion designers to influence our handmade exports, participate in fashion shows and runways, and display differentiated elements in every product, said Mrs. Diaz.

Among the members of this new commission are renown Guatemalan designers, such as Luis Quintana, Liza Carrillo, Augusto Castillo and Emma Gutiérrez, among others.

To publicly display this new commission, AGEXPORT organized the ‘Guatemala Handmade Fashion’ forum, with discussions on the current state of Guatemala’s fashion industry, its challenges and its internationalization plans. The forum was leaded by renown leaders of the fashion industry, remarked Mrs. Diaz.

To close the forum, AGEXPORT exhibited garments, footwear, jewelry and accessories made by Guatemalan designers jointly with artisans, achieving innovative and creative designs.