Peruvian designer Alessandra Durand stole the show on the opening day of Miami Swim Week with her captivating collection, “Amazonía,” under her label Kene Kaya . Featuring a stunning display of indigenous artwork from the Peruvian Amazon, the collection mesmerised attendees with its unique blend of embroidered, printed, and hand-painted designs. “Kené Kaya,” meaning “the spirit of design” in the native language of Shipibo-Conibo, embodies Durand’s vision – a celebration of Peruvian indigenous cultural heritage through fashion.
Durand’s show emerged as a standout event in the designer schedule, captivating audiences from the beginning. The opening, featuring model Ivany Guzman, gracefully set the tone, accompanied by beautiful instrumentals with vocals from one of Kene Kaya’s artisans that left spectators spellbound. Breaking from conventional swimwear presentations at Miami Swim Week, “Amazonía” offered an elegant and cohesive array of resort and swimwear.
Fabric prints and embroidery of textile artwork, along with handmade beaded accessories by indigenous artisans, wove a narrative of cultural richness and reverence. The highlight of the show was a dramatic finale, as two models graced the runway draped in capes of hand-painted original pieces by globally acclaimed artists Olinda Silvano and Sadith Silvano. Their breathtaking creations added an exquisite touch to an already mesmerising collection.
What truly set “Amazonía” apart were its s.