RD Fashion Week 2026 will take place in Santo Domingo from October 15 to 17, organizers announced at a media gathering in the Dominican capital.
The event director, Melkis Díaz, revealed details of the upcoming fashion showcase during a meeting at the Vyuda restaurant. She announced that this year's edition will introduce the first RD Fashion Awards, a new recognition created to honor Dominicans who achieve professional success beyond the country's borders.
Among the headline participants is Raúl López, the Dominican designer behind the New York fashion label Luar. Organizers described his inclusion as a nod to the Dominican diaspora, which has carried the Caribbean nation's creative talent to major international runways and global fashion stages.
The designer schedule brings together established Dominican couture names alongside a new wave of emerging creative talent. Returning industry veterans include Giannina Azar, Leonel Lirio and Vladimir Jiménez. International guest designers scheduled to present collections include Nailer Blanco from Colombia and Tony Vergara from Panama.
Several prominent figures were also named to official ambassadorial roles for the 2026 edition. Amara will serve as international ambassador for the platform, while Floralba Caba, the second runner-up in the Miss RD Universo 2026 pageant, has been chosen as the national face of the event. Ana María García Gómez will take charge of the RD Fashion Kids initiative.
Díaz explained that the core mission of the event is to support local creators and broaden their international reach. She said organizers aim to promote Dominican designers, open up spaces for new talent and build cross-border industry connections that allow Dominican fashion to extend its footprint worldwide.
Dominican talent and global influence
RD Fashion Week functions as the primary runway platform in the Dominican Republic, operating out of Santo Domingo to connect Caribbean designers with international markets. Over successive editions, the platform has grown into a key destination for regional garment makers, buyers and fashion journalists.
López has emerged as one of the most influential figures in contemporary New York fashion, drawing acclaim for blending urban culture with high fashion through his Luar label. New York City is home to the largest Dominican diaspora population outside the island, making his return to Santo Domingo a significant bridge between local and overseas creative communities.
Dominican designers such as Azar and Lirio represent the pillar of haute couture in the Caribbean, frequently dressing high-profile celebrities and international public figures across Latin America. The inclusion of South American designer Blanco and Central American designer Vergara reflects an ongoing push to turn Santo Domingo into a cross-cultural hub for fashion across the Americas.
Expansion of children's fashion segment
Looking beyond the October schedule, organizers announced significant expansion plans for the children's sector. Starting in the summer of 2027, RD Fashion Kids will begin a new phase, transforming into an independent three-day experience dedicated entirely to children's fashion and design.
The expanded children's event will gather designers, clothing brands, child models, emerging talents, families and industry professionals on a single platform. Organizers confirmed the three-day program will feature runway shows, brand experiences, educational workshops, special activities and networking opportunities designed to elevate and professionalize Dominican children's fashion.
