Event Spotlight: ESTILO LATAM in Napa, CA

We had the chance to catch up with our amiga Stefany Hernandez (@wanderingstefany) about a very special event she is producing in Napa, CA. Check it out below!

What is Estilo Latam?

ESTILO LATAM is a fashion platform providing commercial opportunities to emerging Latin talent globally. Our annual fashion show ESTILO LATAM:THE SHOW serves with the goal to provide visibility to tasteful and visionary Latin creative entrepreneurs. It’s a mix of fashion, música, small bites, and of course, fabulous vino (wine).

ESTILO means Style in Spanish, while LATAM is an abbreviation for Latin America.

ESTILO LATAM is going global this year. Presenting activations globally and in key metropolitan cities: Barcelona, Los Angeles and Miami.

As a founder, what is your role with Estilo Latam? Can you share a bit more about the rest of your founders?

My role with the company as Founder and President is everything Operations and Global Strategic Partnerships. I oversee operational processes for the company, manage finances, I also meet and create impactful partnerships with small businesses and brands.

My two business partners and co-founders are Rosario Ochoa and Annie Grijalva.

Rosario Ochoa is the Creative Director and visionary for ESTILO. She directs all of our fashion and styling for The Show. Rosario also meets with small businesses, brands, designers and potential partners that align with our mission. As the Creative Director, Rosario is responsible for the direction of the show which includes selecting models and creatives that will be part of our production. Rosario makes sure that the production is up to “estilo” (style) and every piece of the experience authentically represents our values.

Annie Grijalva role is Public Relations. Annie’s extensive experience in PR, Marketing and Entrepreneurship is what keeps the direction of ESTILO LATAM thriving. Annie and I work closely to create strategic and tasteful brand sponsorships. Annie oversees the branding of ESTILO through CWH Agency. Annie assist on legal and operational processes. She manages all of our multicultural talent through CWH Agency.

Las Founders of Estilo Latam; Stefany, Annie, and Rosario.

Where did the idea/inspiration for Estilo Latam stem from?

The idea all began with a casual conversation Rosario and I were having about fashion in the San Francisco Bay area and Napa Valley. During our discussion, we both expressed how we didn’t feel authentically represented in any fashion event or activation we had attended thus far. Rosario mentioned that she would love to organize a fashion show and had some ideas of designers she wanted to present. I loved the idea and told her - let’s do it- I would love to work with her and provide business and operational guidance to produce the event. The rest was history.

In a few short months, Rosario and I worked together to find the perfect venue, met with sponsors and partners, and planned the first-ever Latinx fashion show in Napa Valley. One thing I pride myself on is identifying everyone’s strengths and gifts. I immediately mentioned the project to Annie Grijalva and asked her to come on board as one of the founders. Her expertise in PR, combined with my expertise in operations and Rosario’s creative direction, felt right, and my intuition knew it was the dream team. The first show was a success. We quickly realized the impact that Estilo made on the community.

Our goal was true, authentic Latin representation on the runway, and we made that happen. We had models of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and sizes walk the runway. Everyone who attended Estilo felt like they saw themselves and were represented in one way or another. That’s when we realized our first event exemplified our goal: Representation! As Latin entrepreneurs in Northern California, we are well aware of the immense talent and amazing style in our community. We love to dress up and embrace luxury. We set trends, yet there wasn’t a platform or opportunity to showcase all of the talents in our community. This is why we created Estilo Latam—an inclusive and luxurious experience like no other.

What do you wish to highlight through Estilo Latam?

With Estilo Latam, we aim to showcase the incredible talent in Napa Valley, from artists and musicians to designers and models. Our goal is to change the narrative and demonstrate that we embody luxury. We savor fine wine, adore dressing up, set trends, and love to have a good time. We also wish to spotlight local businesses and brands, celebrating their contributions to our vibrant community.

This edition of Estilo Latam promises to be an unparalleled experience, featuring a fusion of fashion and performance by K.I.D. Fashion. We are thrilled to present collections from Cadena Collective and Nayibi from Mexico, Janet Medina NYC, Tuxedo Den, and HHCO Gowns. Rosario and I have long envisioned bringing Cadena Collective and Nayibi to Napa, and we are excited to finally showcase their stunning designs, which we proudly wore during New York Fashion Week and continue to draw inspiration from. The event will be emceed by the illustrious Gabriela Fernandez, who made history as the first Latina to grace the cover of Wine Enthusiast's Future 40 last year. This year, the event will be held at the prestigious Duckhorn Vineyards in Saint Helena, a location that transports you to another world with its picturesque landscape.

Most importantly, we hope to highlight the remarkable work of Puertas Abiertas, a local nonprofit in Napa Valley. This year, we are focusing on their program, Cultura Cura, which provides mental health support services for the Latino community. At the event, you will have the opportunity to meet the staff and hear directly from the executive director about their impactful work.

Why did you choose Napa to host your event?

We chose Napa for a multitude of reasons, foremost being that it is Rosario's hometown that has a strong Latin presence. Raised in Napa, she has a deep connection to the area and recognizes the abundant, yet often overlooked, talent within the community. Personally, I adore Napa for its magnificent wines, luxurious landscapes, and its proximity to my home. It has become my go-to destination for special occasions, serene getaways, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Additionally, we selected Napa because it offers something unique—despite the region's inherent sense of style, no one has produced an event like this in the valley. Fashion is an integral part of Napa Valley; you dress up, wear your favorite dress, and thoughtfully consider your attire when visiting. There is a stylish sense of fashion here that has yet to be fully celebrated—until now. We are here to change that narrative and shine a spotlight on Napa's vibrant fashion scene.

As a travel outlet we have to ask what are some highlights that travelers can check out in Napa when attending Estilo Latam?

Napa offers an array of highlights that travelers must experience. One of my absolute favorite spots is La Cheve, a delightful restaurant and bakery. The food is exquisite, and their pastries paired with coffee are simply divine. La Cheve is housed in the historic adobe building, the oldest in Napa, adding a charming historical touch to your visit.

Wine tasting is a must in Napa, and Duckhorn Vineyards is a standout with its award-winning wines and multiple picturesque properties. Scheduling a tasting session is essential to savor their exquisite wines and to pick up a few bottles to take home.

Downtown Napa is vibrant and bustling, offering an abundance of activities, from shopping and tasting rooms to hotels and cafes. I particularly love the riverfront area, perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying a coffee, dining, or shopping for unique finds for every member of your family.

A recent addition to the downtown scene is the stunning Bonita Bonita speakeasy wine tasting room, opened by the Garcia twins. This feminine speakeasy offers a unique and empowering atmosphere, perfect for dressing up and enjoying a memorable day.

Napa is also a photographer's dream, with countless picturesque spots. I highly recommend bringing your camera to capture the beauty and essence of this incredible region.

What do you hope guests will take from attending Estilo Latam?

Our aspiration is that after experiencing Estilo Latam, you will leave feeling proud, represented, and empowered to embrace your authentic self. We hope you are inspired to pursue your dreams in fashion, modeling, makeup, wine, and culture. May you leave with cherished photographs and deep connections with new friends who share our values.

We hope that when you think of Latin fashion in California, Estilo Latam will be the first name that comes to mind—a reminder of our supportive, inclusive community dedicated to showcasing the remarkable Latin cultural talent in the valley.

Where can tickets be bought?

Tickets can be bought on Eventbrite or our website www.estilolatam.com

Gracias Stephanie for sharing more about Estilo Latam with Travel Latina!

Make sure to check out more about ESTILO Latam on their website and follow them on Instagram @ESTILOLATAM to stay up to date with all their events!