Karen Tamblyn: Peru Moda 2010

Peru Moda, the largest fashion event in Peru and considered among the most important in Latin America opened their doors to welcome more than 7,000 visitors from around the world on April 28, 2010 at The Real Felipe Fortress in Callao, Peru. Visitors were dazzled by the creations of more than 35o exhibitors who showcased alternatives to the fashion world highlighting a unique and compelling product that has become the signature of Peru, Alpaca, a wool derived from the llama relative of the same name. Alpaca, its derivatives, and the world famous Pima cotton, offers garment manufacturers around the world creative options to deliver fashion and glam.

The inaugural ceremony was officially opened by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism Martin Perez, Vogue Editor LatAm Eva Hughes, Regional President of Callao, Victor Albrecht, Peruvian dignitaries and fashion influencers: Miss Peru 1987 Jessica Newton and Miss Peru 2001 Marina Mora.

Victor Albrecht, Martin Perez

Eva Hughes

It is amazing to see how Peru's influence is growing internationally with the influence of the international press and visitors from over the world. This year the exhibit has earned millions in sales in a three days event that gathered international buyers like Cost Plus World Market, ABC Carpet&Home, San Diego Zoo, Phillips Collections, Ten Thousand Villages, among others.

During my two day visit, I attended the Vogue Pasarela (fashion Show) and the Dinners Club. At the Vogue catwalk, the list of Peruvian designers included: Sumy Kujon, Roger Loayza, Sergio Privat, Rosario de Armendaras, Claudia Bertolero, Ana Maria Guiulfo and Sergio Davila. All the designers presented a vision of beautiful designs that added chicness and glamour to the luxurious quality of Peruvian alpaca. The Dinners Club Fashion show showcased the collection of Fatima Arrieta, Claudia Jimenez and Meche Correa.

Vogue Editor LatAm Eva Hughes

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Turism Martin Perez

Fashion Editors Front Row: Vogue Fashion Show

Collection By Rosario De Armendaras

Look II

Look III

Look IV

Designer Rosario De Armendaras

I was blown away by some of the collections presented by young talented Peruvian designers like Elmer Castro. Absolutely fascinated. And I am a really tough critic when it comes to fashion. But Elmer definitely captured my attention. His designs were fashionable, glamorous and over the top, just the way catwalks should be. When I saw the collection of alpaca and vivid color many designers came to mind Galliano, Gaultier and not necessarily because of the similarity, but because of the approach and uniqueness of the collection with a funky twist that only a similarly creative mind would be able to visualize.....Bravo Elmer Castro!!

Photo by Julio Torres

Collection By Elmer Castro

Look II

Photo by Julio Torres

Look IV

Elmer Castro

Another designer that caught my attention was Gerardo Privat, This young Peruvian talent is a reminiscent of Elie Saab in his designs and the sobriety of the personal looks of Tom Ford, my idol. He presented his new comercial line Marquis by Gerardo Privat. This line incorporated looks that were fun, young, yet up to date: big shoulder, chain and micro mini dresses, following the trend of the big catwalks in Europe in a more affordable way. Gerardo created this line exclusively for Ripley, one of the biggest department store in Peru. The same concept has been seen in the USA like: Jimmy Choo meets H&M or Zac Posen meets Target.

Designer Gerardo Privat

Of course, I must mention the first row VIP list: Renee Meyer, Dora Raffo, Gerardo Padilla, Marina Mora, Jessica Newton, Juan Carlos Matthews, Peru's Director of Export and Promotion among others. It was a real pleasure to attend the Peruvian Fashion Show at Peru Moda 2010 .