Hispanic identity is rooted in resilience, creativity, and the power of shared stories passed down through generations. On September 14th, 2025, Hispanic is Iconic brought together leaders across fashion, media, and culture for an intimate evening of heritage, artistry, and storytelling. Hosted during New York Fashion Week, the private dinner spotlighted Carolina Herrera’s archival pieces from her Resort ’25 Collection and honored Karla Martínez de Salas, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Mexico & Latin America. Led by media personality and our very own Editor-in-Chief, Erika De La Cruz, the evening reminded guests of the beauty and brilliance of Latin culture and the importance of owning your personal narratives.
Hispanic is Iconic Dinner Guests Mingling
WHAT:
Attendees were welcomed with a lively cocktail hour that set the tone for the night. This included signature crafted 21 Seeds Tequila cocktails, from the floral Passionista to the spicy Caliente Couture, along with the citrusy Sovereign Sol and a a refreshing mocktail. In addition to the tequila cocktails, guests enjoyed a thoughtful selection of Spanish wines, both red and white, chosen to pair seamlessly with the evening’s courses and refreshing Voss Water, creating the perfect balance of flavor and sophistication. The evening was made visually stunning with floral artistry by Sandra de Ovando (Ovando Florist), who transformed the space into a lush backdrop for conversation and celebration, along with Jessica Jordan providing the to-die-for table scaping, and visual designer Serena Martin with menu designs. Photography was provided by Alexander Muradas of Brett Matthews Gallery.
Guests were seated for a beautifully curated dinner by Chef Barbara Sibley of La Palapa, who brought heritage and heart to every plate. The menu carried deep cultural meaning, beginning with the traditional Chile en Nogada, followed by salmon in a smoky-sweet chipotle fig glaze, and ending with Crepas de Cajeta drizzled in caramel and topped with toasted pecans, a dessert that felt both nostalgic and celebratory. Each course paired with storytelling from Barbara that connected food, heritage, and culture, beautifully honoring heritage while celebrating the evening in flavorful style. Erika kicked off the night with opening remarks, followed by a heartfelt tribute to Karla Martínez, who shared her inspiring take on representation, legacy, and what’s next for Hispanic fashion and media.
(L-R, Jessica Jordan, Sandra De ovanda, Chef Barbara Sibley)
WHO:
The guest list was a vibrant mix of cultural voices, editors, and creators. Notable attendees included honoree Karla Martínez de Salas, rising actress Silvia Dionicio (starring in HBO’s Task alongside Mark Ruffalo), creator Louie Castro (Pretty Not Smart podcast), LatinX influencer and business owner, Daus Mendoza, and many more.
Caelynn Bell, Louie Castro, Daus Mendoza, Fernandro Flores, and Silvia Dinicio
Magnolia White, Louie Castro, Daus Mendoza, Silvia Dinicio, Caelynn Bell, and Neptune Quek
WHY:
At its core, Hispanic is Iconic is more than an event – it’s a movement. The night was about breaking stigmas, elevating Latin voices, and celebrating the brilliance of Hispanic culture in spaces where it has historically been overlooked. As guests dined, connected, and reflected, the atmosphere echoed the mission: to remind everyone that Latin heritage is not only iconic — it’s essential to the global cultural narrative. Guests left not only inspired by the conversations but also with a curated gift bag that celebrated Latin heritage: Nopalera fragrance samples from the Latina-owned beauty brand, a chocolate bar crafted in the Dominican Republic, and Vacation shimmer oil to add a touch of glow to any complexion,
Carolina Herrera’s Resort 25 Collection
With fashion as the canvas, florals as the framing, and food as the storytelling, the evening embodied everything Hispanic is Iconic stands for: resilience, beauty, and legacy.
