Meet Tomorrow's International Fashion Stars!

The 16th Annual Hispanic Designers gala was more than an elegant way to spend an evening; it was an explosion of fashion, flair, and extraordinary design talent! For the Los Angeles show, the runway became a kaleidoscope of color and texture with the designs of rising stars like David Rodriguez, David Cardona, David & Jody Rodriguez, Estevan Ramos, Eddie Rodriguez, Kathi Castro, Henry Duarte, Harold Pezzi, Manolo, Stephanie Villareal, and Tarina Tarantino. Out of the featured designers, four of them went to college at FIDM!

Hispanic Designers, Inc. (HDI) is a national, non-profit education organization founded in 1985 that raises money to support young and aspiring Latino designers. They have assisted over 300 students, awarding them more than $500,000 in scholarships and internships! For the past 16 years, the organization has held its annual design gala as a fund-raiser. Honorary and founding members of HDI include such famous designers as Oscar de le Renta, Carolina Herrera, Paloma Picasso, and Adolfo.

This year is the organization's first travelling tour, with gala events in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Miami. FIDM graduate David Cardona is being honored with the prestigious MODA award by HDI.

David Cardona has dressed clients like Cher, Janet Jackson, Tom Petty, Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, The Backstreet Boys, Sharon Stone, Kelly Lynch, and Lara Flynn Boyle. Actress Sela Ward sat at his table, wearing a black leather and wool dress designed by Cardona. On the runway he presented gorgeous black, red, and white gowns and wowed the crowd with his cascading wedding dress skirt made of paper-like French fabric.

David and Jody Rodriguez found success in fashion and true love at FIDM! They met while at FIDM and went on to form their own design company, Casa de Rodriguez, known for their funky couture hats. For this event, the Rodriguez's showed off plenty of cool cowboy hats and a new line of leather bikinis!

David Rodriguez's collection was all about black, white, and lace! He used lots of lace and sheers to complement beautiful separates. His designs showed attention to detail, like flared pants adorned with cascading flowers.

FIDM grad Estevan Ramos has designed outfits for stars like Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie. His edgy collection included leather jumpsuits, denim separates, and plenty of fun ruffles and tulle!