Fashion Forward: Latin Designers

WSVN -- Valentino, Christian Dior and Yves St. Laurent.

We know the names well.

These European designers usually set the fashion trends.

But closer to home, Latin American designers are making their mark in the fashion world.

Marialexandra: "There's more, a little more flair to it, a little more flavor to our design."

You could say fashion designer Marialexandra is "muy caliente" right now.

Ivanka Trump's wearing one of her creations in the latest issue of Ocean Drive magazine.

Raised in Caracas, Venezuela, this Latin American designer studied in the U.S. and now calls South Florida home.

Diana: "Being a Latin American Designer, it's kind of unique."

Marialexandra: "We see things differently. I think we see things in a totally different way."

At her studio in Southwest Miami-Dade, her elegant and classically simple dresses are designed, made and custom fit to you.

Marialexandra: "That one would look perfect on you."

Diana: "Now, is it slimming?"

Marialexandra: "Yes, it is."

I even got the opportunity to try one on.

"Before."

"Surprise."

As for next season...

Diana: "What things inspire you? Your kids? Nature? What? Where do you get your inspiration?"

Marialexandra: "For spring for example, it was all about the beach and having an elegant gala at the beach. So there's a lot of blue in the collection."

But the Latin influence doesn't end there.

Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi's made a name for herself all over the world.

Silvia Tcherassi: "I am a trend-setter, and I would like to show what I want."

She recently let us go behind the scenes of her Spring 2007 collection at her boutique Atelier in Coral Gables.

Tcherassi says this spring, her inspiration was famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who was known for her flamboyant dresses.

Silvia Tcherassi: "The silhouette is very sexy, but, at the same time, very romantic."

This season, Silvia says expect to see lots of layers and ruffles.

Pretty tops and flouncy skirts are also must-haves.

Since her work takes her to many places, Silvia's goal is to keep every woman in mind.

Silvia Tcherassi: "I design for the very international woman, the ones that maybe now is here and tomorrow is in Paris."

Diana Diaz: "Both these designers have studios here, but sell their creations all over the world."

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