Updated in 2025, originally published in June 2021
These Cuban designers are inspired by their home country’s tropical beauty.
With perpetually warm weather and beautiful island scenery, the world of Cuban fashion is full of brilliant colors and bold prints. Classic guayabera and bata cubana serve as inspiration for today’s best designers both in the country and abroad. Here are five Cuban fashion designers with innovative collections that you’ll love.
1. Narciso Rodriguez
Narciso Rodriquez is a Cuban-American designer based in New York City who has been a pillar of the A-lister fashion scene since the debut of his first line back in 1997. Throughout the years, his collections have been worn by countless celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Michelle Obama. Rodriguez adds Cuban style and influences to his sleek, sophisticated ready-to-wear collections with bright colors and loose fits.
2. Yanelys Pérez
Havana local Yanelys Pérez composes swimsuits with vivid colors and playful patterns. Her flashy beachwear is perfect for summer adventures in the tropics or a simple pool day at home. Yanelys Pérez is one local fashion designer to look out for, but rest assured that her creations are hard to miss.
3. Jacqueline Fumero
Born and raised in Cuba, Jacqueline Fumero takes inspiration from the beauty around her, which she then implements into her summery, feminine pieces. Swimsuit cover-up meets lavish night out in Fumero’s Resort collections, while the Evening collection showcases more refined and seductive looks.
4. Clandestina
Founded by Idania Del Rio and Leire Fernandez in 2015, Clandestina is Cuba’s first clothing brand to sell online internationally. The company is based in Old Havana and uses sustainably-sourced materials for all of its products. Clandestina puts a lot of emphasis on having the lowest environmental impact possible every step of the way. The brand’s graphic tees, recycled nylon bags, and Tapa Tapa shorts are fun, colorful, and made with much love from Cuba.
5. House of Yas
House of Yas was founded by Cuban-American designer Yas Gonzalez and is based in Miami, Florida. Gonzalez’s work has been featured in many noteworthy magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair. Her Forever Cuba collection is especially important to her, as it was inspired by her favorite places in her home country. From dresses to tote bags, the collection captures the essence of Cuba in every stitch.
