Less than a week before the start of the Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS), we had the opportunity to speak with businesswoman Samantha Tams, co-founder of the event in partnership with Nicaraguan-born Estefania Lacayo, who together established the LAFS in 2018 as a means to empower the Latin American fashion industry. This event, which is one of the few design events that promotes Latin America as a region, confirms the fact that together is stronger. Keep reading for a preview of what awaits us this November 12-16 in Cartagena, Colombia.

Interview translated from Spanish.

Samantha, tell us a little about yourself and LAFS co-founder, Estefanía Lacayo. How do you divide and conquer?

Like most entrepreneurs who are just starting out, Estefanía and I wear many hats. LAFS is funded by ticket sales, alliances and sponsorships, so we mainly divide our responsibilities in a way that allows us achieve those two objectives. Estefanía focuses on talent and content, meets with potential panelists and event mentors to ensure quality content and networking opportunities, which gives the platform enormous value and thus generates sales. I see to the commercial aspect of the business, presenting the platform to sponsors, allies, companies and government institutions in order to allow its implementation. Estefanía is very creative, and I am very operational, and with this combination we have managed to become disruptive in our way of doing business in the fashion world.

Why do you think an event like LAFS was so necessary in Latin America?

LAFS was born from the constant need we have as Latin American entrepreneurs to educate ourselves, excel, and network in such a saturated industry as is the fashion industry— and survive in the process! In order to grow—individually, as entrepreneurs, and together, as a region—we needed an event in Latin America that could connect us, not only to each other as Latin Americans but also to international industry leaders.

What do new, emerging designers need in order to excel  and stand out in this industry?

We need a structure and we need to adopt not only established but new, innovative business strategies. The fashion industry is constantly reinventing itself and designers and entrepreneurs must respond to these changes but also propose new ideologies and strategic innovation in order to excel in such a saturated industry. 

Why did you choose Cartagena for this year’s LAFS? What does the city have that others don’t?

LAFS occurs once a year in a magical destination in Latin America. Cartagena is magical, historical and inspiring. We are sure that all our attendees will enjoy being here and take in the best Colombia has to offer.

What is the ideal audience for this event?

Anyone interested in the fashion industry, be it a designer, stylist, editor, entrepreneur or student.

What has been the key to the success of LAFS thus far?

Our success is due to the reality that there is no comparable platform in Latin America in which attendees also have this much access to real business opportunities and a global fashion network.

Who are some of the most anticipated special guests and speakers for this edition of LAFS?

Carolina Herrera, Francisco Costa, Johanna Ortiz and her team, Carmen Busquets and many more!

Any travel tips (restaurants, hotels, things to do, etc.) in Cartagena for our design loving readers?

We have established partnerships with many hotels inside and outside of Cartagena’s old town, as well as an alliance with Avianca that offers up to a 20% discount to travel with them. All our Cartagena tips can be found at latamfashionsummit.com/travel.