Raúl Peñaranda is a Colombian-Venezuelan fashion designer renowned for his luxury women’s wear brand, Raul Peñaranda LLC. Established in 2009 and officially launched at New York Fashion Week in 2010, the brand has garnered acclaim for its blend of seductive sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship. Raúl’s designs are characterized by their avant-garde yet wearable aesthetics, celebrating the intrinsic beauty of the human spirit.
Early Life and Career
Born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Raúl moved to New York City in 2000. He began his career with a freelance design position at Liz Claiborne while studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. Over the next decade, he honed his skills at prestigious fashion houses including Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Zac Posen, and Tommy Hilfiger. Raúl held key positions such as Creative Director of Merchandise and Trend Services, Head Designer, and Textile/CAD Designer.
Brand Philosophy
Raúl’s brand philosophy centers on empowering women through fashion. His tagline, “Show the world who you are,” encapsulates the essence of his designs, encouraging individuality and confidence. Each garment is crafted with kindness, emotion, and a touch of Latin heritage, reflecting Raúl’s personal journey and cultural roots. The brand emphasizes sustainability, with all products 100% USA-manufactured, cruelty-free, and environmentally safe, utilizing repurposed materials to avoid the pitfalls of mass production.
Notable Achievements
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New York Fashion Week Debut (2010): Raúl’s debut collection received standing ovations, establishing him as a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
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Forbes Recognition (2012): Named one of the fastest-growing fashion entrepreneurs emerging from the small business sector.
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Vogue Mexico (2019): Dubbed “The New King of New York Fashion Week” for his extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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Art Hearts Fashion (2025): Showcased a collection that fused retro elegance with 90s edginess, featuring bold styles and intricate craftsmanship.
Recent Collections
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“FORWARD” (Fall 2024): A masterclass in sophistication with a modern twist, featuring oversized bows and intricate cutouts.
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“Raul Peñaranda Es Colombia” (2019): A tribute to his Colombian heritage, celebrating his roots and showcasing the fusion of cultural elements with contemporary fashion.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Raúl Peñaranda LLC |
| Founder | Raúl Peñaranda |
| Established | 2009 (NYFW debut in 2010) |
| Headquarters | New York City |
| Core Focus | Luxury women’s fashion, eveningwear, and ready-to-wear |
| Design Style | Sophisticated, modern, culturally infused with Latin American influences |
| Manufacturing | 100% Made in the USA, cruelty-free, sustainable, uses repurposed materials |
| Notable Recognition | Featured by Forbes (2012), Vogue Mexico (2019), and NYFW regular |
| Flagship Collections | “FORWARD” (2024), “Raúl Peñaranda es Colombia” (2019), multiple NYFW showcases |
| Philosophy | Empowerment through fashion, “Show the world who you are.” |
| Online Presence | raulpenaranda.com • @raul_penaranda |
| Contact Email | info@raulpenaranda.com |
Raúl Peñaranda’s journey from a young dreamer in Colombia to a celebrated designer in New York City is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for fashion. His brand continues to inspire and empower women worldwide, offering designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in emotion and cultural significance. With over 20 collections showcased at New York Fashion Week, Raúl’s influence in the fashion industry remains profound and enduring.
Contact Information
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Website: raulpenaranda.com
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Instagram: @raul_penaranda
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Email: info@raulpenaranda.com
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Phone: +19178285438