Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Leon.
Angel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been coming to Aruba since a very young age, and for me the island has always been a paradise that inspires beauty, joy, and elegance. Many people don’t know that back in 2005 we launched a fashion and tourism magazine in Aruba called Aruba Fashion Life, where we highlighted the very best of our destination.
From that experience, and inspired by the global rise of Fashion Weeks, I felt that Aruba was the perfect stage to fuse fashion, luxury, tourism, and business under one shared language: the language of experience. I wanted to create an event that not only showcased collections, but also connected cultures and positioned Aruba on the world map as a destination for fashion, wellness, and lifestyle.
Since 2016, when we first brought this dream to life, Aruba Fashion Week has been a journey of constant evolution. We began with a vision, and today we are an internationally recognized platform that attracts elite travelers, global press, designers, and luxury brands. Each edition represents growth, learning, and a renewed opportunity to help elevate Aruba’s name even higher on the global stage.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest challenge was transforming a visionary idea into a sustainable and professional structure. It required trust, strong partnerships and collaborations, and the conviction that the Caribbean can be synonymous with excellence. We overcame these challenges through passion, strategy, and a dedicated team that understands that fashion can also be an economic and cultural engine.
I remember the first edition clearly: everything was new, and every step required improvisation and problem-solving. But when I saw our first international guests truly excited to discover Aruba through the lens of fashion, I knew it was all worth it. That was the moment I realized we were creating something far greater than an event — we were building identity and pride.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Aruba Fashion Week, our mission is to highlight cutting-edge design while promoting sustainability and cultural exchange. We truly believe in fashion’s power to inspire change and bring people together. Every year we curate a lineup that not only showcases established and emerging designers, but also reinforces the importance of responsible practices within the industry.
Our commitment goes far beyond the runway. We want to help build a community that values innovation, creativity, and a more sustainable future.
Aruba Fashion Week is much more than a series of fashion shows — it’s an experience. With Aruba’s stunning beaches and warm tropical atmosphere as our backdrop, we create an unforgettable environment where style, culture, and natural beauty come together. We are proud to host exclusive runway presentations, immersive workshops, and networking events that connect designers with buyers, media, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Honestly, the credit belongs to everyone. Aruba Fashion Week exists because a remarkable group of people pour their talent, effort, and heart into making this event what it is. From the very beginning, every edition has been shaped by the dedication of the entire Aruba Fashion Week family.
Our core team, producers, PR professionals, showroom managers, finance team, backstage crew, photographers, models, assistants, and stylists — everyone in the front, back, and in between — plays an essential role. Each person contributes something meaningful, and together they transform a vision into unforgettable experiences.
I truly believe that this project is the result of collective passion. Every individual who has joined us, whether from day one or in later editions, has helped elevate Aruba Fashion Week to where it is today. I am grateful for every teammate, collaborator, and supporter who has believed in this dream and helped bring it to life year after year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arubafashionweek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arubafashionweek?igsh=MWl5cWhyNWo4NHBlbA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8NwRqk3V/
