The first day of Florida Men’s Fashion Week (FMFW) concluded in unforgettable style as Venezuelan designer Idol José headlined the event, presenting his latest collection, “My Uncle Carlos,” on the breathtaking rooftop of the GWT Academy. The collection, a textile manifesto, captivated the audience with its bold commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and artistic ingenuity.

“My Uncle Carlos” (the English translation of “Mi Tío Carlos”) combines ancestral craftsmanship, recycled materials, and sustainable fashion practices, showcasing a powerful blend of tradition and modernity. Idol José used this platform to reflect on the pressing challenges faced by the fashion industry, offering an innovative solution where creativity meets ecological mindfulness.

The collection featured a variety of pieces, including jackets, shorts, pants, hoodies, and jumpsuits, all crafted with exceptional care. Each garment was enriched with ancestral tailoring techniques, lending it a one-of-a-kind value that is both luxurious and delicate. The vibrant palette of blue, red, and yellow paid homage to Venezuelan culture, weaving stories of diversity, tradition, and love for craftsmanship into every thread.

Idol José’s work challenges the notion of fashion as mere aesthetic indulgence. With “My Uncle Carlos,” he pushes boundaries, asking profound questions about how we dress our bodies and minds in a world that demands sustainability. The collection’s oversized and androgynous silhouettes, paired with its eco-conscious materials, offer a reflection on our collective responsibility to the planet and our cultural roots.

The emotional setting of the GWT Academy rooftop, with its panoramic views and artistic ambiance, added to the poignancy of the show. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the stunning setup, artistically crafted by Lillet Blooms for FMFW. As the models walked the runway, the audience felt a profound connection to the narrative of sustainability and cultural pride.

Idol José’s powerful presentation set the tone for FMFW’s debut, demonstrating that fashion can be both innovative and conscious. “My Uncle Carlos” is more than just a collection—it’s a call to action for the fashion industry and a reminder that beauty and responsibility can coexist seamlessly.

Florida Men’s Fashion Week couldn’t have asked for a stronger start, and with designers like Idol José leading the way, the future of sustainable fashion looks brighter than ever.

RCANO, the acclaimed Mexican fashion brand, celebrated its 10th anniversary in grand style at Florida Men’s Fashion Week (FMFW) with an inspiring showcase of its Spring-Summer 2025 (SS25) collection. Held on the stunning rooftop of GWT Academy, the event was a testament to the brand’s journey, fusing cultures and redefining contemporary menswear.

The SS25 collection is a vibrant celebration of RCANO’s unique heritage, blending influences from Mexico and Hong Kong, two regions that have profoundly shaped the brand’s identity. This milestone collection captures the essence of a decade-long journey, seamlessly merging iconic motifs from both cultures.

The designs featured an impressive range of summer suits in bold shades of blue, black, burgundy, green, and yellow, highlighting the brand’s commitment to vibrant color palettes. Through a meticulous exploration of textures and fabrics, each piece exuded depth and sophistication, tailored to perfection for the modern man.

In a nod to Mexican and Chinese mythology, the collection incorporated the powerful imagery of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and the Chinese dragon, symbolizing strength and transformation. The pieces served as wearable art, narrating a story of cultural fusion and timeless elegance.

RCANO’s SS25 collection also drew inspiration from some of the brand’s most celebrated past designs, adding contemporary touches that reflect its evolution. The event at FMFW provided the perfect stage to highlight the collection’s versatility and craftsmanship, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Miami’s skyline from the GWT Academy rooftop.

As RCANO continues to champion cultural diversity and innovation in menswear, this collection stands as a tribute to its journey over the past decade and a bold statement of what lies ahead. Miami couldn’t have been a more fitting location for this celebration—uniting global influences and creative energy to honor RCANO’s 10-year legacy.

FMFW was powered by GWT Makeup Academy and partly by strategic partner of FMFW – Nomad Creators, South Beach’s latest destination for beauty enthusiasts to learn insider fashion beauty secrets. Not only did the Academy serve as the event’s host, but its talented team also created makeup looks for every designer, ensuring models looked their absolute best on the runway. This seamless collaboration elevated the show’s visual impact and left audiences speechless. 

GWT Academy showcased their expertise by delivering stunning makeup looks in record time. This season also welcomed newcomer Alina Kuznevych, an invited hairstylist who recently joined the project and made an immediate impact.

Paul Petersen