Fashion designer Luis Antonio was born in Puerto Rico and started designing since his early years in High School. He is now a recognized name by creating collections that are modern and cosmopolitan, yet posses a romantic, feminine quality about them. His use of ruffles, bows, vibrant colors, soft silhouettes and evening wear, characterizes his creativeness and architectural vision over the past two decades. His celebrity clientele includes Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Gisselle Blondet, Dayanara Torres, Luis Fonsi, Roselyn Sanchez, Paulina Rubio and many more. We spoke with the talented designer as he brings his collection to a mainstream audience and showcases Spring/Summer 2015 at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Lincoln Center.

Luis Antonio has become famous and consistent in the ever changing and competitive fashion world, because after 20 years, his work continues to blend elegance, luxury and ease. His pieces are eclectic, subtle yet with a touch of chic, gothic and retro.

Luis Antonio’s label also produces casual and formal, menswear and in recent years, his own shoe design-line by shoe franchise, NOVUS, INC. He has a flagship store in San Patricio Town Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico and will soon open an atelier in Miami, Florida.

HOMBRE: What was the inspiration for this collection?
Luis Antonio: It was called “Maritime,” and it was based on the ocean, the sea, the things of Puerto Rico. The prints were created by me for this collection. I had control of everything I wanted to feature for the ‘Maritime Woman.’

H: What would you say to fans of your work?
LA: I have spent 20 years waiting for this moment. I come from a very small island and to come to this runway in New York, to make a name for myself here, I’ve worked hard to reach this place. There’s no limit. We’re Latinos, we can get here, and we can stand next to anyone.

H: How do you feel being here today?
LA: Everyone who has studied what I have studied; this is the goal. To reach this runway. Not many accomplish it and I am beyond proud to be a part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

H: Who did you admire as a child?
LA: As a child I was inspired by art, painting. Everything began from there. As you saw, all the graphics were created by me. I was inspired by artists, no one specifically, I just loved art.

Designer Luis Antonio with HOMBRE Magazine’s Francisco Romeo