Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi was recognized in Madrid for her career and contribution to international fashion. Tcherassi received the Hispanic Heritage Award in the Fashion category during the third edition of the Hispanic Influence Awards, a ceremony that brought together representatives from sectors connected to the culture and development of the Hispanic world.
The ceremony took place on Oct. 7, 2026, at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid as part of the Hispanidad 2026 program. The Hispanic Influence Awards recognize individuals and institutions for their talent, creativity, leadership and contributions to strengthening ties between Latin America and Spain.
Tcherassi was recognized for her career as a designer and the international profile she has built beyond Colombia. She was highlighted as one of the first Latin American designers to establish a significant presence in the global fashion market, bringing elements of her identity and Colombian heritage to international stages.
Silvia Tcherassi receives the Hispanic Heritage Award
The award was presented by Juan Gonzalo Ospina, Colombia’s designated ambassador to the European Union, during the ceremony in Madrid. For Tcherassi, the distinction represents a professional journey defined by the development of her own creative vision and her ability to remain relevant in a highly competitive international industry.
Upon receiving the award, Tcherassi expressed her gratitude and connected the recognition to the years of work required to build her career. She also highlighted the significance of receiving the honor in Madrid, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between Spain and Latin America.
“I receive this recognition with great gratitude because behind it are many years of effort, dreams, conviction, and a deep love for what I do,” Tcherassi said during the ceremony. She added that the award also represents a celebration of the ties between both regions and said she was honored to receive it as a Colombian and creator in the Spanish capital.
Tcherassi’s relationship with the international fashion scene has been built over several decades. Her work has taken a creative vision that began in Barranquilla to major fashion markets outside Colombia, while her name has become associated with Latin American fashion internationally.
Barranquilla was present at the Madrid gala
The tribute also had a special connection to Barranquilla. The city was represented at the event through a folkloric performance linked to its Carnival, bringing cultural expressions from Colombia’s Caribbean region to the celebration in Spain.
The connection with Barranquilla’s festivities was also represented by Salwa Maloof Habib, the Queen of the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival, who attended the ceremony wearing an olive-toned creation by Silvia Tcherassi. Her presence connected the designer’s international recognition with one of the most important cultural traditions of the city where she grew up.
Tcherassi also has a personal connection to the Barranquilla Carnival, having served as the festival’s queen in 1986. Her presence at an event celebrating Hispanic influence was therefore accompanied by symbols linking her international career with her Caribbean roots.
The recognition comes as Madrid hosts the annual Hispanidad celebration, which throughout October brings cultural expressions from different countries to the Spanish capital. This year’s program includes music, dance, theater, gastronomy, cinema and folklore, with artists from 23 nationalities and more than 200 activities taking place across the Community of Madrid.