Esteban Cortazar: Growing Up With His Craft
By Heide Winkenwerder
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 15, 2004/FW/ --- One of the fashion industry's youngest is still the youngest, but by simply looking at his designs, no one would ever know.

Fashion child prodigy Esteban Cortazar is growing up and his knowledge of his craft is expanding.

Now twenty-years old, it is hard to imagine that he was barely 18 when he debuted on the New York runway.

His first collection of South Beach style dresses and pantsuit sets during the Spring 2003 season is now a sophisticated, all grown up look for Fall 2004.

The young Miami-based designer started his show with a black cashmere blue fox trimmed knee-length coat with a rich blue lining that is both sharp and sexy.

Then, he showcased a black alpaca/patent leather trimmed coat as well as a black cashmere fox trimmed coat which was worn by Omyhra.

Omyhra then pulled out an Olympus camera and took a photo of the photographer’s pit. How’s that for turning the tables?

Esteban Cortazar also showed mohair and cashmere in knit turtleneck, calf length skirt (worn with a blue fox fur bolero), as well as in a mini-dress.

Standouts are the silk charmeuse and floor length dresses, which are beautiful to look at with the flowing lines and silhouette.

To give the collection an edgy feel, young Cortazar sent out silver metal chain top worn over silver leather pants, and silver little handbags.

And when the final two models took center stage, one in black leather ostrich feather strapless floor-length dress and other one in a ripped charmeuse/silk satin gown, the front row denizens were so mesmerized that they said, “Oooh and Aaah.”

The young Cortazar is truly phenomenal being able to put on such a wonderful show with his absolutely stunning collection.

Esteban Cortazar

Esteban Cortazar

Esteban Cortazar

Esteban Cortazar