Esteban Cortázar is a Colombian-American fashion designer who was born on May 17, 1984 in Bogota, Colombia. He spent his formative years growing up in Miami during the 1990s, a time when the Latin culture was experiencing a revolution that would go on to influence his unique design aesthetic.
At the young age of 13, Cortázar showed his early designs to Todd Oldham, who would become his mentor and guide him in the world of fashion. He attended Miami's Design and Architecture Senior High School, where he studied fashion design and honed his craft.
In 2002, Cortázar made waves in the fashion industry by showcasing his collections at New York Fashion Week, making him the youngest designer to ever do so. His avant-garde designs caught the eye of Kal Ruttenstein, the late Bloomingdales designer, who took a chance on him and stocked his first collection in 1999.
Since then, Cortázar's collections have been featured in over 50 stores worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the fashion world.
Esteban Cortázar comes from a creative and talented background, with his parents being Colombian painter Valentino Cortázar and British jazz singer Dominique Vaughan. His upbringing in a family of artists undoubtedly played a role in shaping his own artistic vision and creativity.
Aside from his family, Cortázar has also cultivated relationships within the fashion industry. He counts Ece Sukan as a close friend, and often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media. On July 1, 2018, he posted a photo of Sukan with the caption "Dimanche at home with my darling," showcasing the bond between the two creatives.
Cortázar's ability to blend his Colombian roots with his American upbringing has set him apart in the fashion world, and his innovative designs continue to captivate audiences globally.
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