Profile: Stephanie Urbano – Only Natural Design Competitions

Stephanie Urbano

Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

I was born and raised in Huancayo, Junín, a city at 3500m.a.s.l. where nature and culture meet at every step. As an industrial and fashion designer with a deep vocation for sustainability, art and collaborative work, my practice focuses on exploring the possibilities of design as a tool for social, cultural and environmental regeneration, integrating ancestral techniques and contemporary processes. Throughout my training I have developed an approach that combines textile manipulation, material design and experimentation with new technologies such as digital manufacturing, without losing sight of the sensitivity to local resources and contexts. My interest in nature has guided my creative and professional decisions: I research, design and produce from a respect for natural cycles, always looking for materials, processes and collaborations that generate positive impact. I have collaborated in projects ranging from jewelry to textile products, connecting with communities and valuing co-creation as a tool for transformation. I believe in the power of design to tell stories, activate territories and open possible futures that are more just and sustainable. Currently, I am developing a pilot project that links textile art, local knowledge and regenerative design, while consolidating a personal brand aligned with these values. My professional path seeks to intertwine innovation, culture and responsibility as a way of doing and living design.

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WAKUN

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

''Wakun'' represents a profound cultural impact, as it contributes to the preservation and dissemination of an Andean tradition rich in symbolism. By transforming the patterns, colors and symbols of the dance into contemporary design garments, the collection invites the public to value and learn more about the cultural identity of Junín - Perú. Not only aesthetic elements are rescued, but the spiritual and communitarian meaning of the Huaconada dance is transmitted, projecting these values to a global context. This effort fosters an intercultural appreciation, allowing ancestral elements to coexist in current fashion and remain alive in the collective memory of new generations. Through the use of eco-friendly materials such as fish leather, sheep wool, and recycled alpaca textile waste, each garment becomes a tribute to Junin's Andean identity and responsible design practices. The integration of traditional techniques in modern silhouettes of wide volumes and overlapping textures creates an aesthetic that conveys the cultural depth and history behind each piece, rescuing the ancestral meaning and connecting it with a modern audience. Collaboration with local artisans is also highlighted, seeking to revalue tradition and manual labor, while the focus on exclusivity and respect for the environment redefines the concept of luxury in fashion.