#United States #Miami #PatBO #Zacapa Rum #Latin American Fashion Summit

Zacapa Rum's Commitment to Latin American Design

Zacapa Rum, renowned for its premium aged varieties deeply rooted in Guatemalan culture, is taking major strides to support and recognize Latin American artistry. Continuing its long-standing tradition, the brand has partnered with the Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS) for the third consecutive year, showcasing its dedication to elevate Latin design on an international platform. This year, the spotlight shines on Patricia Bonaldi, the innovative founder of PatBO, who will be honored as the 'Visionary of the Year' at the prestigious gala on November 4, 2025.

Zacapa's focus is not just on crafting fine rum; it's about lifting those who create and innovate within the Latin American design landscape. The 'Visionary of the Year' award aims to celebrate those whose work integrates beauty with purpose, preserving cultural traditions while fostering economic opportunity. Patricia Bonaldi, known for her intricate hand embroidery and modern aesthetics at PatBO, personifies these ideals. Her work not only pays homage to her Brazilian heritage but also makes a significant impact within her community.

Anne Nosko, Vice President of Rum at Diageo North America, commented, "For more than fifty years, Zacapa's story has been about more than rum; it is about the people and traditions that give our craft meaning. When we invest in our communities and build on artistry passed from one generation to the next, we create opportunity that endures."

Empowering Communities Through Craft

Since 1999, Zacapa Rum has been an active participant in uplifting Guatemalan communities, specifically through Petate weaving. This initiative has united over 700 women, turning their skills into livelihoods while also preserving a rich cultural heritage. Each piece of art they create carries hours of dedication and generations of knowledge, forging a lasting legacy of craftsmanship.

Patricia Bonaldi reflects this philosophy within her own community in Uberlândia, Brazil. Through her Costurando Sonhos Project (Sewing Dreams), she has established a school designed to provide local women with skills in embroidery and sewing. This initiative seeks to not only preserve traditional craftsmanship but also empower women to attain financial independence. To date, over 500 women have benefited from this program, transforming artistry into viable career paths.

Bonaldi exclaimed, "The soul of my work lies in the women and artisans who bring it to life. Every piece we create is a celebration of their stories. This recognition from Zacapa and LAFS is a reminder that when we invest in our communities and honor our heritage, we're shaping a more inclusive and inspiring future for Latin American design."

A Triumphant Partnership

The collaboration between Zacapa Rum and the Latin American Fashion Summit demonstrates a shared vision of cultivating a vibrant creative community. Co-founders Samantha Tams and Estefanía Lacayo noted, "Over the past three years, our partnership with Zacapa has allowed LAFS to reach further and dream bigger. Together, we've been able to elevate the visibility of Latin American designers on a global stage."

The Zacapa x LAFS Visionary of the Year Award has a illustrious history, having previously honored groundbreaking figures like Raúl López of LUAR in 2023 and Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza of Agua by Agua Bendita in 2024. Each of these creatives has played a pivotal role in redefining Latin artistry, further reinforcing Zacapa's commitment to culture and craftsmanship.

As Zacapa approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the brand remains focused on celebrating not just their remarkable rum but the artisans and communities that contribute to making Latin American design a significant influence worldwide. The upcoming gala promises to be a remarkable celebration of creativity, heritage, and inspiration, reflecting the values and traditions that lie at the heart of Zacapa Rum.

For more insights about Zacapa Rum's initiatives, visit zacaparum.com.

Conclusion

Zacapa Rum’s dedication to celebrating Latin American craft is evident through its continuous support in unearthing and honoring talents in design. The partnership with LAFS and the honor bestowed upon Patricia Bonaldi represent a unified effort to uplift cultural narratives intertwined with artistry and community engagement.