Fashion Week Chicago 2024 Designer Spotlight: Manny Cabrera of Gente Fina
Manny Cabrera’s path to fashion stardom is anything but traditional. The self-taught designer behind Gente Fina, a brand rooted in both his blue-collar upbringing and his Mexican heritage, Cabrera is turning heads in the fashion world with his unique blend of workwear and contemporary design. A son of Mexican immigrants, Cabrera’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a deep love for his hometown of Chicago.
“My family comes from a background of truck driving and logistics,” Cabrera shares. “I learned early on that driving trucks wasn’t for me. I started a company selling tarps and equipment for truck drivers, and that’s when I first learned how to sew. It was purely out of necessity, but I quickly fell in love with the craft.”
In 2018, Cabrera launched Gente Fina, translating his newfound passion for sewing into a thriving brand. The name, meaning “Fine People” in Spanish, speaks to the fusion of traditional Mexican artistry with contemporary design that defines his work. His pieces tell stories of culture and identity while also embracing innovation.
Chicago Fashion Week 2024: A Dream Realized
For Cabrera, showcasing his work at Chicago Fashion Week is a dream come true. “I’ve done New York Fashion Week, and while that was an incredible experience, nothing compares to doing it here, in my hometown,” he says. After years of participating in major fashion events around the country, Cabrera made a vow: he wouldn’t take part in another fashion week until he could do so in Chicago.
And now, with the city’s first official, city-endorsed fashion week, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. “If that ain’t the universe showing me something, then I don’t know what is,” he laughs.
Gente Fina at Chicago Fashion Week 2024: Workwear Meets High Fashion
For this year’s Chicago Fashion Week, Cabrera’s collection focuses on workwear and athletic-inspired pieces. True to his roots, the collection features durable fabrics and clean, functional designs that pay homage to the working-class ethos. “I’ve learned not to overthink things,” Cabrera says about his design process. “This time, I focused heavily on heavy-duty fabrics and athletic styles—there’s no in-between.”
With his designs, Cabrera’s goal is simple: to create pieces that are both ready-to-wear and accessible to a broad audience. “I want people from all walks of life to see themselves in my collection,” he explains.
Influences and Growth: A Designer on the Rise
Cabrera’s work draws heavily from his Chicago upbringing and his Mexican heritage. “Being from Chicago alone gives you so much to work with. When you add my Mexican culture to that, the possibilities are endless,” he shares. His design aesthetic reflects this rich combination, incorporating both urban and traditional elements that resonate with a wide audience.
But despite his growing success, Cabrera admits to facing challenges, particularly imposter syndrome. “It’s hard not to feel like I don’t deserve to be here with all these amazing designers,” he says. “But I remind myself of how far I’ve come, and that helps.”
One of his career highlights came during New York Fashion Week, where he not only presented his collection but also proposed to his girlfriend on the runway—a moment that reflects the passion and heart Cabrera pours into his work.
Looking Ahead: Full Steam Ahead for Gente Fina
As he prepares for Chicago Fashion Week, Cabrera is excited to show the world his growth as a designer. “This is my chance to showcase my range and how much I’ve evolved,” he says. And while he’s focused on the present, Cabrera is already looking ahead to the future of Gente Fina.
“My goal is to go full-time with the brand soon,” he reveals. With collaborations with brands like the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, and Red Bull already under his belt, Cabrera’s star is undeniably on the rise. And as for Chicago, Cabrera believes the city is poised to become a global fashion capital. “I truly believe Chicago will be one of the top three fashion cities in the world, and it won’t take long.”
For Cabrera, Chicago Fashion Week 2024 represents not just a milestone in his career, but a homecoming—a chance to show his city, and the world, what Gente Fina is all about.
Cabrera will present his collection during “A Celebration of Chicago Style,” the opening runway show of Chicago Fashion Week, on October 9, 2024 at 6p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. For more information visit The Curio.
