B ack in January this blog correctly hinted at Cuba being a fashion influence. It wasn't hard to see; major international events such as the re-normalizing or relations between two countries is the global equivalent of a reconciling couple with a passionate past. Given the plethora of negativity the media pushes o the public, the contrast is a welcome remedy that would touch many, including those in fashion looking for inspiration from a more positive place.

The timing is great in the world of fashion. The Queen's jubilee a few years ago and the exploration of couturiere Cristobal Balenciaga's structured sculptural designs harmonizing with the current architecture influence and structured textile story brought back the interest in the 50s, when travel to Latin destinations such as the Cuba was at its height. The 90s resurgence opened the door to the revisitation of many trends again, particularly where powerful Latin demographic's influence in the markets was recognized and celebrated (and reflected in fashion) in the mid to late of that decade. Having the normalization bring back the Latin focus that fits well with this influence.

After many seasons of hardness in design, the structured curve appeal that ruffles provide connect the structure we still embrace with the Latin romantic edge these are associated with that the times remind of. Hence, they were in many places in the 2016 Resort collections, including those by Chloe, Christian Siriano, Ellery, Erdem, Givenchy, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton and Rosie Assoulin, to name a few. Meanwhile, Stella McCartney gets a nod by making her presentation Cuban-themed, acknowledging the influence.

As the doors swing further, we'll see how much influence this destination holds in the coming seasons. Of course, know that, in our times, we face multiple influences so it will be as interesting to see how as much as what is mixed together as we create our new century's identity. Our internationalization may be that fluid component to keep our interests afloat.