Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Neithan Herbert Fashion Show

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Offices in America were closed this past Labor Day weekend, but creativity was at work in the quaint Mexican town of San Miguel.

The venue was the luxurious Live Aqua Resort in San Miguel de Allende, where around a hundred invited residents and VIP guests gathered to see the latest fashion collection from local designer-turned-global superstar Neithan Herbert.

On the property’s picturesque garden terrace, Herbert presented his Spring/Summer 2025 collection of flowing dresses, intricate knits and artful accessories to an enthusiastic crowd of friends and customers. The pieces, titled “Moonlight,” paid tribute to some of the designer’s most revered inspirations, from the Inca goddess of the moon (known as Mama Quilla) to what Herbert said was his mother’s modest but elegant style (represented by lace tops, wool skirts and gold jewelry from her indigenous heritage).

The collection was also based on equestrian motifs, with wide-brimmed hats, cowboy boots, etc Western-inspired outfits from the diverse group of models. The highlight of the evening: At one point in the show, a real white horse strutted down the middle of the runway, eliciting oohs and ahhs from the audience. Meanwhile, proceeds from ticket sales for the show benefited Equinoterapia SMA, a local organization that supports children with developmental disabilities and trauma through equine therapy. Talk about making a difference.

This was the first high fashion show to be held in San Miguel, and as stated in the accompanying show notes, the event marked not only a significant milestone for Neithan Herbert, but also a “pivotal moment for the region.” , the brand to place the thriving city “on the global fashion map.” The designer said 80% of his collection was made from fabrics from the Mexican state of Guanajuato, while local artisans helped make the belts, buckles and buttons used in the show.

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende was the perfect setting for Herbert’s show. Located just a few kilometers from where the designer grew up, the resort property similarly represents the blend of centuries-old tradition and new world innovation that defines San Miguel today. One of the city’s oldest houses, for example, now sits above a new Starbucks, while cowboy-boot-wearing fashionistas from Mexico City (about a four-hour drive away) hang out in the parish square next to the actual café vaqueros celebrate their daughters Quinceaneras in the church.

The food and drink scene is equally diverse, both in the city, where Japanese-inspired cafes and paella stands have sprung up next door Taqueriasand at Live Aqua, where the hotel’s main restaurant, Zibu Allende, serves a fusion of Mexican and Thai cuisine every evening. The stylish Spice Market upstairs offers a novel take on Chinese and Japanese cuisine, while the speakeasy-style Cigar Bar offers an extensive and well-curated tequila and mezcal menu but also encourages guests to order from their impressive cocktail selection.

View rooms and rates at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

The resort itself is an architectural marvel with a soaring entrance and sand walls hidden amidst the lush greenery and flowing water of the nearby Obraje Dam. The vibrant colors and textures of Mexican art are carefully woven into the property’s common areas, seamlessly blending open spaces and cozy nooks, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously expansive and intimate.

For Herbert, appearing at Live Aqua was a dream come true after watching the property evolve over the years. The designer says he chose the resort because of the shared values ​​of celebrating Mexican craftsmanship and promoting and employing local talent. According to Live Aqua, the fact that Herbert returned to his hometown to put on a show “speaks volumes about his dedication to his roots and the artisans of Mexico.”

Next for Herbert: The designer tells Rolling Stone that he is already hard at work on his next collection, which could include some special collaborations and the launch of some art-inspired collections Objects. He is also expanding his budding e-commerce business and his pieces now ship internationally.

As for Live Aqua, the hotel is preparing for one of its most popular celebrations of the year: Día de Muertos. You can find all offers and activities here.