At Tuesday’s 2025 Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS) Gala in Miami, Ron Zacapa will honor Patricia Bonaldi, founder and creative director of PatBo, with this year’s Visionary of the Year award. The recognition is part of Zacapa’s continued partnership with LAFS, marking the third consecutive year the Guatemalan rum brand has celebrated leaders shaping Latin American design.
The Visionary of the Year title spotlights designers whose work embodies cultural preservation, community impact, and sustainability. Bonaldi, known for blending artisanal Brazilian embroidery with contemporary design, was recognized for efforts that extend beyond fashion. Through her Costurando Sonhos Project (“Sewing Dreams”) in Uberlândia, Brazil, she provides free sewing and embroidery training to women, offering them tools for economic independence. Since its founding, the project has supported more than 500 women in developing technical and creative skills rooted in local heritage.
“Everything I create begins with the people around me, the women who turn ideas into something beautiful with their hands. Supporting them isn’t just part of my work; it’s my purpose. What Zacapa and LAFS are doing means so much because they see the value in the human stories behind every stitch. I’m incredibly proud to share this recognition with my community and grateful to Zacapa for celebrating the spirit of craftsmanship that connects all of us across Latin America,” Bonaldi told WWD via statement.
Ron Zacapa, a brand deeply connected to Guatemalan tradition, has been active in supporting local craftsmanship through its Petate weaving initiative since 1999. The program employs more than 700 women artisans who produce handwoven bands adorning each Zacapa bottle.
Anne Nosko, vice president of rum at Diageo North America, said the award highlights the importance of honoring those “who define the future of Latin design through their craft and their heritage.”
LAFS cofounders Samantha Tams and Estefanía Lacayo noted that the ongoing partnership with Zacapa has helped amplify Latin American designers on the global stage.
Bonaldi will join previous honorees Raúl López of Luar (2023) and Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza of Agua by Agua Bendita (2024).
