Arturo Velasco, a Marquette University College of Business Administration alumnus from Chihuahua, Mexico, made his debut at New York Fashion Week on September 12, 2026. Velasco, who graduated in 2026, created each piece in his collection by hand, showcasing the skills he developed during his time at Marquette, where he participated in fashion shows and Milwaukee Fashion Week.
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Velasco's journey to New York Fashion Week began unexpectedly during a trip to Chicago in February 2026. While visiting a friend, he encountered someone he thought was Mexican rapper Alemán at a Five Guys restaurant. Seizing the opportunity, he introduced himself and offered some of his handmade clothing as a birthday gift for Alemán, not realizing he was actually speaking to the rapper's DJ. This encounter eventually opened doors for Velasco, leading him to create pieces for other music artists and receiving multiple invitations to showcase his work at New York Fashion Week.
When choosing which stage to present his designs, Velasco prioritized bringing his friend Jeremy Santiago, a second-year graduate nursing student, to model in his show. Velasco noted, "He’s been with me since the start; he’s been in every show," and felt it fitting for Santiago to close both his first Marquette show and his inaugural New York show.
As show day approached, Velasco battled imposter syndrome, doubting whether his collection was adequate for New York. Despite those feelings, he created 30 pieces that reflected his pride in Mexican culture, including items adorned with the "Hecho en México" seal and a jacket featuring an image of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" crafted with hand-placed rhinestones.
Velasco attributes his success to hard work and the support he's received from others. He emphasized the importance of community in his journey, saying, "I’ve had blessings that life has put me into these positions and has introduced me to all these people." In a gesture of gratitude, he aimed to support others in their creative pursuits, including inviting fashion student Emma Brosey to contribute accessories during the show, thereby helping her build her portfolio.
Overall, Velasco views his participation in New York Fashion Week as a significant opportunity not only for himself but also for enhancing cultural representation and uplifting fellow creatives.
For more about his work, Velasco can be followed on Instagram at @_arturovelasco.