New York Fall 2011 Fashion Week: Sergio Dávila

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 15: (C) Designer Sergio Davila poses backstage with models at the Sergio Davila Fall 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center on February 15, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for IMG) (2011 Getty Images)

Designer Sergio Dávila says his inspiration comes from the three Americas: North, Central and South.

It’s a span that’s present in his work and in his life. Born in Peru, Dávila studied at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and created his first, well-received menswear line in California. In 2008, he became the first Peruvian designer to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

Dávila’s work is characterized, among other things, by traditionally Peruvian knitwear and textiles—pima cottons and baby alpaca, for example—put to use in modern silhouettes.

"Peru has an amazing millinery tradition," he told EFE. "People know that it's quality, and really few places can compete with us. And that's my forte."

His Fall 2011 collection (which included items from a newly-introduced women's line) marks the third time he has shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

See his collection and hear what he has to say about it (in Spanish) in the clip below.