Peso Pluma Became the First-Ever Mexican Ambassador for New York Fashion Week—Here’s How it Went

Between this week’s designer debuts—including Simone Bellotti at Jil Sander and Demna at Gucci—and a host of other buzzy runway shows, it certainly feels like New York Fashion Week happened a lifetime ago. The spring 2026 collections are now halfway through their Milan leg, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do a little reminiscing.

Earlier this month, the artist Peso Pluma—born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, known as, simply, Peso—became the first-ever Mexican to become an ambassador for New York Fashion Week, as appointed by the CFDA. It’s a nifty title, one that helps contextualize the ways in which NYFW has grown over the past few years, and how the industry Stateside is increasingly recognizing the contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Caribbean designers to the fabric of American fashion. Consider some of the week’s buzziest shows: Luar by Raul Lopez, a born-and-raised New Yorker of Dominican descent; an intimate womenswear presentation at Printemps from the Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria; the Jamaican designer Rachel Scott’s buzzy turns at Proenza Schouler and her own label Diotima.

Peso came to New York for his first full NYFW experience, which he said was a “really meaningful” one. “Becoming the first Mexican CFDA ambassador is something I’ll always carry with pride, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from on such a big stage,” he said. “It’s not something people from my country often expect to achieve,” he added. “I was surrounded by people who have shaped fashion and that I deeply respect like Anna Wintour, Steven Kolb, Thom Browne, Michael Kors and Tory Burch. Being able to open doors and pave the way for other young Mexicans and Latinos in general makes it even more meaningful.” Peso was joined by his girlfriend, Kenia Os, which he said made it even more special.

He sat front row at Luar, Willy Chavarria, and Off-White, a solid lineup of some of the week’s top-billing names. “Fashion feels completely different from music—it has its own world, its own rhythm, and its own ecosystem that I’m still learning to understand,” Peso said. “I’m used to performing on big stages, not being in these more intimate rooms surrounded by so many important and influential figures. It was definitely a new experience for me, but one I really valued. I especially enjoyed seeing the new collections come to life and meeting the designers behind the clothes I wear.”

Would he ever walk the runway? Not no: “I’m definitely not a fashion model—I’m an artist!” he said. “But if the right opportunity pops up, I wouldn’t say no.” You heard it here first! Scroll through for a behind-the-scenes look at Peso’s New York Fashion Week.