Las Doñas de México: The Runway by iLaCatrina Celebrates International Women’s Day with an Evening of Culture, Strength, and Storytelling
By Jules Aldaz
Photography by Bethany Castro
San Antonio’s breathtaking Mexican Cultural Institute became the setting for a powerful evening celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, as Las Doñas de México hosted a vibrant gathering dedicated to Mexican culture representing the stories of historical women.
Guests filled the Mexican Cultural Institute as the evening began, where red carpet hosts Jules Aldaz of Scene In SA Magazine and Jenevy Sims of SA Monthly Magazine welcomed attendees and captured arrivals. Moving throughout the galleries prior to the fashion presentation, guests were surrounded by beautiful works of art on display. Conversations flowed as attendees enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail created especially for the evening. The atmosphere, warm and reflective, set the tone for the impactful stories that would soon be told.
iLaCatrina founder and director Araminta Romero
Proceedings were hosted by Alondra Luna of Fox Daytime, who welcomed guests and helped guide the evening’s conversations; her presence added an infectious energy that kept the audience enthusiastically anticipating the start of the show. At the heart of the evening was storyteller, founder, and director of iLaCatrina, Araminta Romero whose narration, with its emotive depth, highlighted the experiences of women who endured adversity yet continued to rise as survivors. The room grew quiet during many of these moments, a reminder of the weight and meaning behind the stories being shared.
In one particularly moving moment, models walked into the room one by one, each representing an influential woman from Mexican history. As they entered, you could feel the strength they embodied as each story unfolded, and appreciate the legacy of these women who continue to inspire new generations.
Dr. Rubén Minutti Zanatta of the Mexican Consulate addressed the audience during the evening, speaking on the importance of honoring women’s voices and preserving the cultural traditions that shape communities on both sides of the border. Acknowledging Romero’s many accomplishments as an artist and designer, he further underscored that she places her heart and soul into her collections, and it’s reflected in everything she touches.
Several distinguished guests and government representatives were also present, including Sergio Zapata Lozano of the Mexican Cultural Institute, Dr. Rubén Minutti Zanatta of the Mexican Consulate, and Paula De Gortari of UNAM San Antonio. Their participation reflected the strong relationship between San Antonio’s cultural organizations and the institutions that support them.
The evening was made possible through the support of numerous community sponsors who helped bring the event together. Sponsors included: Adrian Alessandro, Amelia Lounge; Alix de Montemayor, By Alix Catering; Brea Carrillo, Vital Event Rentals; Clarisse Piczon, Hotel Contessa; Diana Estrada, Nuestra Belleza Texas; Jen Beckmann, Re:Rooted 210; Jenevy Sims, Red Carpet Host SA Monthly Magazine; Jeremy Reay, Radiant Moments Photobooth Co.; Jules Aldaz, Red Carpet Host Scene In SA Magazine; Taylor Abbott, Alpha Graphix
Throughout the evening, guests shared conversations and reflected on the stories that had been told. What emerged was a reminder that International Women’s Day carries meaning not only through recognition, but through listening to the experiences that shape women’s lives. In a city known for honoring culture and community, this heartfelt evening served as a tribute to resilience, and the voices of influential women whose stories will live on as they inspire each of us to find our true strength. ■
