KRATER Is More Than Just Another Fashion Event
KRATER is more than just another fashion event; it’s a dynamic cultural incubator; it a creative sanctuary; it is a movement redefining what fashion can be.
Founded by Colombian designer and artist Giselle Manzano, KRATER is an artistic movement that brings together global talent at New York Fashion Week, offering a space where expression is free to thrive—beyond the confines of traditionally structured runways and lines of seated guests.
At its core, KRATER seeks to amplify the voices of underrepresented designers, with a particular focus on creators from Latin America and Manzano’s home region. The cost-free platform allows emerging talents to present their work on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, New York, but it’s about more than just showcasing designs. KRATER encourage bold exploration of a new kind of fashion performance, where art, music, and storytelling merge a powerful and entertaining sensory experience .
KRATER’s name traces back to the ancient Greek symposium, where thought leaders, innovators, and creatives gathered to share ideas and celebrate culture. Just like the krater—the wine vessel that was passed around during these gatherings—KRATER serves as a vessel for collaboration, connection, and the celebration of art in all its forms. It’s an initiative shaping the future of collaboration and showcasing the social impact of the arts. Each KRATER edition introduces fresh, exciting narratives and names and plants the seeds for new creative pursuit.
Following the success of Volume 4 in October, GLITCH had the opportunity to sit down with Manzano and delve deeper into her vision for the event. In 8 questions, Manzano tells us more about the early years of KRATER and how it will evolve in the new 2025 season.
KRATER x LA BLOOM 3Abigail Tulenko 1284KRATER x Papel de PuntoAbigail Tulenko 1284
How, where, and when did the vision for Krater come to you? Can you tell us the story of it’s inception?
The vision for KRATER emerged during one of the most transitional and uncertain periods of my life. As a Colombian immigrant navigating the challenges of being on a student visa while striving to build my career as an artist and designer in the U.S., I was fortunate to be selected for the Guaranteed Income for Artists program by Creatives Rebuild NY. This program provided me with critical financial and emotional support at a pivotal moment, inspiring me to dream bigger and take decisive action.
I had always envisioned creating a space where fashion, art, and music could converge in a way that felt raw, experimental, and inclusive—a space that amplified underrepresented voices and fostered a true creative community. KRATER was born out of a desire to challenge the traditional norms of the fashion industry while providing a platform for emerging talent—particularly artists and designers from historically underrepresented communities—to have their voices heard.
The concept began to take shape in the fall of 2022, and by February 2023, the first edition of KRATER debuted. Since then, we have proudly produced four editions in just two years, each one embodying the heart of this vision.
What is Krater doing to disrupt the stagnant fashion world?
KRATER is challenging the traditional runway format by integrating fashion with performance art, music, and movement. We move beyond static, consumer-driven presentations by creating immersive shows where garments come to life. From merging sustainable fashion with electronic music to showcasing wearable art and experimental performances, KRATER pushes the boundaries of how fashion is experienced.
By making KRATER cost-free for participants, we remove barriers to entry for designers who are often excluded due to financial constraints. We also host complementary markets that allow the public to engage directly with the designers and their work, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable fashion.
Another unique aspect of KRATER is the after-party, where electronic music curated by co-founder Bryan Kasenic (@thebunkerny) takes center stage. Music has always been an integral part of KRATER—it drives the energy of the evening.
KRATER x Papel de Punto 4KRATER x Sarah Wondrack 2KRATER founder Giselle Manzano
KRATER is working to animate fashion - bringing it to life through performance, community, and events. In a digitally inclined world, how important is in-person showcasing to your vision for fashion?
In-person showcasing is at the heart of KRATER’s mission. Fashion is deeply tied to the body, movement, and human connection, which can’t fully translate through a screen. Our events aim to create visceral, transformative experiences for the audience—experiences that go beyond simply looking at clothes.
The energy of live music, the storytelling through movement, and the presence of the designers and performers create an emotional resonance that is only possible in person. Especially in a world where digital platforms dominate, in-person experiences become even more meaningful. KRATER is a reminder that art and fashion are about community, shared spaces, and collective transformation.
Inclusivity is an important part of KRATER’s manifesto. How is Krater fostering a space that is warmer than traditional fashion spaces?
KRATER is intentionally designed to break away from the elitism and exclusivity that often defines traditional fashion spaces. We prioritize diversity in every sense—our designers, performers, and audience come from different cultural, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, we’ve featured queer and intersectional artists, Colombian designers, and emerging talent who use fashion as a tool for self-expression and activism.
By offering ticketed access, KRATER opens its doors to a wider audience—beyond just industry buyers, celebrities, and influencers. This accessibility allows people who wouldn’t typically attend a NYFW event to experience fashion in a new, inclusive way.
KRATER x Kurriizmatic4KRATER x Kurrizmatic 2
What does Krater actively do to foster sustainability, and when do you think we are going to start to see a real turning point in generalised fashion?
Sustainability is central to KRATER’s ethos. Many of our participating designers use recycled, upcycled, or sustainable materials, and they challenge the culture of fast fashion by creating meaningful, timeless pieces. We also feature independent designers who create one-of-a-kind garments - reshaping how we see fashion but also fostering a deeper connection to the clothing we wear. We hope to continue normalizing sustainable practices and contribute to a broader cultural shift toward valuing quality, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
What was your personal highlight from KRATER volume 4?
One of the most rewarding moments from KRATER Volume 4 was seeing the incredible work of Colombian designers take the stage. Designers like Sara Pelaez from La Bloom and Laura Acevedo from Papel de Punto traveled exclusively from Colombia to present their collections, and their work was nothing short of breathtaking.
What is the role of KRATER year-round? Off the schedule, what can we expect to see from this collective?
KRATER is more than a twice-a-year event; we aim to be a year-round movement. We’re actively working toward becoming a nonprofit organization so we can grow and support artists and designers in a more structured, sustainable way. Off the runway, we plan to host workshops, community markets, and mentorship opportunities.
Who is KRATER for? How can people get involved in the movement?
KRATER is for anyone who believes in the transformative power of art, fashion, and music. It’s a space for emerging designers and artists who dare to push boundaries, for audiences seeking deeper connections, and for everyone who values inclusivity and sustainability. We are actively seeking the next wave of multidisciplinary designers from across the globe to participate in NYFW 2025. If that sounds like you—or if you know someone who would be a great fit—please get in touch!
Written by Hebe Street from GLITCH Magazine