Wildlife: elegance, identity, and Latin art at Beyond the Runway Naples
Beyond the Runway Naples 2026 dazzled with “Wildlife,” highlighting the talent of designer Hernán Zajar and the vision of producer Elsie Méndez in a night of fashion, art, and resilience.
Andres Paz
In Naples there are social events… and then there are those nights that elevate the standard of what it means to create an experience. This was how Beyond the Runway Naples 2026 was lived, an evening where fashion stopped being just aesthetic to become narrative, identity, and cultural expression.
Under the concept “Wildlife,” inspired by natural elements, the runway came alive with an enveloping energy. However, between each texture, silhouette, and movement, there were two key forces behind the impact of the night: the vision of Elsie Méndez and the talent of Colombian designer Hernán Zajar.
Elsie Méndez deserves special recognition. Bringing an event of this level to Naples doesn’t happen by chance. It is the result of relationships cultivated over time, impeccable execution, and above all, an unwavering passion to create something different for the community. Her leadership was evident from preparation to the last minute of the event.
And it wasn’t an easy path. As often happens in productions of this magnitude, there were challenges—including those brought by mother nature—that could have halted any other project. But that’s where Elsie made a difference. With a constant positive attitude, focus, and determination, she managed to overcome each obstacle without losing the essence or quality of the experience. That energy not only sustained the event: it elevated it.
Thanks to that vision and those connections, it was possible to have Hernán Zajar’s presence, who didn’t just present a collection but an artistic statement. His proposal was marked by the sophistication that has positioned him on the international scene, but also by a deep respect for craftsmanship. Each piece reflected a connection between tradition and modernity, with meticulous details, elegant structures, and a visual narrative that captured everyone’s attention.
The runway—an imposing structure over the water at The Perry Hotel Naples—served as the perfect stage to showcase his work. Fabrics flowed with the environment, cuts dialogued with the light, and each appearance reinforced the idea that fashion can be both spectacle and cultural expression.
Beyond the visual impact, this edition made clear that when there is purposeful leadership behind an event, the result transcends. Beyond the Runway not only brought together fashion, art, and community; it also demonstrated that in the hands of people like Elsie Méndez, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity to shine.
And on a night full of memorable moments, between the vision of its producer and the talent of its main designer, Naples witnessed something truly unique.
