DELOSANTOS: A Story of Discipline, Heritage, and Innovation

SS25 takes inspiration from Martinez’s formative years at the Naval School of Peru, where discipline, sacrifice, and structure shaped his perspective.

Image Courtesy of DELOSANTOS and Lindsey Media

When you think of Peruvian fashion, the usual imagery might lean toward vibrant textiles and traditional craftsmanship. But DELOSANTOS is rewriting that narrative with a blend of discipline, creativity, and cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2018 by Victor Montalvo and Danilo Martinez, the brand was born out of frustration with the lack of opportunities in Peru’s fashion industry. Determined to carve their own path, they started by creating shirts using deadstock fabrics under the name PALOSANTO. But as their vision grew, so did their ambition, evolving into a high-fashion womenswear brand that’s turning heads globally.

“I studied business, and Danilo studied fashion, but we co-create and co-design for each collection, and also, each one worked on their field for the brand,” Montalvo says. “I work in the back office, seeing all the logistics, marketing, and business, as well as Danilo in the production and design. We met in 2018 when Victor was doing a project with Danilo's fashion school for the fashion week in Lima.”

Inspired by discipline and transformed by the vision of Montalvo’s and Martinez’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, DELOSANTOS takes inspiration from Martinez’s formative years at the Naval School of Peru, where discipline, sacrifice, and structure shaped his perspective. This experience of long days, rigorous routines, and commitment is reimagined through fashion that balances structure with fluidity.

Image Courtesy of DELOSANTOS and Lindsey Media

The collection tells a powerful story of transformation, where the rigidity of naval uniforms collides with modern, sensual silhouettes. Over a year in the making, the 32-piece collection isn’t just about clothes. It’s about honoring discipline while pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be.

“He (Martinez) studied for four years at the school before deciding to pursue his true passion and enroll in fashion design,” Montalvo says. “It was always a topic that Danilo always shared and cherished with so much fondness that it was very clear that we had to use it as inspiration for one of the collections.”

What sets DELOSANTOS apart is its ability to blend tradition with innovation. The Naufragio Dress, for example, is adorned with sequins made from the paiche, an Amazonian fish. These fish scales, sourced sustainably from artisanal fishing, go through a detailed process of softening, laser-cutting, and hand-painting before becoming intricate embellishments. It’s a beautiful nod to nature and craft, made into a modern design. This is when exceptional craftsmanship meets innovation.

Image Courtesy of DELOSANTOS and Lindsey Media

Then there’s the Alferez Dress, inspired by the stark whiteness of navy uniforms but elevated with biodegradable 3D-printed screws that add a futuristic edge. Accessories also play a starring role, with the Ancla Clutch Bag featuring an anchor-shaped metallic handle and the Cantimplora Bag 3D-printed to resemble a military water bottle, tying the narrative together.

Each piece in the collection reflects a balance between structure and sensuality — from the Comandante Jacket made from sturdy cotton drill to the Espigon Dress, crafted from natural latex sourced from the shiringa tree, also known as the rubber tree, by Amazonian communities. With Bold silhouettes of deep-rooted design, These aren’t just garments; they’re stories that honor Peru’s heritage while embracing sustainable practices and future-forward technology.

“We created the 32 looks over the course of a year that reinterprets garments from the military wardrobe under the brand's modern and bold vision,” Montalvo says. “We took elements from the ships, school, and marine as the engine motors, anchors, military jackets, and diving suits alongside reinterpretations of the different uniforms Danilo used to use during his time there.”

At the heart of DELOSANTOS lies a concept the designers call “mother energy”: that innate force of sacrifice, dedication, and strength that pushes them forward. That same energy fueled their journey from navigating industry roadblocks to building a brand that stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation. This energy pulses through every design, giving each piece a soul beyond its silhouette.

“We describe mother energy as that collective energy that is present in the naval school and all who study and give their lives for this vocation, and it is reflected in passion and sacrifice,” Martinez and Montalvo say. “This is important since it is one of the themes we like to think we share as designers, and we can relate, giving everything for our vocation and passion for what we do.”

In just five years, DELOSANTOS has grown from a local passion project to a brand making waves internationally. Redefining Peruvian fashion on a global stage challenges the idea that Peruvian fashion is limited to tradition by introducing a bold new fusion of heritage, technology, and storytelling. The SS25 collection isn’t just about fashion. It reflects discipline, cultural pride, and a daring vision for the future.

As DELOSANTOS continues to push boundaries, they remind us that true innovation happens when you honor your roots while daring to dream beyond them.

“In these last five years, we have learned a lot from our team, colleagues, and business partners,” they say. “We have taken everything we’ve been learning, from artisanal techniques to sustainable Peruvian materials. No one has been experimenting in the way we are.”