Cortazar and Co.

Anyone who says style isn't for kids obviously hasn't met Esteban Cortazar, a designer who has firmly established himself as one of fashion's rising stars, alongside such other boy wonders as Zac Posen and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the pair behind Proenza Schouler.

Window dresser at age 12; fashion superstar at 20.

During a time when most boys his age were huddling at middle school dances and hadn't yet started to shave, 12-year-old Cortazar was pondering hemlines and contemplating chiffon. While in Miami, the pre-teen talked his way into a job as a window dresser at a local vintage shop and soon became known around town for his precocious flair.

In 1997, when designer Todd Oldham was opening up a boutique in South Beach, FL, Cortazar introduced himself and showed Oldham some of his sketches. Impressed with the boy's talent, Oldham invited him to be a guest at his upcoming show in New York. The deal was sealed; Cortazar fell head over heels in love with fashion.

Just a few years later - at the age of 18 - the brown-eyed, curly-haired youth became the youngest designer to ever have a runway show during Fashion Week in New York. (His clothing is now sold around the country in boutiques such as Gus Mayer in Tennessee and GIGI of Mequon in Wisconsin and at Neiman Marcus stores throughout Florida.)

Cortazar's designs tend toward the flirty and feminine - a little bit sexy, a little bit (or a lot) dramatic - such as the show-stopping floor-length evening gown made entirely of Swarovski crystal mesh that was worn by Cindy Crawford.

His colors include everything from such bold peacock hues as bright yellow and red to more muted whites, grays, and creams. His fabrics range from chiffon to terry cloth, and are always designed with the feminine form in mind. With enthusiastic nods from fashion editors and supermodels alike, Cortazar might already be an "old" pro - but we're betting he's got a few good years left in him yet.

Posted on February 27, 2006