By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s creative economy is preparing for a major industrial showcase as Universidad LCI VERITAS officially announces the return of its annual flagship runway event, titled Manifiesto Somos 2026: El Origen del Código. Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 8, at the Costa Rica Convention Center, the event will assemble emerging design talent, corporate sponsors, academic leaders, and commercial buyers to evaluate the future of regional apparel design.
The centerpiece of the showcase features a specialized collection developed by thirteen alumni designers from Universidad LCI VERITAS. Inspired by Central American visual identity and regional popular graphics, the collection combines deep visual research, chromatic exploration, and modern textile manufacturing technologies. The goal is to translate traditional regional motifs into high-value contemporary garments suitable for commercial and creative export.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial framework shaping the growth of Costa Rica’s fashion industry, TicosLand.com spoke with distinguished business attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
As Costa Rica’s fashion industry continues to gain international acclaim, particularly within the sustainable design sector, brand protection becomes paramount. Emerging designers must proactively secure their intellectual property through trademark registrations, design patents, and structured licensing agreements to safeguard their creative assets and ensure long-term scalability in foreign markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rican designers capture the global spotlight, safeguarding their innovative concepts behind robust legal frameworks is essential for turning artistic vision into lasting international success. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on how our local creative pioneers can confidently navigate global markets while protecting their unique intellectual property.
In addition to the alumni collection, ten final-year graduation projects will hit the runway. These thesis collections emphasize material experimentation, circular economy practices, and functional sustainability applied to modern fashion design. By prioritizing sustainable sourcing and novel production techniques, the rising designers aim to address pressing global environmental challenges within the textile supply chain.
The 2026 edition concept, El Origen del Código, marks a strategic evolution from the institution’s 2025 presentation, which focused on physical tangibility and bodily structure. This year, the thematic framework treats clothing as a sophisticated linguistic system capable of translating collective historical memory into forward-looking commercial design.
We conceive the runway not as an ephemeral spectacle, but as a statement of principles.
Martin Rodríguez Montoya, Director of the International Fashion Design Program at Universidad LCI VERITAS
Produced by event management firm The One Agencia, the runway production aims to draw over 600 attendees, including industry executives, fashion buyers, academic researchers, and national media outlets. Beyond the traditional runway show, the venue will feature an immersive Pop-Up Store alongside dedicated exhibition zones designed to foster direct networking between corporate entities and emerging creative talent.
The commercial viability of the showcase is reinforced by strong institutional backing from private sector allies. Corporate partners supporting the 2026 event include digital printing leader Epson, textile retailer La Ópera, graphic industry association Asoingraf, and visual communications firm Impacto Visual. This corporate collaboration highlights the increasing interest of industrial manufacturing partners in academic design incubators.
As Central American economies seek to diversify beyond traditional services into high-value creative industries, events like Manifiesto Somos 2026 highlight the role of higher education in driving regional brand equity. By linking cultural heritage with technological advancement, Costa Rica continues to strengthen its position as a central hub for sustainable fashion and design innovation.
For further information, visit veritas.cr
About Universidad LCI VERITAS:
Universidad LCI VERITAS is a private higher education institution located in San José, Costa Rica, specializing in art, design, and architecture. As a member of the global LCI Education network, the university offers specialized undergraduate and graduate programs focused on creative innovation, technical precision, and international business integration.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The One Agencia
About The One Agencia:
The One Agencia is a Costa Rican event management and brand activation agency specializing in high-profile corporate, fashion, and live entertainment productions. The agency delivers comprehensive stage design, technical production, and experiential marketing services across Central America.
For further information, visit epson.com
About Epson:
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to creating sustainable, efficient, and precise technological solutions. The company manufactures advanced digital printing machinery, industrial textile printers, and visual display equipment designed to enhance commercial productivity across various industrial sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself through an unyielding devotion to ethical standards and professional mastery. Serving a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently drives forward-thinking legal solutions while championing civic educational initiatives. By actively demystifying complex statutes for the broader public, Bufete de Costa Rica upholds its core vision of equipping individuals with the knowledge necessary to foster a just and enlightened society.
