Damián Fernández Peña, a 27-year-old native of the Isle of Youth who works as a medical studies coordinator in Miami, walked the runway at New York Fashion Week during the September 2026 edition, becoming one of the Cuban faces on that international stage.
The invitation came from the organization RNBCuba (National Beauty Reign of Cuba), led by Sergio Meso, in recognition of their performance in international men's competitions.
Damián walked for designer Uno Rodriguez during the presentation of the Spring/Summer 2027 collection, held at St. Bartholomew's Church, at 325 Park Avenue, New York.
The look he showcased is called "Lumière Noire": a black double-breasted tuxedo with satin lapels, a black velvet bow tie, and wide-cut trousers.
He also walked the runway that same week for designer Leo Almodal, as confirmed by Damián himself.
The journey to the New York runway began in 2025, when RNBCuba selected him to represent Cuba at Manhunt International, regarded as the oldest male beauty pageant in the world.
In June 2025, Damián competed in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside representatives from 37 countries, and succeeded in placing in the Top 20, a historic achievement for the Cuban delegation.
Cuba had not participated in that contest since 2010 —15 years of absence— and had not qualified among the finalists since 2002, meaning 23 years without being in the top of the event.
"Cuba participated until 2010 but had not qualified since 2002. 15 years without participating and 23 years without qualifying in the top," explained Yuliet Peña, the young man's mother, to CiberCuba.
It was precisely that performance that opened the doors to New York: "Because of that, the RNB Cuba organization invited him this year to participate in New York Fashion Week," he specified.
In his daily life, Damián balances his work in the healthcare sector in Miami with modeling, a dual career that has taken him from medical consultations to one of the most important fashion showcases in the world.
Her sister, the Cuban model Daylin Rodríguez, is also a public figure in the beauty world: she won the crown of Miss Carnaval Miami in 2023 and elevated the name of the island in Miss Grand International last year.
Damián's participation in Fashion Week was supported by EC Entertainment & Media, Kubo Productions, and My Runway Project, among other collaborating organizations, with the runway photos taken by photographer RJ Ensalada.
The September 2026 New York Fashion Week, corresponding to the Spring/Summer 2027 season, officially took place from September 10 to 15 according to the schedule of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
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