Born in La Paz, Bolivia, in June 2005, Santiago is a twice-exceptional (2e) designer whose creativity, visual thinking, and deep memory shape everything he does. As a neurodivergent individual who is both dyslexic and gifted in the arts, he brings a distinct way of seeing and making that infuses his work with originality and depth. From an early age, he was drawn to the process of making—teaching himself to sew by hand using scraps of fabric and a sharp eye for detail. With encouragement from his grandmother and an old sewing machine that once belonged to his great-grandmother, he developed his craft through patience, imagination, and passion.

Santiago’s brand, SIRAWA60s, is rooted in his lifelong fascination with 1960s fashion. His neurodivergent mind gives him a remarkable ability to store and connect information—especially when it comes to his passions. That’s what makes his collections so authentic: every look is informed by an impressive knowledge of the era, from silhouettes and fabrics to accessories, undergarments, and hairstyles. The result is a body of work that feels both timeless and deeply intentional.

In 2023, Santiago entered Denver’s fashion scene under the mentorship of Michael Sullivan (HAUS). His debut collections at Denver Fashion Week Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 were met with acclaim for their originality and craftsmanship. He appeared twice in Denver’s Cultural Runway, earning the award for “The Outfit I Would Most Like to Wear” in 2023 and returning for the 2024 “Black and White” edition. He continues to grow his brand through pop-up markets and events across the city, especially those uplifting BIPOC artists and creators. His work has also been featured internationally in outlets like VOUS Magazine.

Santiago’s impact extends beyond the runway. As a volunteer at Bryant Webster Dual Language School in Northwest Denver, he leads after-school clubs in fashion, design, arts and crafts, drama, and “Imagination Destination”—creative spaces designed for exploration and self-expression. His calm, thoughtful presence and imaginative approach to teaching resonate deeply with students, many of whom are neurodivergent themselves. Santiago is especially skilled at finding alternative ways to support learning, meeting each student where they are and inviting them into the joy of making.

As a queer Bolivian designer, Santiago embraces fashion as a form of liberation. His mantra—“Clothes have no gender”—guides his work and his life. Through SIRAWA60s, he combines vintage aesthetics with sustainable practices, using repurposed and thrifted materials to create garments that honor both the past and the planet.

Santiago’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when neurodivergent brilliance is seen, nurtured, and shared. With every stitch, sketch, and story, he’s not just designing clothes—he’s designing new ways to belong