The best of Colombiamoda 2018
The JBalvingxGef runway. Photo courtesy of Inexmoda.
LEE ESTE POST EN ESPAÑOL.
The 29th edition of Colombia fashion week came to a close this Thursday, leaving us with much to ponder about in terms of the current state of the Latin American fashion industry and where it is headed. Although organizer Inexmoda achieved only 94% of its $180 million dollar goal, the fair still managed to bring a whopping 19,000 visitors from 40 countries and unveil a wide selection of compelling fashion proposals for the coming year, proving why Colombiamoda is the premiere platform for seeking out the best of Colombian fashion design. To follow are what we consider to be the most promising fashion proposals from the fair.
Isabel Henao
Designer: Isabel Henao
Collection: El Sonido del Viento (The Sound of the Wind)
Inspiration: Japanese influences and the swaying of flowers in the wind
Palette: Pearl white, off white and shades of blue and violet
Bogotá-born designer Isabel Henao closed Colombia fashion week on a high with a stunning spring summer collection featuring fluid, feminine formalwear looks of satin, silk and jacquard fabrics set in pearl white, off white, royal blue and violet. Inspired by an artisan fan-maker the designer spotted in Kyoto, Japan, the collection aims to empower the woman who dresses in it, simultaneously emphasizing her most delicate, feminine essence. isabelhenao.co
Alado
Designer: Andrés Restrepo and Alejandro González for Alado
Collection: Destierro (Exile)
Inspiration: Colombia’s displaced population
Palette: Earthy tones alternating with garbs in a bright and colorful palette
In response to Colombia’s alarming rates of displacement, designers Andrés Restrepo and Alejandro González of Alado created the “Destierro” collection to shed light on the country’s marginalized populations, providing a voice for the artisans, farmers and rural folk who have never told their story. In its purest form, the collection comments on the global refugee crisis, allowing clothing to narrate the stories of exodus and seeking of refuge. aladogroup.com
Alexandra Bueno
Designer: Alexandra Bueno
Collection: 1989 Pan y Canela (1989 Bread and Cinnamon)
Inspiration: A celebration of the coast and the city
Palette: White and off-white, cherry red and black Gingham check, baby blue and denim
Designer Alexandra Bueno looked to her Spanish and Mexican roots, combined with her Caribbean and urban experience to create her latest collection, “1989 Pan y Canela.” Her second consecutive year at Colombiamoda generated a positive reaction from the public, with a line of feminine and wearable pieces that transmit the spirit of the Colombian woman. alexandrabueno.com
Jbalvinxgef
Designer: JBalvin
Collection: JBalvinxGef
Inspiration: 90s hip-hop and the “vibes” of JBalvin’s latest album
Palette: Red, yellow, orange, denim, translucent fabrics, and metallic details
Reggaeton icon JBalvin made his fashion debut on the Colombiamoda catwalk thanks to his collaboration with casual wear brand Gef. Conveying an undeniably Balvin-esque spirit, the collection recalls the hip-hop style of the 90s while transmitting the infectious vibrations of his latest album. gef.com.co
bahía maría
Designer: Bahía María
Collection: Inminente (Imminent)
Inspiration: Minimalism and geometry
Palette: Rose, coral, black and navy
Bahía María’s “Inminente” collection presents a fresh approach to what is often seen on the beachwear runway. Featuring ruffles and bows in one or two piece bodysuits, the collection’s minimalist silhouettes emulate geometric shapes, offering an innovative way to wear a bathing suit. bahiamaria.com
flipando
Designer: Flipando
Collection: Calima
Inspiration: The ancient Calima culture and artisanship
Palette: Gold and pops of color
Inspired by the ancient Calima culture of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca, Flipando’s jewelry collection emulates Calima gold work, known for its exaggerated size and excessive detailing. The handmade statement pieces are plated in 24k gold, making them a striking addition to any outfit. instagram.com/flipandoac
