Net-A-Porter's Colombian Collective brings together a cache of exclusive designs
Courtesy of Net-A-Porter.
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Leave it to Net-A-Porter, the original pioneers in fashion e-commerce, to tap into Colombia’s burgeoning design renaissance. Just this month, the platform launched The Colombian Collective, a curation of brands and exclusive capsule collections from designers tied to this South American country’s flourishing design scene.
The country’s fashion scene has experienced a surge in international markets over recent years, with Johanna Ortiz selling out everywhere from Moda Operandi and Neiman Marcus to Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman, Silvia Tcherassi launching her own e-commerce site and Esteban Cortazar continuing to spread his artistic vision across most of Europe and North and South America.
“We especially love the fact that these designers are all friends, supporting one and other alongside the local artisans.”
According Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director at Net-A-Porter, “The Colombian Collective was born out of a love for the brands that we were seeing coming out of the region. Noticing that we were bringing on board a lot of Colombian designers, it seemed like the perfect timing to celebrate this collective of creatives.”
“We asked each designer to create something bespoke for us, and to use their country as an inspiration. Each capsule represents a beautiful sensibility with unique designs, femininity, optimism and a real sense of love for their country shining through. We especially love the fact that these designers are all friends, supporting one and other alongside the local artisans.”
Participating labels reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of the region, using the highest standards of production and sourcing from local artisans, all the while inspired by the colors and energy of Colombia and each designers’ unique global viewpoint. Participants include Johanna Ortiz, Silvia Tcherassi, Esteban Cortazar, Carolina Santo Domingo, Castaner x Mercedes Salazar, Mallarino, Bibi Marini, Verdelimón, Verdi, Muzungu Sisters, Hunting Season, Magnetic Midnight and Lazy Poet. See the collection below for yourself. net-a-porter.com
Bibi Marini
Bibi Marini designs statement earrings inspired by different beading and weaving techniques. Her stunning designs are dotted with beads, Swarovski crystals, faux-pearls, and hand-woven silk, and the designer is always mindful that each pair should be lightweight, elegant and bold.
Carolina Santo Domingo
Carolina Santo Domingo launched her namesake handbag label with a focus on traditional Italian craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes. The minimalist collection features clean-lined styles that are meant to be the finishing touch on your look, not the accent point.
Castañer X Mercedes Salazar
Castañer takes its signature 'Carina' espadrilles up a notch by teaming up with Mercedes Salazar for the Colombian Collective capsule. Made from canvas, each shoe has been hand-embroidered by skilled artisans with a palm tree, crab or orchid, complete with tasseled ankle ties.
Esteban Cortázar
Inspired by his early years in ‘90s South Beach, Esteban Cortazar’s latest line occurred to him after the designer’s month-long break in Ibiza, with endless summers and dreamy sunsets at the center of the collection.
Hunting Season
Hunting Season's Danielle Corona spent some time visiting her country’s artisans when she first moved to Colombia. The result was Hunting Season, a brand founded on tradition and made in collaboration with female palm weavers to create the banana leaf raffia used to make her elegant bags.
Johanna Ortiz
Johanna Ortiz’s exclusive Net-A-Porter collection features the 'Wild Roses' print which pays homage to her South American heritage. Feminine and elegant, she keeps it consistent with a wearable color palette and a flattering use of ruffles.
The Lazy Poet
Combining creativity with comfort, The Lazy Poet’s sumptuous pajamas are designed for “poets, travelers, life lovers and big dreamers,” with romantic prints and easy silhouettes made in soft, breathable cotton and linen.
Magnetic Midnight
Fascinated by the idea of dress as a reflection of culture and tradition, Colombian designer Lucia Echavarría founded Magnetic Midnight in 2015. Best known for its ornate headpieces and lineup of evening shoulder bags, each of the brand’s pieces is intricately hand-woven from palm leaf and finished with gold-dipped edges.
Mallarino
Sisters Lucia and Isabella Bueno-Mallarino combine a sophisticated European spirit with traditional South American craftsmanship when making their handmade jewelery. Meticulously handmade in the delicate filigree techniques, the pieces are inspired by the flora and fauna of their native Cali, Colombia.
Mercedes Salazar
Mercedes Salazar says her work is a visual diary of her own life because each design captures and reflects her Colombian heritage. Every pair is handmade using time-honored techniques and playfully decorated with tassels, flowers and beads.
Muzungu Sisters
Swahili for ‘traveler’, Muzungu Sisters was founded by Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo to promote global fair labor practices. The pair works with artisans across four continents to create beach coverups and accessories defined by bold embroideries and embellishments. Net-A-Porter tasked Muzungu Sisters to create a mini capsule of five bags inspired by the colorful landscapes and architecture of Colombia.
Silvia Tcherassi
With over 25 years in the industry, Silvia Tcherassi is one of the most celebrated Latin American designers and was the first to be invited to show at Milan and Paris Fashion Week. Based in Barranquilla, her namesake label sources fine Italian materials to create beautiful Colombian-inspired collections.
Verdelimón
VerdeLimón's 'Tijuana' swimwear collection is printed with cacti and aloe plants, and has an elasticated band to support your bust.
Verdi
Verdi specializes in weaving beautiful traditional designs from filigree metal. Employing local artisans, the label takes inspiration from traditional mochila bags and updates them using elevated details like filigree metal threads and swishy tassels. For the Colombian Collective, the brand created elegant wristlet styles.