Columbia – that is for me Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, rainforest, Guerrilla war and Ingrid Betancourt, and my friends Tatiana and Javier who I met in random places at random times. When I think of Colombia, I think of many things but normally not of fashion. Nevertheless, it is here in Colombia that one of the most important FashionFairs of Latin America takes place: the Colombiamoda a mega-event in Medellin, that celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
And this year, just as in the years before 22 selected young designers “jÛvenes creadoresî” all of them still students, had a chance to present their creations on the catwalk. Inspired by the theme “Raizes” (Roots), they presented 22 unique mini-collections that search for their ethnic, social, historic and cultural roots. Especially in these times of crisis they consider their ethnic heritage as an oasis of sustainability and self-sufficiency that provide guidance towards designing aesthetically novel and beautiful clothes that are still within the reach of the consumer. So, it is no wonder that the students of the Andean University of Pereira turn to traditional materials such as the fibers of the fique. Before the Spanish conquest the inhabitants of Colombia used
these fibers to make clothes, ropes, hammocks and other things. It was then introduced to and cultivated in other colonies like Brazil, Mauritius, India, East Africa, Ö. Today it is used for the production of ethnic products and handicrafts in Colombia.
But back to our young creators, most fascinating, none of their creations look “ethnic” but rather they seem to have achieved, what I admire so much about Mexico the development of an aesthetic that amalgamates the various facets and influences of the past into something uniquely new. Curious? Take a look at some pictures from the highly praised show either here or here.
Foto: EFE
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