The Colombian Fashion Week 2014 (Colombiamoda 2014) is the most prestigious fashion event in Latin America and took place this year from July 22nd to July 24th. Designers, entrepreneurs, stylists, bloggers, and VIPs from the highly regarded Colombian textile industry met in Plaza Mayor, Medellin- a city known as Colombia’s fashion capital. During three hectic days, the public and fashion connoisseurs displayed their high style and fashion forward outfits to attend the runway shows, cocktail receptions, VIP parties and events.

More than six thousand national and over 1,700 international shoppers from 50 countries attended the 2014 Colombian Fashion Week to preview the latest collections, new talent and explore possible business opportunities. Last year, Haider Ackerman (Paris) was the special guest; this year, Custo Dalmau of Custo Barcelona was the featured designer.

Highlights of the Week:

Johanna Ortiz

Designer Johanna Ortiz´s collection was inspired by the well-traveled elegant women of the world. The Colombian designer’s widely praised runway show closed the entire event; she certainly demonstrated that she is capable to succeed in the international fashion market. Her new collection called Nativa (Native)-aspires to project passion and feminine seduction. The blue and warm tones she used looked outstanding in this creative and captivating runway show.

Camilo Alvarez

Colombian designer Camilo Alvarez opened the event with a runway show literally organized by the cement industry called Argos. Alvarez celebrated his 10th year anniversary with his Spring Summer 2015 collection called “Desayuno” (Breakfast); geometric pieces and neutral colours were the focus of his show. The circle is the designer’s signature shape, as it inspires him to design pieces with volume and at the same time asymmetric cuts.

Custo Barcelona

Custo Dalmau was the special guest this year. His autumn/winter 2014-2015 collection called -Mixtura- reaffirmed his identity and unique style. He also presented a preview of his new collection Spring Summer 2015, which he will show in September during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. Custo remained true to his tribal and ethnic style as he combined a few of his pieces with traditional neutral colours such as black, grey and beige. The metallic and plasticized details stood out, as always, in his whimsical designs. ■

PHOTOS: Nicolás Pino Cortázar.