NO PLACE LIKE LATIN AMERICA
A new generation of designers have successfully transcended national borders, emerging in markets across the United States and Europe. Fashion week events in the capitals of Latin America are now being closely watched by top creatives in the fashion industry.
As the luxury design market continues to transform, the great fashion capitals such as Paris, New York, Milan and London are looking towards this emerging market for inspiration, and a breath of fresh air. This new wave of Latin American designers are leaving their marks on some of the most iconic runways, while maintaining their hometown presence.
Each year, our team attends several Fashion week events on a hunt to discover new treasures. Although the shows are filled with excitement, adrenaline and beautiful creations, we are all about what goes on behind the scenes. Our goal is a more personal one: getting to know each designer, what inspires them, and maybe helping with a few last minute pins and needles!
This past Fashion Week Bogota, we discovered Miss Balanta, an extraordinary turban designer based in Bogota, Colombia. We knocked on her door and sat down at her desk, beautifully decorated with an inspiration board, pictures of her parents and drawings from her childhood. Miss Baranta radiated warm, creative energy which is clearly visible in her designs. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, and available at KM33 Tulum.
We then met up with fashion icon Joanna Ortiz, of the soon-to-open namesake flagship store. It was a dream. She spoke to us of the inspiration behind her store, pointing to a beautiful fan in the corner, saying, “I have that huge fan at my place. It’s one of my favorites!” The store reflects her impeccable aesthetic. Our favorite piece? The “4 tetas” handbag.
Of course, no trip to Bogota is complete without a cocktail at Atelier by Mercedes Salazar. While Mercedes was in New York presenting her latest collection to an international crowd, her husband, Diego, was there to show us around. He took us behind the scenes to show us how are pieces are made in the moment, right before hitting our KM33 locations. The magic goes beyond the runways, and we go behind the scenes.
