5 Colombian Fashion Designers You Should Know

Colombia has been home to many indigenous peoples and cultures since at least 12,000 BCE, with a long and rich tradition of craft and making. Today, following the impact of the Spanish in particular, the country is a true cultural melting pot. At the intersection of tradition, artistic innovation, and a hunger for self-expression, Colombia has birthed an exciting roster of contemporary design talent over the years, making a mark on the global stage. Though many have opted to relocate due to various circumstances, often relating to political conditions, the below creatives continue to hold their homeland close to their hearts, paying homage to Colombia’s cultural heritage, sartorial customs and varied landscapes – the nation is one of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries, encompassing rainforests, highlands, grasslands and deserts – through their work. To learn more about the talent arising from the country, Something Curated highlights five Colombian fashion designers you should know.  

Esteban Cortazar

Esteban Cortazar, the former Chief Creative Director at Emanuel Ungaro, is today best known for his eponymous label characterised by a cool elegance. His designs feature distinctive layering, asymmetrical tailoring and an intrepid embrace of colour. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1984 to a British Jazz singer and a Colombian painter, his fashion journey began during his youth in Miami’s South Beach. In 1999, following a pivotal encounter with Kal Ruttenstein, an influential fashion director at Bloomingdale’s, he found his first mentor in the industry. Ruttenstein guided his initial steps and fuelled his creative drive. Remarkably, at just 18, Cortazar secured his first financial backing, becoming the youngest designer ever to present a collection during New York Fashion Week. Today, as a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), Cortazar continues to design collections from his Paris atelier.

Mateo Velasquez

In 2021, Mateo Velasquez showcased his work at Hyères, the International Festival of Fashion, where he was selected as one of the ten finalists and made history as the first Colombian designer to earn this accolade. Born in Colombia, he now resides in London, following stints in Madrid and Milan. Velasquez is among a select group of Latin designers reshaping conventional notions of masculinity. His debut collection, realised during his MA at Central Saint Martins, garnered instant acclaim, catching the attention of press and prominent stylists such as Ib Kamara and Lorenzo Posocco. His eye-catching creations, from leather chaps to plaid skirts and embellished biker jackets, exude self-assured flamboyance and sensuality. Much of Velasquez’s work involves upcycling techniques, utilising waste and deadstock materials, with aesthetic references heavily drawn from queer subcultures.

Haider Ackermann

Born in Bogotá, Colombia in 1971, Haider Ackermann’s output is a tapestry of diverse influences. Adopted by a French Alsatian family at nine months old, he traversed a meandering path. Childhood unfolded across Ethiopia, Chad, Algeria, and France, leading to a move to the Netherlands at the age of twelve. In September 2002, he introduced his eponymous collection, swiftly ascending to the echelons of acclaimed designers. Ackermann’s signature artistry, characterised by draped forms and intricate designs, has garnered a devoted following. Over the years, he has been courted by venerable houses like Dior and Martin Margiela. In 2011, he debuted his celebrated menswear line at Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence. Whatever he is working on, from projects with Timothée Chalamet to capsules with Jean Paul Gaultier, his pieces are shaped by cultural differences, skilfully contrasting and blending codes.

Anciela

Established in 2019 by Colombian and Chilean designer Jennifer Droguett Espinosa, Anciela is a tribute to her South American roots, merging Latin folklore, traditional craftsmanship, and the designer’s Colombian upbringing with an outsider’s perspective developed through her relocation to London. Espinosa’s early years unfolded in the vibrant city of Medellin, but as the city’s safety deteriorated in the 2000s, her family made the challenging decision to relocate to Chile. After graduating from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, she gained experience with renowned brands, including Viktor & Rolf, before launching her own label. Today, Anciela functions as an inclusive platform and multidisciplinary project that endeavours to bring together Latin American and European narratives and communities by means of storytelling and fashion.

Johanna Ortiz 

Born in Cali, Colombia in 1973, Johanna Ortiz has always been drawn to the natural beauty and vibrancy of her homeland. Broadening her horizons, she left Colombia and pursued a Fashion Design education at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, USA. After graduating with honours and further honing her fashion design skills in New York and Paris, Ortiz returned to her native country with a deep desire to create. In 2003, she launched her namesake label in her hometown. Ortiz’s enduring inspiration comes from her surroundings, the rich biodiversity of Colombia and Latin America, her travels around the world, and the resilient spirit of the women in her life. Her imaginative use of colour and print, her keen understanding of form and fit, and her embodiment of playful elegance have firmly established her as a stalwart of Colombian fashion.



Feature image via @h.a