Fashion in Colombia: 5 fairs for trendsetters

Fashion in Colombia: 5 events for trendsetters

1. Colombiamoda

Where: Medellín, Antioquia

When: July – August

Description: The first event took place in 1990, starting a big movement around fashion in Colombia. At that time, it was the only event of its kind, with the main purpose of promoting local talent to the world. Today, this is the most important fashion week in Latin America and what Colombia is known for.

Last year, at its 31st edition, they launched the Digital Fashion Week, taking the whole experience online. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that it was very positive for the business. The platform had 220,000 visits, 455 participating brands, and 3,200 local and international buyers. As a part of the learning experience, there were 27 conferences, 15 workshops, 18 performances (as opposed to runways), and many other activities (Inexmoda, 2020).

2. Bogotá Fashion Week

Where: Bogotá D.C.

When: October

Description: As the capital city, Bogotá makes up 42% of the fashion market, which places it at the center of design, production, and trading of fashion in Colombia. So, the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá decided five years ago to create an event to promote the local industry.

The fair works with new and experienced designers. It opens up new markets for them and helps to consolidate their brands in Colombia and the rest of the world. The organization also supports new talent, guiding their creative process and the development of collections under international standards. Building a local identity using Colombian symbols is also vital to drive more business into the city.

3. International Footwear and Leather Show (IFLS) + EICI

Where: Bogotá

When: February

Description: An exhibition of footwear, leather goods and clothing, and other supplies and services. It has been 20 years since the first event, setting the fair as the most important platform for the leather industry in Colombia and the Andean region. During the two days, buyers, manufacturers, designers, and vendors – from Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Spain, Portugal, France, and other countries – get together to witness new trends in fashion in Colombia.

4. Cali Exposhow

Where: Cali, Valle del Cauca

When: September

Description: Big names from the fashion world, such as Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Silvia Tcherassi, Moschino, and Rosa Clará, among others, have been part of this fair. But more than an exclusive runway, the event is a driver for the economic development of the region. Hence, it also showcases local talent to international buyers and connects them to the whole business ecosystem.

Cali Exposhow gathers more than 120,000 attendees, 650 people from the media, 150 models in 34 shows, and 200 brands. As a part of the program, there are academic conferences for students and the general public, runways, and business meetings to boost fashion in Colombia.

5. Ixel Moda – Congreso Latinoamericano de Moda

Where: Cartagena

When: October

Description: This congress brings together the academy and the fashion production sector in the same place. Along with the 10 editions, they have had more than 10,000 attendees, 130 speakers, 60 runways, and 60,000 special guests.

They separate all activities into four areas to develop skills in the face of new fashion landscapes. The ultimate goal is to promote entrepreneurship in the different areas of fashion studies: sustainable production, fashion marketing and consumer intelligence, commercialization, and fashion communication and journalism.

Facts about fashion in Colombia

Here are some interesting facts about Colombia and one of the most prolific industries in the country.

• Fashion represents 9.4% of the total GDP. The industry employs around 600,000 people.

• More than 1,200 Colombian brands have exported their garments to over 100 countries.

• The history of fashion in Colombia has been around for more than 100 years.

• Fine jewelry, leather goods, textiles, and footwear are the most sought-after high-end products.

More than 16 trade agreements allow Colombian products to reach the biggest consumer centers with zero tariffs