Weaving Tradition and Innovation
Designed by Linda Montejo-Bartolon
Nestled along the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is an emerging fashion hub that demands global recognition, blending innovation, sustainability, and a celebration of vibrant cultural identity. The world’s traditional fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, New York—have long dictated the rules of style, yet Cartagena is quietly rewriting them, offering something entirely different and deeply personal. With its rich cultural heritage, commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship and a fashion scene that bursts with color and passion, Cartagena is no longer just a picturesque coastal city; it is an emerging powerhouse of style that the fashion world must take seriously.
As one wanders the streets of Cartagena, Colombia, they are enveloped in a symphony of color and culture—vivid colonial facades in turquoise and ochre, the scent of maracuyá in the air, and the rhythmic strumming of street musicians. Fashion here is a vibrant expression of heritage, with polleras swirling in the bold hues of the Colombian flag and artisans weaving stories into every stitch. Just as the city blends Indigenous, African and Spanish influences, so too does its fashion, where tradition and innovation coexist in every garment.
Growing up in the United States, I was surrounded by a culture of minimalism — clean lines, neutral palettes and the constant need to strip away excess. Fashion was often about conformity, fitting into a mold of polished restraint. But Cartagena was different. It was an explosion of passion and personal identity, a city that rejected monotony and embraced life in full color. Walking its streets, I saw not just fashion but self-expression woven into every thread. The energy of Cartagena is intoxicating — its streets hum with the scent of maracuyá, the strumming of street musicians, and the vivid hues of colonial facades in turquoise, ochre, and fuchsia. Here, fashion isn’t about blending in; it’s about standing out and being alive. Cartagena showed me that style is meant to be felt, not just worn.
One of the most iconic items found on Cartagena’s streets is the handwoven mochila, a testament to Indigenous artistry with its intricate patterns and bold colors. African heritage shines through in voluminous silhouettes and vibrant, beaded accessories, while Spanish influence lingers in delicate lacework and embroidery. Street vendors showcase this cultural fusion in their handcrafted jewelry and textiles, each piece a reflection of Colombia’s artisanal legacy — where past and present exist in every stitch.
Interwoven into the heart of Colombia is its status as the second most biodiverse country in the world. As the global rise of fast fashion continues to fuel environmental degradation, the people of Colombia have begun to take a stand, addressing the fashion industry’s impact on the planet with a commitment to sustainability. In response to the growing concerns of waste and pollution, Colombia is emerging as a leader in biodesign, developing innovative solutions to fashion’s biggest problem. At the Universidad de los Andes, students invented Woocoa, a vegan wool, while researchers developed dyeing practices that reduce environmental harm.
Cartagena acts as a living runway for Colombian fashion as the city's tropical climate inspires airy silhouettes. Colombian fashion embraces maximalism, bursting with vibrant prints that mirror the country’s biodiversity — lush palm fronds, exotic florals, sunsets, and the electric blues of the Caribbean Sea. Luxury designer boutiques like Silvia Tcherassi and Johanna Ortiz showcase bold, architectural ruffles and daring color palettes, while swimwear brands like OndadeMar and Agua Bendita turn the natural world into wearable art. Dresses and two-piece sets billow with movement, ensuring that even in the heat, those who walk Cartagena’s streets do so with effortless glamour. Yet, the global fashion industry continues to overlook Cartagena. Why? The city’s designers are championing handmade, slow fashion that is both practical and rooted in tradition. Each garment tells a story of intentional design and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on eco-conscious materials and reduced climate impact. By partnering with local artisans, these designers help preserve Colombia's rich cultural history while pushing the boundaries of modern fashion.
One such visionary brand is Verdi, which takes the beloved Colombian mochila and reimagines it as a luxury accessory woven with metal threads. Their use of natural fibers and eco-friendly dyes highlights their commitment to sustainability. The brand’s collaboration with Cartier for their Trinity 100 celebration in Shanghai underscores the global recognition of Colombian craftsmanship. This is just one example of how Colombia’s designers are making waves beyond Latin America — so why is the world still slow to acknowledge them?
Cartagena’s fashion scene stands as a testament to this innovative, forward-thinking ethos. The city is alive with a sense of possibility, where fashion is not just a reflection of the present, but a celebration of the past and the future intertwined. Colombian designers are reshaping the fashion industry through ethical production practices, eco-conscious materials, and cultural storytelling. Cartagena, like the fashion it inspires, is a living canvas — where tradition and modernity collide, creating something entirely new and undeniably bold. Here, heritage is never forgotten, but it is reinterpreted, redefined and reimagined for the future.
The city pulses with a joyous celebration of life that radiates through its colors, textures, and traditions. Colombian fashion mirrors the nation’s love for life itself — a love so strong that it extends to a passionate commitment to preserving the planet. The land, with its stunning biodiversity, is an inseparable part of Colombia’s cultural identity, and its protection is essential to the continuity of life. As designers weave together the threads of history and innovation, they do so with a deep respect for the land and the people who inhabit it. Their bold, daring creations are not just garments — they are statements, pieces of living history that represent the future of fashion.
It’s time for the world to take notice. Cartagena is not just a hidden gem — it is a fashion capital in its own right, and its influence is only beginning to unfold.