Arts & Entertainment

‘Feliza’ collection pays tribute to the Colombian Pacific at Colombiamoda

Medellín, Colombia, Jul 26 (EFE).- A fashion collection made as an ode to the Colombian Pacific shined on the Colombianmoda catwalk in Medellín on Tuesday.

The “Feliza” (Happy) collection, presented by designer Diego Guarnizo in the Plaza Mayor convention center, was the outcome of a project that used fashion to preserve traditions and extol “the power of the Black race.”

The 85 pieces of colorful and textured clothing were inspired by the “platoneras,” Afro women who parade through the streets of Buenaventura, in the southwest department of Valle del Cauca, carrying fresh fish and seafood on a plate on their heads.

“I discovered the impressive power of the Afro race, heiress to the magic of Africa, a race that over time and history has overcome scourges and sorrows,” Guarnizo said, with regard to his collection, fueled by the sounds, cuisine and fashion of the Colombian Pacific.

Blues and dark tones predominated the 50 styles of dresses, coats, shirts and T-shirts with vibrant colors such as red, green and pink providing contrast.

Imparting a touch of realism to the most striking part of the show, a dozen Pacific women who were the designer’s muses during the creative and research phase, walked the runway wearing garments loaded with the Afro elements of “reason and heart” and prints that told stories of the region.

Toucans, a bird characteristic of the region, featured on clothing in red tones, while lettering on other garments touched upon women’s experiences, desires and traditions, including the elaboration of viche, a traditional home-brewed alcoholic drink of the Afro-Colombians.

The models, who sashayed to the rhythm of the sounds of their region, sported voluminous hairstyles, long braids, nose rings and other gold accessories, some made using the filigree technique by women from the Black community of Tumaco Montaña, in the Pacific.

The colorful garments, which had a touch of craftsmanship with chaquiras from the Embera Chamí community and some braided fringes, were made from cotton grown in this region and sustainable textiles made from reclaimed hemp, a natural, biodegradable, recyclable and antibacterial fiber obtained from the cannabis plant. EFE

jps/pd/tw

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