The change of command that took place this Sunday, August 7, reaffirmed that fashion is a vehicle to send strong messages without the need to pronounce any words, its impact and strength was not only reflected in the costumes of the first lady and her family, but transcended in the members of the cabinet and the different attendees to this public event, who carefully chose their dresses to exalt their roots, but above all to carry expressions aimed at peace, environmental protection and craftsmanship.

One of the main exponents was Diego Guarnizo, who through his designs has been characterized by emphasizing the Colombian identity through the use of patterns and bright colors. Sofia Petro with her dress in the possession confirmed it, a chumbes top woven in vertical loom in the valley of sibundoy Putumayo, by the KÄMENTSÁ Indigenous community, adorned with mini weavings in yellow beads made by the Embera Chami community that, symbolically, unite all the indigenous communities of the country and that were woven by indigenous women named Teresa Jacanamijoi and Elsenjeauer.

Her jacket was made of silk crepe, embroidered by hand with the technique of fabric on fabric and, in turn, materializes the daily life of Colombian peasants. On its sleeves and by the embroidery technique, the phrases ̈Social Justice¨ and ¨Environmental Justice¨ stand out, as shouts of manifestation and alert to become aware in the care of our humanity. The impeccable and meticulous embroidery was made by artisans Adriana Gómez and María Elsy Guzmán, who live in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá.

Source – Google

Maria José Pizarro also wore a coat signed by Guarnizo, as a tribute to Afro-Colombian women and her father Carlos Pizarro Leongómez. The embroidery was made by Juan Heredia of Tejidos Chakana, an enterprise of handmade pieces made by former combatants of the FARC and with the design of Mateo Perea.

Another of the great protagonists was Esteban Sinisterra or Esteban African, one of the most promising designers today. With his creations he seeks to capture the violence of his territory in the Colombian Pacific, using symbolism of women and the people he represents. The colors used in the powerful dress worn by Francia Marquez were white, mustard and purple. These were chosen to emphasize the threats to which they are subjected in the Pacific. A message in protest of the violence that has historically lived this area, the nonconformity and violence that is lived in the country.

For me, the big bet was in charge of Virgilio Madinah, this being the first time that a first lady uses a pants outfit in a possession. A white one-piece suit in Ivory crepe fabric, sought to exemplify peace and hope, accompanied by a cape with three silver buttons of handmade Momposina filigree jewelry and a brooch with the image of the virgin with the miraculous symbolizing devotion and faith to match the silver buttons made in Santa Cruz de Mompox, as a complement a handbag designed by Adriana Ureta.

Source – Google

Communities, collectives, designers, brands, and institutions were present and reflected their commitment through their designs and collaborations in the presidential inauguration. The list is long, and the stories told and to be told are many; in summary and leaving aside the political and historical meanings of this day, the power of fashion was confirmed with the meticulous choice of each color, garment, accessory or complement. For my part, the invitation was clear and the explanation is to go beyond what we see and consume of national design, more than buying and wearing it is to know our roots and feel proud of each piece and the story it tells.

By – Camila Ramos Conde & M. Agudelo