Bogotá is gearing up to host one of the most anticipated events in the country’s fashion calendar – Bogotá Fashion Week (BFW) 2024. From May 22 to 24, the Ágora Convention Center will transform into a bustling hub of creativity and commerce as designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts gather to celebrate the latest in Colombian fashion.
In its seventh edition, BFW promises to be bigger and better than ever before, serving as a vital platform for the burgeoning fashion industry in Bogotá and the wider region of Cundinamarca. Organized by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, BFW is not just a showcase of style but also a catalyst for economic growth and innovation within the sector.
This year, 110 carefully selected Colombian brands will take center stage, presenting their latest collections to a diverse audience of over 80 national and international buyers. These brands have undergone a rigorous process of selection, technical advisory, and business consultancy since September 2023, ensuring that they are well-prepared to compete in all markets, from regional to global.
And when it comes to Bogotá and the greater Bogotá region that includes Soacha in the department of Cundinamarca, the fashion cluster is composed of 34,883 registered companies, and they generate around 216,000 direct formal jobs. This cluster recorded sales of over $29,000 million pesos in 2023, representing 1.3% of the city’s GDP. The captial’s fashion companies are dedicated to footwear, textile manufacturing, leather goods, jewelry and costume jewelry design.
One of the highlights of BFW 2024 is the [PUENTE] Component, a new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between BFW and various projects, regions, organizations, or communities within Colombia’s fashion ecosystem. For its inaugural edition, [PUENTE] will integrate entrepreneurs from San Victorino, a bustling commercial sector of Bogotá, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings on a prestigious platform. “Puente represents a unique opportunity to strengthen a geographical sector, promote its economic development, elaborate business processes and models within the framework of the popular economy,” highlights the CCB’s Executive President Ovidio Claros Polano. The inner-city essence of San Victorino’s famous bargain bazaa, El Madrugón, will be interpreted on the catwalk by fashion experts Ana María Londoño and Pilar Castaño.
The significance of BFW extends beyond the runway, with a series of components designed to promote networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development within the industry. From Wholesale Business, where buyers can interact directly with designers to finalize deals, to the Multibrand Store, offering the public a chance to purchase pieces from the showcased collections, BFW caters to all facets of the fashion ecosystem.
Central to BFW’s mission is its commitment to sustainability and innovation in fashion. Runway shows will feature brands dedicated to eco-friendly practices and ethical production, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in the industry. Additionally, conversations, talks, and laboratories will delve into topics such as the future of fashion, craftsmanship, and the balance between tradition and innovation. The editorial direction, guest curation, and programming of Conversations will be hosted by critic author Rocío Arias Hofman.
The runway shows at BFW are where the magic truly happens, as designers unveil their latest creations to an eagerly awaiting audience. From sustainable fashion to urban streetwear, each runway showcases diversity and creativity.
The schedule for the runway shows is as follows:
Wednesday, May 22:
- Sustainable Brands Runway: Featuring Etérea, Zorro Gris, BeMonocromo, Cala de la Cruz, Atelier Crump, Andrea Landa, Faride Ramos, and Old Maquiina.
Thursday, May 23:
- San Victorino Runway: Showcasing NK, ISMO, Cannabis SAS, Divina Coleection, Kottrisk, WANAAWAA, Plur Store, Zoe Company, Carisma Jeans, and Seven 7.
- Emerging Brands Runway: Presenting Anthias, Mayorga, La Petite Mort, A MODO MIO, Carlos Carrizosa, and Laura Aparicio.
Friday, May 24:
- Urban Brands Runway: Featuring General, Joeg, Merci Palais D’or, Alado, and Alejandro Crocker.
- Other Designers: PALMA CANARIA, Alta, Tejidos Rebancá.
María Paz Gaviria, manager of Cultural Programs at the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, believes that BFW not only celebrates Colombian talent but also empowers independent designers to thrive in a competitive global market. “The rigorous preparation provided to participating brands ensures that they are well-equipped to succeed beyond the event itself,” she said.
Included in a cast of 60 national and international guests attending BFW are Kelly Talamas, Sass Brown, chef Harry Sasson, and actor Juan Pablo Raba, adding further prestige to an event that fosters valuable connections within creative clusters.
BFW 2024 is not just a fashion event. In fact, it’s a celebration of Colombian culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship across socio-economic divides. With its vibrant energy, innovative agenda, and commitment to sustainability, BFW continues to elevate Colombian design onto the global stage, solidifying Bogotá’s reputation as a dynamic, edgy, and go-to-fashion capital.
Ágora Bogotá – Convention Center. Calle 24 No.38-71.
Bogotá Fashion Week is open to the public with prior registration. Admission is free. Follow the event on social media with the hashtag #BOGFW2024
