My name is Chiara Mia Carrasquilla. I am excited to introduce Colochila, a fashion brand deeply rooted in Colombian tradition. With a background in fashion design and art direction from Munich and London, I embarked on a journey in 2023 that led me to the vibrant culture and artistry of Colombia. This blog aims to share the essence of Colochila and the vision behind our brand.
Inspired by the intricate Colombian artesanal crafts, such as the traditional Carriel bags and the handwoven Mochilas, Colochila blends these cultural treasures with contemporary design. The vibrant colors and meticulous details seen in everyday Colombian life have profoundly influenced our collections. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the art-loving community and the skilled artisans of Colombia, bringing their beautiful craftsmanship to a broader audience.
Colochila began with a focus on leather and woven bags, crafted in collaboration with local artisans. From the bustling markets of Medellin to the traditional workshops of Jericó and La Guajira, we have established a network of talented artisans who bring our designs to life. Each piece reflects our commitment to quality and cultural authenticity.
Colochila champions the concept of "Slow Luxury." Our artisans dedicate around 20 days to craft each bag, ensuring the highest quality and uniqueness. We maintain full transparency in our supply chain and ensure fair compensation for all artisans involved. Our work extends to remote tribal communities, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
The Wayuu, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Colombia, are renowned for their exquisite weaving techniques. These skills, passed down through generations, are central to their cultural identity. Despite their rich heritage, the Wayuu face challenges such as limited access to education and clean water. Colochila is committed to supporting these communities and preserving their traditions.
Our vision is to expand our support for Wayuu tribes and continue producing ethically made Colochila designs. We plan to introduce new collections, including clothing that incorporates traditional Wayuu craftsmanship. More details will be revealed in future blog posts.
Colochila stands as a testament to Colombian culture, offering high-quality, ethically crafted fashion through the "Slow Luxury" model. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where we will discuss our collaboration with the Gran Hotel Ibiza, delve into the rich traditions of the Wayuu, and explore our design philosophy for the upcoming collection, "Raíces en Tierras Extranjeras." We invite you to join us on this journey.