Colombia Keeps Changing Paradigms at MAGIC 2023

New York, February 20 TH , 2023. Participating at MAGIC, both Las Vegas and NYC 2023, has been the perfect opportunity for the Colombian fashion sector to keep showing why the country is the leading commercial ally for the US in many industries, including this one. In 2022, the United States bought 35,6% of Colombian fashion exports (US$375 million). Nowadays, Colombia is the number one supplier of girdles to the United States for bathing suits, jeans, and underwear. In addition, it is the second Latin American supplier of sportswear to the United States and the third Latin American supplier of home clothing to this market.

Five companies participated in the trade show in Las Vegas from February 13 to the 15 th ; these days, six more are participating in MAGIC New York. With this, Colombia looks forward to strengthening this long-lasting partnership with the U.S.

Its efficiency and ability to respond to export demand due to its strategic position of having numerous accessible marine routes and ports are some of the competitive advantages of the South American country. Besides, Colombian companies are environmentally and socially responsible; they support equal opportunities and improve employment practices and working conditions. The country has always stood for its commitment to sustainable fashion; this year is no exception.

Colombia is first in Latin American countries' ethical practices and stands second for social responsibility. According to Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, “Besides offering flexible production tailored to customer requirements, and the traditional, experienced textiles companies, Colombia has a vertically integrated fashion industry that is already renowned for the use of ecological, recycled, and naturally degradable materials, eco-friendly product development, as well as for the respect for workers' human and labor rights.”

As stated by Caballero, "There is no doubt that, across all productive chains, our country is looking forward to reducing inequity, and social, economic, and gender gaps, with the purpose to achieve total peace within our territories.”

Colombian companies participating at MAGIC NEW YORK 2023:

AMBEH JEWELRY, which participated in Magic Las Vegas, is also participating in the New York event. Ana María Becerra, the Creative Director of the company, stated that “We want to bring the best face of Colombia to show the laborious hands of our collaborators, mothers head of households that make it possible to obtain these unique pieces made by hand in our workshops located in different cities across the country. Our greatest competitive advantage is that our products are cost-effective and high-quality; most of our designs are genderless, and we also have an innovative line of children & jewelry. STIVALI is a brand that works with materials to ensure as little environmental impact as possible. They try with each of their designs to ease their carbon footprint. They use genuine leaders, which are natural products of the planet, so they have a quicker biodegradable process. Additionally, they use entirely biodegradable materials as their wrapping packaging. MPM is a brand from Barranquilla that has a socially responsible component. Their team comprises twenty-six employees, 100 per cent women heads of household, formally employed. Regarding sustainability, their products are designed and manufactured in Colombia using natural fiber linen material, creating unique pieces that mix the cut´s simplicity with artistic details. SPÍRITO is interested in environmental responsibility."We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and promoting policies that positively impact the quality of life of all our stakeholders", stated Jennifer Echeverri, the Commercial Director. With clothing inspired by nature and vibrant colors in their prints, the company also supports women, having them work as part of the team and making it their mission to empower women with their designs. SEASONAL has an interest in being an environmentally responsible brand. Therefore, it has a “made to order” system avoiding waste and high production quantities that are harmful to the environment. ALMA SLEEPWEAR is participating for the second time at the NY Fair. It has around eight women working for the company. Their collection includes original flower and animal prints, both colorful and classic, to suit all preferences.

Regarding the companies that participated a few days ago at MAGIC Las Vegas —Textiles Acrilian; Lafayette; Ambeth Jewelry; Licsy Fit Fajas/CI Aliada; and Zierra Leona—, these have high expectations about growth in the United States. Such is the case of Licsy Fit Fajas/CI Aliada, whose International Sales Representative, Danna Moreno, said, “For us, participating in Magic Sourcing is essential. This is our third time, and we hope to be able to attend the fair both in Nashville and, of course, return to Las Vegas in August. In the United States, a country that represents 80 per cent of our exports, Colombian control shapewear is renowned for its materials and high quality. We have the competitive advantage of having flexible minimum amounts of 36 units, which is quite attractive to some boutique buyers. We will keep working towards positioning our brand and the country as a reliable sourcing ally”.