Colombian Brands Are Taking Over the Shows of Miami’s Swim Week 2023

Colombia is a key player in the fashion industry worldwide. As the sector grows, small and medium-sized companies from different corners of the country are looking for new opportunities to export one-of-a-kind and sustainable swimwear to the United States.

As a matter of fact, during Miami’s Swim Week’s shows, Colombia’s presence will be astounding. A total of 33 companies supported by ProColombia, the promotion agency of the country part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, will showcase their best designs: 10 of them will be at the Swimshow, 14 at the Cabana Show, one at Hammock, and eight at Destination by Coterie.

“The US is a key market for the success of Colombia´s swimwear industry; thus, during this week, Colombia will demonstrate why these commercial ties between our two nations should keep strengthening so more Colombian companies can show American buyers their unique and refreshing designs made with sustainable practices and innovative textiles,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia.

According to statistics provided by ProColombia, based on data from the national statistics agency DANE, 2022 swimwear exports to the United States reached 10,6 million US Dollars, an increase of approximately 48.4 per cent compared to 2019, when exports totaled 5,14 million US Dollars. Thus, it is worth mentioning that, during 2022, the number of companies from different origins across the territory grew, and exports to the United States came from six different departments: Antioquia, Atlántico, Bogotá DC, Bolívar, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca. Plus, between January and April 2023, swimwear exports to the United States have reached 3,1 million US Dollars, and Cundinamarca has recently entered the list of departments with exporting brands to this market. 

"Our country’s swimwear brands do not only stand out in the vast international market, but these exports positively impact the economy of our regions. Colombia’s fashion industry is renowned for using ecological, recycled, and naturally degradable materials, eco-friendly processes, and for respecting the workers’ human and labor rights”, added Caballero.

Since the signing of the last Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the U.S., a few years ago, the country has allowed the admission of fashion products with a 0% tariff. This competitive advantage adds to the country’s ability to respond to export demand due to its strategic location having access to multiple maritime routes and ports.

“We want to invite buyers and consumers to visit our Colombian brands at the different shows where they are participating during this Swim Week. Plus, we are proud to say that later in July, Colombian brands also will be part of Play Time and Curve, both fashion-related shows in New York City, to keep showing why Colombia is a key player in the fashion industry worldwide,” Caballero concluded.

Colombia at the Swimshow Miami

This premier global trade show attracts more than 7,500 buyers, manufacturers, designers, corporate personnel, press, bloggers, influencers, fashion consultants, stylists, VIP’s and other fashion industry leaders from over 60 countries across the globe to showcase brands and create business opportunities. Among those, Colombia is participating with ten brands that work with a sustainability focus: OLA AZUL Beach Lab, Corpo Swimwear, Mar de Lua, Mochila Market, Dulzamara Beachwear, Redflag, AguaMaría, Chamela, ST. Even, and Fiory Beach and Street.

Fiory Beach and Street, for example, is a summer wear brand that works with Colombian suppliers for 80 per cent of its raw materials, all with an ecological value proposition. "The suppliers that work with us in the printing process implemented a technology that reduces water consumption by 89 per cent. Our packaging material and labels are also ecological and reusable; we use corn that decomposes and does not pollute as much as plastic", explained Carolina Gallego, Commercial Manager of Fiory Beach and Street. As for the social factor of her company, 90 per cent of its employees are women, and 55 per cent of them, are mothers head of household.

Colombia at the Cabana Show

Cabana is the trade show for the modern fashion, travel, and lifestyle world. It brings together top brands and retailers in Miami and NYC. Its categories are spanning swimwear, resort wear, accessories, RTW, lingerie, jewelry, activewear, and footwear. Fourteen brands participating in this event are Colombian: Kaanas, Armantia, Mercedes Salazar, Eugenia Fernandez, ONDADEMAR, Sea Salt, Kibys, Waimari, Ancora, Encantadore, STEAM BEACHWEAR, Palmacea, Silka Lujo Cercano and Cala de la Cruz.

The last one -Cala de la Cruz- is a brand that strongly believes in tailor made sustainability. “We develop our collections and then, according to demand, use our made-to-order approach to producing the exact amount of units as possible. Our packaging is made out of leftover fabric, which would be going to waste otherwise”, said Juan Sebastián Rojas, Commercial Director of the brand. ¨

Colombia at Destination by Coterie

In this trade show, global retailers bring an internationally recognized and curated selection of emerging and established brands, that can show next year´s vacation-inspired apparel, footwear, and accessories collection. Among the Colombian brands participating are: ETHNIC Origins, Arte y Tejido, PALMA CANARIA, Sabbai, Liliana Meza, MOLA MOLA Beachwear, Amarelle Swimwear, and MICHELLE DACCARETT. All of these with a strong social responsibility pivot.

For instance, Liliana Meza is a brand that has 20 satellite workshops that work almost exclusively with its brand; the company has around 150-200 employees, primarily women. They are located in Barranquilla and neighboring municipalities to the city. “We are proud to generate employment regionally and work mostly with women heads of households. We go beyond social responsibility and are aware of the importance of being environmentally responsible as well: for example, the process of our prints is done with suppliers that have sustainable processes with biodegradable and ecological fabrics", said Liliana Meza herself. Their efforts pay off as their practices give back to the community and the territory while their designs stand out internationally. 

MOLA MOLA Beachwear is a brand that´s been in the market for nine years, but since the sustainable boom that raised awareness of the environment, their practices have evolved four years ago. “For every 12 PET bottles recovered from the ocean, Sutex, the company we work with for fabrics, produces a meter of it. We buy from them, and it is 100% Colombian material, and our packaging is also recycled from PET material. On the other hand, our company has ten employees, all women, mothers, and heads of household”, said Ana Dangond, Owner of MOLA MOLA.

Colombia at Hammock Trade Show

This smaller-scale Trade Show is the perfect spot for brands to meet with international buyers, and its focus is on eco-friendly businesses that stand out with conscious practices. In this event, there is only one company representing the South American country: ENTREAGUAS Swimwear. "Besides generating jobs mostly for women heads of household, we have a sustainable and eco-friendly motto. For example, water used for hand dyeing the fabric is recycled and reused for different purposes. Also, we work with corn bags and take advantage of 100 per cent of the fabrics by making everything in ivory color and then dyeing it manually, so there is no waste”, said María Fernanda Gómez, the International Sales Brand Representative.