Baobab, the Colombian Beachwear Brand, Opens New York Store

On March 25, Colombian beachwear brand Baobab launched its first international store in New York City. Founded in Bogota in 2015 by Isabella Espinoza, Baobab is a leader in sustainable luxury swimwear and at the forefront of Colombian fashion, having expanded its reach globally within less than a decade. Baobab achieved international fame after participating in Paris Fashion Week in July 2022 and organizing an incredible fashion show in Dubai’s desert in November 2022. As such, Baobab New York store opening marks a significant milestone for the Colombian brand and Colombian fashion’s international expansion.

Baobab, from Colombia to New York

Named ‘District Baobab’, the Colombian beachwear store is located on 392 Bleecker Street, in the exclusive West Village area of Lower Manhattan. The store’s inauguration was celebrated with a fashion show along the neighborhood’s streets, culminating in the store’s opening. As such, the location on Bleecker Street, New York’s fashion hub, is strategic. Indeed, the Big Apple is the heart of the US fashion, a market that accounts for 90 percent of the Baobab’s sales.

Besides New York City and the US, Baobab has achieved a worldwide presence, selling swimwear in 37 countries, including France, Italy, Russia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, through a network of over 130 partner stores, including the prestigious French Galeries Lafayette and the American Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s luxury stores.

A Colombian and sustainable identity

Sustainability is at the core of Baobab’s identity, with a 100 percent eco-friendly production process. As such, the primary material used is recycled polyester and the printing process for the swimsuits does not produce any water or chemical waste. In addition, Baobab introduced an innovative packaging concept, which is a coconut shell that can be reused later as a beach bag. These sustainable practices are complemented by active environmental initiatives, as Baobab participates in the restauration of coral reefs in the Colombian archipelago of San Andres and Providencia, as well as the planting of thousands of trees across Colombia.

Indeed, Colombia is also a fundamental part of Baobab’s identity. Beyond its colorful designs that recall Colombian shorelines and nature, the brand’s products are 100 percent made in Colombia, in workshops in Bogota and Medellin, generating over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs. Moreover, apart from its new ‘District Baobab’ store in New York city, Baobab’s only flagship stores are located in Colombia: the iconic ‘Atico Baobab’ and ‘Casa Baobab’ stores in Bogota, as well as the ‘Costa Baobab’ store in Cartagena.