Medellin Fashion Brands Breaking into Global Markets

The fashion industry in Colombia continues to expand in Medellin. According to the latest report from Inexmoda, the market value of the fashion industry in January 2024 was 2.73 billion pesos, an increase of 7.8% compared to 2023. In real terms, this represents a growth of 2.56%, with prices increasing by 5.13%. The association explains that the industry was resilient, with a market value of $8 billion. While the global fashion market closed with a growth of 2.6%, Colombia presented a growth of 4%.

Colombian Fashion Industry Thrives in Global Markets: sophisticated brands with a long trajectory, such as Arturo Calle, Velez, and Mario Hernandez, have achieved notable success, recognition, and sales in both the national and international markets. On the other hand, other emerging brands are also making innovative and original strides toward international expansion and the global fashion scene. Here are three of these original concepts born in Medellin:

Monastery Couture

Founded in 2019 in Antioquia, Monastery Couture has been striving from its inception to become the first Colombian luxury brand. This ambition has propelled it to currently stand as one of the foremost brands of its kind in Latin America, with four exclusive stores in Colombia and two in the United States. Pedro Castellanos, CEO and co-founder mentioned to Forbes Colombia that by 2024 they have set a sales target of 2.5 million dollars for just one of their US stores.

Distinguished by its urban style with elegant accents, the brand has been driven by a great reception in the reggaeton music industry. International artists like Daddy Yankee and Maluma have publicly showcased their items, further bolstering its reputation. The footballer James Rodriguez is frequently featured as one of its models and collaborators.

Agua Bendita

Beachwear, swimwear, and resort fashion brands combine in Agua Bendita streetwear fashion with interesting designs inspired by Colombian nature and culture. Currently, this fashion brand is the most internationally prominent of its kind, with 65% of its trade conducted abroad. In the United States, it has been operating for over ten years and currently has a presence in 60 countries. The company has collaborated on creative projects with luxury brands like Gucci and major retail chains like Target. Recently, its CEO told Fashion Network magazine that it aims to have 100 of its stores worldwide by 2026.

TRUE

The brand’s concept revolves around genderless clothing, featuring a streetwear style known for being on the cutting edge of trends. Originating as a project specializing in hand-customizing garments, now it has evolved into one of Colombia’s most original and innovative stores. TRUE has undertaken significant collaborations that have propelled its positioning, some of which include Spotify and the Chilean giant Falabella. Additionally, the brand has made appearances at prominent fashion events in Latin America, such as Mexico Fashion Week. With a strong online presence in the global market, TRUE is strategically forging its path toward international expansion.