BOLIVIA SHOWS AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

BOLIVIA

Bolivia showed a quintet of designers on Friday 11th October VFW SS20. I have chosen to cover 3 of these designers. I wanted to start off this post with a little information about Bolivia. Certainly, this is predominately a fashion blog, however, I pride myself on also covering other things. In this case, Bolivia is a country of extremes, landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America. It has a large proportion of indigenous people, who make up around two-thirds of the population. Recently Bolivia has been in the news because political turmoil which is taking place.

Bolivia has a surprisingly robust fashion industry for a small developing country. The fashion industry is largely driven by the wealthy upper class who passionately follow the latest trends from home and abroad. This is particularly true in the more European influenced city of Santa Cruz. Although it may not compare with the likes of London, Paris and New York it has produced an active fashion community.

Prior to seeing these designers from Bolivia and doing some research I knew little about the country or it's peoples. What is fascinating is that the four designers presenting, all involved crafts, fabrics and accessories made by the Indigenous people of Bolivia.

DIABLA

The runway show of the designers from Bolivia was opened by Diabla. First, please note that the name is Diabla and not Diablo. This is a label built on the empowerment of women . In fact, the label is designed by two women and is centered on creating pieces for the modern woman. The following is taken from the Diabla about us page;

"Diabla was born from the idea of creating a fashion trend inspired by the folk traditions of Bolivia. Not only is it an artisanal venture, it is a cultural movement with the vision of developing unique and authentic proposals inspired by the designs of ancestral fabrics of the indigenous communities of the country and especially of Bolivian women. The brand is a tribute to our culture and history.We share the vision of our ancestors to create clothing that is the extension of the identity of the person who wears them, unique handmade pieces, using ancestral sewing techniques with a modern touch. Thinking about contemporary women. We are a company that promotes the development of our artisans who make these fabrics by hand"

WEBSITE: www.diabla.com.bo

INSTAGRAM: @diablabolivia

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Diablabolivia/

DIABLA ON THE RUNWAY

First to take to the runway for Bolvia was Diabla. The indigenous women of Bolivia are at the center of this collection. These figures are presented as power figures emerging from oppression – mostly because of their refusal to adopt Western-style clothing. The garments shown by Diabla are a colourful display of pattern and embroideries inspired by traditional crafts and designs.

Red opened the collection however other rich jewel tones and gold were the backbone. Handcrafted garments with traditional silhouettes were imbued with the sensibilities of a modern young fashionable woman. Fanny packs with traditional embroidery and long flowing fringe are undoubtedly current. Silk, organza, satin and delicate beading give an elegant and sophisticated character to the gowns, dresses, jackets and pants. A principle component of these ensembles are beautifully crafted shawls that add layering and movement.

This elegant collection shares insights into to both Bolivian culture and traditional arts. As well as being cultural ambassadors the Diabla designers show a fashion forward collection, full of glamorous and lively creations. Diabla’s SS20 collection has all the pieces a woman needs to complete a fashionable look.

CARLA QUIROG

The second designer from Bolivia, is Carla Quirog. Quiroga grew up in Bolivia surrounded by crafts, this is a society where handmade things are valued. From a young age Carla learned knitting, sewing and painting. Her inspiration is not only drawn from her own emotional life but also from her rich heritage.

Quirog studied textile design and graduated from the Universidad de Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She worked for a year in Buenos Aires and the returned to her native Bolivia and opened her eponymous label CQ.

. As the creative director and designer of CQ, Carla draws inspiration from the colors of nature, her love for travel, national folklore and traditions. You can find her dancing lively at the Carnaval de Oruro (car-nah-val de o-roo-ro) or taking a road trip to Salar de Uyuni (sa-lar de ooh-yoo-nee). Pansies are her favorite flowers and Piri (pee-ree) is the dish she enjoys the most.

All our collections are designed and manufactured in Bolivia, because our goal is to empower local artisans and help preserve the country’s history and tradition in textiles. Each piece is handmade using long-established techniques and created to be timeless yet unique. Taken from VFW site

CARLA QUIROG ON THE RUNWAY

This collection by Carla Quirog gives knits a new spring lifeline . When I think of knits often it is fall or winter but with this vibrant collection these knits are like spring blossoms. If we were to walk thru a meadow in spring we would see the brilliant yellow and violet of the crocus, various odes to green, and the bright blue sky. All of this is brought to the runway by CQ. Other colors are, brilliant on trend orange and vibrant pink. The palette captures spring so perfectly.

The womenswear and menswear share a common thread. That thread is beautiful fabrics.The light knits, linens and cottons are used to create a collection that is casual, easy and fresh. The silhouettes reflect their South American roots, wide cut trousers, a tiered skirt and a long fringed one. Puffed ruffled sleeves, crocheted bags and wide brimmed hats bring needed detail to these simple and uncomplicated garments. These are wearable creations. Many creative designers have used their own cultures and countries as inspiration, however it is rare to get such distinct homage payed to the people.

Website: https://carlaquiroga.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CQ.dsgn/

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cqdsgn/?hl=en

PAPINGO MAMINGA

Bolivia gave us a look into their culture with the designers they exported to Vancouver Fashion Week. None were more on point to move Bolivia into the international fashion scene than Papingo Maminga. The Bolivian duo of Marco Gutiérrez and Daniel Ghetti are challenging the way Bolivians dress. Certainly there are references to the traditional fashions of Bolivia, however they are used to transport those traditions into modernity.

PAPINGO MAMINGA ON THE RUNWAY

The collection is called "Nice to meet you". The fashion duo used rainbow ribbons, passport stamps, sparkling appliques, and postcards to give youthful joy to some traditional silhouettes. Of all the brilliance that made up this collection a passport print stood out as a creative coup. In like manner the burgundy face of the passport with gold embossed lettering and crest is used almost like a breast plate. Some huge ruffles large brimmed hats and pops of color have us use that passport to a fantasy South American country where beauty is your visa.

Certainly,I have spoken of camp before and camps first cousin is kitsch. Kitsch in this case is the use of popular images or items as a sense of fun. The postcard card jacket and skirt are kitsch at it's best. Overall the comparison between traditional and modern, street wear and high fashion and vibrant colors and neutrals makes this collection a personal favorite. This is a smart and witty brand, it is apparent that much thought went into the choices made. I love intelligent and original ideas in fashion and I found that here.

Website: www.papingomaminga.com

Instagram: @papingomaminga

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NEW YEARS DRESS

Darlings New Years Eve is just around the corner and you will certainly need a new dress to bring in 2020. I love getting dressed up and New Years is the perfect opportunity to look our best. In fact I always like something new to wear, however this past year I have bought several great evening jackets so I'm sure I can make do. However I also think you should buy a dress that will take you to more than this one event. Moreover I always want you to have something to add to your personal style and wardrobe for the future.

NEW YEARS DRESS

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