J Balvin and Vélez to open Colombiamoda 2026 with 'Artisan Gang in The City'

Colombiamoda 2026, the country's largest fashion week, will open on July 25 with a highly anticipated runway show by J Balvin and luxury leather brand Vélez. The collaborative collection, titled Artisan Gang in The City, marks the fourth partnership between the two and celebrates Vélez's 40th anniversary. Source: larepublicacoSource: elcolombiano

The show is part of Colombiamoda's new 'Opening Weekend' concept, extending the event from July 25 to 31. According to Sebastián Díez, president of Inexmoda (the organizing body), the aim is to transform Colombiamoda into a cultural platform that connects fashion, music, art, and business — mirroring the evolution of major global fashion weeks. Source: infobae

The collection

Inspired by the journey of the 'arriero antioqueño' (a traditional muleteer) from the mountains to the city, the collection reinterprets Colombian heritage through a contemporary lens. Key elements include:

• 28 looks divided into five narrative acts: 'Origen en Movimiento', 'Artesanía Reprogramada', 'Garniel: del Campo a la Ciudad', 'Futuro Nostálgico', and 'Manifiesto: Artisan Gang in The City'. Source: elcolombiano
• Traditional motifs such as cross-stitch, Arhuaco weavings, and the 'carriel' (a typical leather bag) are integrated into modern designs. Source: elcolombianoSource: larepublicaco
• Materials combine leather with textiles, graphic embroidery, and artisanal interventions.