The Ultimate Guide to Design-Inspired Shopping in Bogotá, Colombia
Discover a Burgeoning Design Scene
Written by Kat Harrison, contributor, for El Camino Travel. Originally published July 21, 2022
In The ECT Clubhouse, El Camino shares bi-monthly, curated travel guides where we provide off-the-beaten path recs and hidden gems in places like New Orleans, Jaipur, and Bogotá.
The El Camino Travel Guide to Bogotá includes recommendations for everything you need to do to get a sense of the dynamic capital, from cafes to nightlife.
But one category that may *not* be on your Bogotá radar is the burgeoning design scene. We pulled our favorite shopping recommendations from the curated Bogotá Travel Guide to share with you!
Via Palma Canaria
The modern metropolis of Bogotá is known for its breathtaking topography, perched on a high plateau in the Andes Mountains. “It’s stunning to have these huge mountains right there,” says ECT Colombian-American Co-Founder and CEO, Katalina Mayorga. But beyond its iconic views, Bogotá is making a name for itself as the cultural center of Colombia. Home to leaders in gastronomy, music, art, and, of course, design.
Tourists often think that the best souvenir to purchase in Bogotá is the sombrero vueltiao, a turned hat, yet this craft is more of a tourist icon than a local tradition at this point. While craftsmanship and artistry are prominent in Bogotá, one of the most exciting things about Colombia is the flourishing fashion scene. We recommend skipping the sombrero vueltiao purchase and opting for products from Colombia’s brilliant designers who are making their mark on the fashion industry.
While a mall may seem like a surprising choice, the Andino Shopping Mall and the surrounding Chapinero area are where you can find some of the best Colombian brands.
“If you can only buy one thing in Colombia, I recommend buying from the PMxCano collection,” says Katalina. Since 1968, Cano Jewelry has reproduced original designs of private collections of pre-Hispanic art—the resulting stunning pieces are unique interpretations made from the ancient technique of the lost-wax, casting, hammering, bas-reliefs, and high relief. After five generations, Cano Jewelry is one of the oldest and most respected Colombian jewelry companies. Recently they brought in an emerging Colombian designer, Paula Mendoza, to create modern twists on their older designs, known as the PMxCano collections. Katalina is building her collection of PMxCano pieces and currently has her eyes on this choker. You can find a store in the Andino Shopping Mall near Chapinero.
Peruse Casa Precis, a stylish boutique carrying emerging Latin American labels, near Chapinero. More than a concept store, this shop has become a creative hub of designers and an important showcase of Colombian style. With small collections of over 45 designers from all over the country, this is a great place to find a unique piece while supporting local makers.
Via Casa Precis
Find over 70 local brands at Bah hué in Chapinero. This boutique carries talented local labels that are creating fashion with essence and balance, rather than just trends. Tucked away behind a metal gate, this concept shop is housed in a beautiful brick building, with manicured greenery crawling up its walls and a peaceful, surrounding patio area.
Discover Mercedes Salazar, a high-end jewelry designer with a shop located in Chapinero. Her collection, “Colombia”, pays tribute to the ancestral techniques of transforming materials. The pieces include beautiful, neutral-toned earrings and over-the-shoulder bags.
Pro-tip: You can usually get these stunning earrings for a fraction of the cost when you shop in person in the Bogotá locations, recommends Katalina.
Created by prominent designer Manuela Álvarez, MAZ is a contemporary, high-end fashion brand. You can find her gorgeous pieces in the MAZ Studio / Showroom in Chapinero. Handcrafted, multicultural, community-driven, and sustainably conceived are the pillars of this label.
Don’t forget shoes—stop by Nora Lozza in the Andino Shopping Mall near Chapinero. Their wide selection of footwear, from strappy, brightly-colored sandals to sleek, winter boots, are all handmade in Colombia from quality leather.
Via Nora Lozza
Visit Palma Canaria near Chapinero. As fashion lovers and admirers of craftsmanship and manual work, mother-daughter duo, Mónica Arbeláez and Juliana Quintero, brought this brand to life in 2016. Their unique pieces, from big beachy bags to woven coverups, are all made by Colombian craftspeople, with the goal of bringing local designers to the global market.
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