Barranquilla Conquers New York Fashion Week: A Fantasy-Fueled Tribute to Carnival
On 2025 September 11, at Sony Hall in New York, Barranquilla made history. As part of New York Fashion Week, designer Kenn Kozz presented his Barranquilla collection—an unforgettable catwalk of color, tradition, and sophistication that merged high fashion and fantasy with Carnival cultural elements such as the garabato, mapalé, and congo.
Ten haute couture pieces, inspired by traditional Carnival dances and city emblems, were crafted by local artisans and drew thunderous applause from an international audience, raising Barranquilla’s name to new heights.
The project’s overall direction was led by First Lady Katia Nule, with institutional support from the District Mayor’s Office through the Barranquilla es Moda program (Special Projects Management, headed by Madelaine Certain), who led the delegation to New York.
“Barranquilla’s participation in a world-class event like New York Fashion Week demonstrates our city’s potential for international recognition,” said the Special Projects Manager. “The Mayor’s Office believes in culture as an engine of economic development. These events allow us to promote tourism while showcasing the creativity, talent, and identity that make us unique.”
The collection featured standout pieces including:
- 'Birds' – inspired by flight over the Magdalena River
- 'Fire' – a tribute to the harlequin devils
- 'Caiman' – honoring the river’s living legend
- 'Magdalena' – a dress that flows like the waters of that great river artery
- 'Caribbean' – made with over 3,500 mother-of-pearl coins and fabrics evoking fishing traditions
Audiences also witnessed 'Solstice' (radiating the energy of the Barranquilla sun), 'Cumbia' (transforming the vueltiao hat into a feminine silhouette), 'Garabato' (a rite in motion between life and death), 'Mapalé' (embroidered for 1,300 hours in honor of Afro-Caribbean eroticism and resistance), and 'Congo' (a symbol of royalty and collectivity in the Carnival).
“I brought much more than a collection to New York—I brought all of Barranquilla. Its river, its dances, its culture, and above all, the joy of its people,” said an visibly moved Kenn Kozz. “Everything is in these pieces, which are as much ours as they are universal.”
Barranquilla left its mark with Flor Chaparro’s footwear.
The outfits showcased on Runway 7 at Sony Hall were complemented by shoes created especially for the occasion by Barranquilla-based designer Flor Chaparro, founder of the renowned brand Efecé. Handcrafted by a team of more than 15 people using the same fabrics and embroidery as the collection, each exclusive pair combined comfort, aesthetic coherence, and high-quality finishes.
Michelle Char: Ambassador of the collection
As a special surprise, the catwalk featured the 2026 Carnival Queen, Michelle Char. Invited by the Barranquilla es Moda program, she made her debut as a model on this prestigious international platform.
As ambassador of the Barranquilla Carnival to the world, her presence carried deep symbolism: the festival’s highest representative proudly carrying her city’s colors, tradition, and essence to a global fashion showcase—reaffirming the powerful link between Barranquilla’s cultural heritage and its international projection.
“As Queen of the Barranquilla Carnival, it was an honor to be part of one of the world’s most important fashion shows, representing my city and local talent,” said Char. “The collection is inspired by traditional dances, and closing the show by bringing the essence of Carnival to the world was a very special moment for me. I not only represented Barranquilla, its talent and dedication, but also our culture, showing how Carnival can inspire fashion. I felt happy, excited, and very nervous to be chosen to close the show in one of the most iconic dresses—but above all, proud to represent my city to the world.”
A 100% Barranquilla team
Barranquilla models Angie Gómez and Valentina Abisambra also shone on the runway, selected to represent the diversity and talent of local women. Sharing the stage with renowned international models, their presence showcased their potential and reaffirmed Barranquilla’s place on the global fashion scene.
The photographic record was entrusted to celebrated Barranquilla photographer Francisco Gallo, whose lens captured every detail of the collection and staging, immortalizing one of the most significant moments in the city’s fashion industry.
Fashion expert Juliana Trujillo handled styling, contributing her creative vision and knowledge to every detail. Her guidance was fundamental in highlighting the essence of the pieces and ensuring each design shone with excellence, amplifying the cultural and aesthetic message the collection conveys to the world.
Commitment to the city’s creative industry
This participation is part of the Barranquilla es Moda city program and Barranquilla’s cultural internationalization strategy, which has been submitted to UNESCO for designation as a Creative City in the Crafts and Folk Arts category. Through this initiative, the Mayor’s Office reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cultural and creative industries as drivers of economic, social, and identity development.
With this showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, and creativity, Barranquilla took over New York, leaving its mark on the Big Apple. Amid flashing lights, applause, and international acclaim, one thing became clear: just as New York is the city that never sleeps, Barranquilla is the city that is never forgotten.
