Christian Colorado, a Colombian designer born in Caldas, Antioquia, has had a remarkable journey to the top of the fashion world. From holding various jobs throughout his life to finally deciding that fashion was his calling, Christian has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to his craft.
In an interview with Colombia One, Christian shared insights into his life, his creative process, and his most recent milestone: presenting his collection Tierra Caliente at Paris Fashion Week.
‘Fashion was always in my heart’
When asked about his decision to become a fashion designer, Colorado shared:
“It’s crazy because it was something I always wanted deep in my heart, but when I was young, I had my doubts. Growing up in a small town that was less developed back then, there was a lot of machismo, and I thought, ‘If I say I want to be a designer, no one will understand.’ So, I would tell myself, ‘I’ll be a singer instead.’ Then, I thought maybe graphic design would be more acceptable.”
It wasn’t until he moved to Bogota in his teens to live with his mother that Christian found the confidence to pursue his dreams.
“My mom was always incredibly supportive. She would tell me, ‘Go for it! You’re so talented.’ She gave me the security I needed, and so did my sister. I even started making clothes for everyone in the family, from my nephew to my siblings. That’s when I knew this was what I was meant to do.”
A Colombian fashion designer’s global journey rooted in local identity
Colorado’s designs have graced the runways of New York multiple times, with collections showcased from 2018 to 2024. However, Paris Fashion Week marked a new chapter in his career.
“The opportunity to present in Paris came through the producers I work with in New York. They were expanding into Europe and invited me to join them. It was such a blessing because Paris was always a dream of mine,” he said.
The collection Tierra Caliente is deeply personal to Christian. “I like to give meaning to everything I create. Growing up in a hot region of Colombia, the phrase ‘tierra caliente’ evokes both a literal and cultural significance. For Colombians, it might bring to mind something negative, but I wanted to redefine it. It’s about showing where I come from, my roots, and my story. It’s not just clothing; it’s storytelling.”
Passion and perseverance
Reflecting on his journey, Colorado explained how his love for fashion outclassed his other creative pursuits: “I’ve always been passionate about many things, like cooking and music. But I realized that fashion was the fastest way to monetize my creativity. I started by making clothes for my sister and her colleagues, and it quickly grew from there.”
He also spoke about the challenges of balancing artistry and business: “I’m a romantic at heart. I don’t want everyone to wear my designs; I want them to be special. But that means I sometimes face criticism for not focusing on profitability. It’s a constant battle, but I’ve learned it’s a common struggle for artists.”
Christian’s work merges his Colombian roots with global influences. “I grew up as a small-town kid, then a city teenager, and now an adult navigating the world. Everything I’ve experienced comes together in my designs. From local Colombian traditions to international music and fashion influences, it all blends into what I create.”
Christian Colorado’s legacy as a Colombian fashion designer
When asked how he envisions the future of fashion, Christian emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself: “I want to be remembered as someone who always stayed true to their identity. Even as I adapt to new environments, I’m rooted in who I am and where I come from. That’s what gives my work its essence.”
Interestingly, Christian’s Colombian identity shines not only in his designs but also in his personal connections. He shared that his friends often think of him whenever they listen to vallenato, a traditional Colombian music genre he grew up with.
With Tierra Caliente, Christian Colorado has not only showcased his talent but also shared his personal journey, proving that the world of fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about style.