If you want to find an independent fashion brand that is 100% custom made, explores Caribbean chic under the lens of local sensibilities and is completely sustainable, then Guzo Atelier is what you are looking for. The Montería born, Bogotá based designer has established his concept – encapsulated in the word “TRASCENDENCIA” which comes from the fusion of “tradición” (tradition) and “tendencia” (trend) in Spanish – in the local fashion scene through a brand that consumers go to when they want sophisticated options for warmer climates, with a local and very elegant twist. In creative director Jorge Guzmán Oyola’s words, “it’s all about Colombian luxury” and “making sure that the legacy of Colombian knowledge in arts and crafts don’t disappear, so that everyone who is wearing Guzo Atelier takes a piece of them wherever they go”.
Since 2019, Guzo Atelier has created exquisite garments for a woman that is strong, sensual, free and very Caribbean. The influence of Northern Colombian culture is seen and felt as a staple throughout his work from multiple angles: traditional weaving techniques, prints of rock paintings by the Sinú tribe, naturally tinted fibers, a production team and model crew that is as diverse as the region itself. “All the stories that we tell through our collections are Caribbean stories, so the details in them make the narrative more complete. Guzo is color, texture and taste through the details you can see in our garments.”
This idea is exquisitely explored by Guzo Atelier throughout their latest collection, GALERAZAMBA, inspired by a small village on the north coast of Colombia, famous for their artisanal sea salt industry, where the ocean turns pink. With outfits for men and women, GALERAZAMBA‘s palette is predominantlt composed by pure and raw white, hues of rose and pink, and sea blue, just like the place it inspired it, and explores the use of tye-dye techniques from a refined, fresh perspective.
Albeit being an essentially Caribbean fashion brand, Guzo Atelier goes a step beyond what is usual in the realm of tropical chic. This is about so much more than colorful, maximalist prints or flowing fabrics, but about expressing a sense of freshness in every piece of clothing. “Rather than flashy colors, it’s more important to me that you feel comfortable, because the weather in our area is intense, so my goal is to make my clients feel fresh, relaxed, comfy and that this can be applied on their outfits.
This is also another reason why Guzo Atelier makes it very clear that comfort is crucial to the development of their clothes, since the brand and its founder believe that, contrary to what some critics think, it is perfectly possible to dress well when it’s hot outside. “Obviously, you can’t wear padded jackets in warm regions”, he states, “but you can style yourself nicely for every weather and occassion. It depends on the colors and silhouettes, your ability to mix and match and how many risks are you willing to take, because fashion is about innovation.”
All in all, Guzo Atelier’s approach to luxury is deeper than using rare materials or focusing on branding and logos: it’s about being, doing and wearing what no one else is. “To me, luxury isn’t just what’s unattainable, but what makes you exclusively unique. A garment that is custom made for someone specific, that isn’t mass produced. Something that makes you feel unique, that you show off with pride, this is the meaning of luxury for Guzo”. Without a doubt, this concept is proven by every collection of the brand, exquisitely and with originality and respect for those who inspired it.
