The Ixel Moda runway event is taking place at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino in Santa Marta, Colombia, this week.
The event integrates high fashion with regional tourism to promote the cultural identity of the Colombian Caribbean. By aligning the runway with the city's traditional festivities, organizers aim to elevate local design as a primary driver for tourism.
This year's showcase occurs during the 66th edition of the Fiestas del Mar [1]. The festivities coincide with the 501st anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta [3]. The celebration serves as a backdrop for the presentation of the "Soy Caribe" collection, designed by Faride Ramos [2].
The programming is designed to highlight the capabilities of local creators. According to MSN Colombia, the schedule includes specific spaces to exalt the talent of designers from Santa Marta [2]. This focus on local craftsmanship is intended to strengthen the city's image as a center for artistic innovation.
Organizers said that the Ixel Moda runway seeks to connect fashion with tourism and the identity of the Colombian Caribbean [1]. The event uses the historic setting of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino to bridge the gap between the city's colonial history and its modern creative industry.
The 2026 event represents a strategic effort to diversify the city's tourism offerings [2]. By blending the 501-year history of the city [3] with contemporary fashion, the event targets both domestic and international visitors interested in cultural heritage.
“The Ixel Moda runway seeks to connect fashion with tourism and the identity of the Colombian Caribbean.”
The integration of Ixel Moda into the Fiestas del Mar suggests a shift toward 'creative tourism' in Santa Marta. By utilizing a historic site like the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino for a modern fashion show, the city is attempting to brand itself as a destination where colonial heritage and contemporary design coexist, potentially increasing the economic value of local artisanal work.
