Designers from Santa Marta showcased the IXEL Moda runway show this week to merge local fashion with tourism during the Fiestas del Mar.

The event serves as a strategic effort to elevate the city's profile as a cultural destination while celebrating its historical legacy. By integrating high fashion into the regional festivities, organizers aim to drive tourism and support local creative industries.

The showcase took place at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino in Santa Marta, Colombia [1, 2]. A primary highlight of the event was the presentation of the 'Soy Caribe' collection, designed by Faride Ramos [1, 2, 3]. The runway was broadcast live, allowing a wider audience to view the intersection of Caribbean identity and modern design [3].

This year's celebration coincides with the 66th edition of the Fiestas del Mar [1, 2]. The festivities are not only a seasonal tradition, but also a commemoration of the 501-year anniversary of Santa Marta [3].

Organizers said the goal is to link fashion with tourism to celebrate the city's longevity and cultural evolution [1, 2]. The use of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a site of significant historical importance, provides a backdrop that connects the city's colonial past with its contemporary artistic expressions [1, 2, 3].

By featuring local designers like Ramos, the event emphasizes the economic potential of the regional garment and design sector. The 'Soy Caribe' collection specifically draws on the imagery and spirit of the coast to promote a distinct regional brand to international and domestic visitors [1, 2, 3].

“The event serves as a strategic effort to elevate the city's profile as a cultural destination.”

The integration of IXEL Moda into the 66th Fiestas del Mar signifies a shift toward 'cultural tourism,' where heritage sites like the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino are used to market modern luxury and design. By aligning the city's 501st anniversary with a high-profile fashion event, Santa Marta is attempting to diversify its tourism appeal beyond beaches and nature, positioning itself as a hub for Caribbean creativity and economic development.