From Cartago and Buenaventura to the runways of France: the artisanal knowledge of Valle dazzles at Paris Fashion Week

NewsValle del Cauca talent is part of the programming of this major world fashion event. Photo: EFEJOURNALIST02.10.2026 15:36 Updated: 02.10.2026 15:36 The artisanal knowledge of Valle del Cauca has crossed borders and reached Paris Fashion Week, which runs until October 6 in the French capital. A delegation of designers, artisans, and authorities from the department, led by Valle del Cauca's social manager, Jimena Toro, is representing Vallecaucan talent on the runways of the most important fashion event on the planet. The artisanal knowledge of Valle del Cauca is present at Paris Fashion Week. Photo:Gobernación del Valle del CaucaThe Vallecaucan delegation is part of a broader Colombian representation that finds in France a stage for cultural and artisanal exchange. Also taking part in this agenda is the First Lady of Colombia, Ana Lucía Pineda Aruachán, who highlighted the value of international cooperation."You are offering cooperation between countries that can be very useful for continuing to work together, to give everyone the opportunities they deserve, because the work of artisans represents what is the soul of our Colombians," said Pineda Aruachán. The Social Manager, Jimena Toro, accompanies the Vallecaucan delegation. Photo:Gobernación del Valle del CaucaThree standouts of Vallecaucan talentOn the Parisian runways, three exponents of the department are stirring emotions among attendees with proposals that fuse tradition and contemporaneity:Ariel Vizcaíno, a designer from Buenaventura, presents sustainable fashion designs that have caught the attention of the international public. Yamileth Henao, representing Cartago, brings to Paris the traditional embroidery of northern Valle, a technique she has perfected over the years. Isabella Marmolejo, from Roldanillo, shows creations that fuse ancestral techniques with modern visions. For Isabella Marmolejo, the experience represents a space for learning and exchange through the work she carries out in her territory. "We feel completely honored that they chose us to represent them and to be here learning, but also demonstrating what we know. It is so enriching to be here," said the designer. Meanwhile, Yamileth Henao highlighted the possibility of bringing the name of her territory to France: "Everything has been fabulous, very happy with this experience, being able to also demonstrate the talent there is in Valle del Cauca, I feel very happy representing my town Roldanillo." Proposals that bring together Vallecaucan knowledge are presented on the great showcase of fashion. Photo:Gobernación del Valle del CaucaA call to preserve heritageThe presence in Paris connects with the processes promoted by the Gobernación del Valle del Cauca to preserve the department's own cultural expressions. Governor Dilian Francisca Toro expressed her aspiration for these techniques to be recognized as intangible heritage."What we want is for that knowledge, that tradition which is embroidery, to be granted recognition by the Ministry as an intangible heritage of Colombia, so that it does not disappear, so that the knowledge is always passed down from generation to generation," said the governor. READ ALSO Traditional techniques on the runwaysThanks to this participation, traditional techniques of Valle del Cauca have reached the runways of Paris and other French cities: embroidery, calado openwork, patecabra, cara de piña, macramé, and crochet are presented to the world as living expressions of regional culture. Social Manager Jimena Toro highlighted the importance of these international bridges for Vallecaucan creators. "May those skills that have been shown to us and that we can also share be very important for each of our masters and for each of these people with whom we build bridges here, so that our entrepreneurs, masters, and artisans show the world what they are capable of and the wonderful things they make," said Toro. Agenda of cooperation and exchangeAs part of her agenda in France, the Social Manager participates in panels and exchanges on culture, heritage, and cooperation, a program through which the Gobernación del Valle del Cauca projects the knowledge and artisanal talent of its territories onto international stages. Participation in Paris Fashion Week not only represents a showcase for Vallecaucan designers, but also an opportunity to establish alliances, learn from other artisanal traditions, and position Valle del Cauca as a territory where culture and creativity are engines of development. Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or on our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITALReliable information for you. 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