J Balvin headlines opening of Colombiamoda 2026 in Medellín

Colombian singer J Balvin opened the new "Opening Weekend" of Colombiamoda 2026 in Medellín, sharing Instagram Stories that showed a runway collection inspired by the country’s artisan heritage. The show featured wide‑silhouette garments, dominant leather, large‑format bags, woven accessories and earth‑tone colours, reflecting traditional crafts in a contemporary urban style. Balvin appeared only at the end of the show to greet the audience and did not perform musically.

The launch was a collaborative effort. Luxury leather brand Vélez presented its 40‑year anniversary collection, while Dominican label FashionLab represented the Dominican Republic, highlighting cross‑Latin‑American fashion ties. Additionally, Barranquilla’s Clubes de Tejedoras displayed sustainable crochet accessories made from recycled materials, emphasising social innovation and ecological responsibility. The event runs until 31 July, aiming to strengthen links between fashion, music and the creative industries across the region.