Brand
Pepa Pombo
Paris de Asia – SS18
Words by Katie Farley
A brand that is indicative of fashion longevity, unique craftsmanship and attains a prolonged passion for its heritage, Pepa Pombo is the personification of culture-defining style that has made its mark amid the industry for more than thirty-five years. Since its inception in 1978, the Colombian ready-to-wear label has been creatively mentored by original founder Pepa Pombo and has metamorphosed into a thriving family-run business. Ever since the 1980s the brand has been acknowledged as one of the most distinguished names in fashion amid the designer’s home country, whilst occupying inordinate interest in Mexico and throughout France, Italy, the United States, Hungary and even Saudi Arabia.
Mexico translates as an unequivocal source of inspiration that is indisputably identified within Pepa Pombo’s work, which has, therefore, enabled her to position the label as an irrefutable reference to fashion. Each collection journeys back to Pepa Pombo’s DNA – its remarkable approach to knitwear, where an alluring and accelerative unification of creative handicrafts are recognized. “History is always ingrained in our designs,” says the designer. “Our method of creating knitwear is uniquely ours from the beginning to the end. We create each piece from scratch, transforming raw fibers into intricately hand-woven clothing, using our unique process that I originated in the 1970s.”
Pepa Pombo attains a great sense of pride knowing that its fabrics that are of a delicate nature, remain exclusive to the brand. Artful credentials such as the embroidery, pattern of weaving, thread, and finishing’s that are employed into each garment are carefully considered into the final product. The result is an original formation outlined by distinctiveness, multi-functionality, and versatility.
In 2002, Pepa appointed her daughter Monica Holguin as Designer and Creative Director of the label, which indicated a transitory of the fashion mantle. With a fresh mind and evolving, innovative ideas that continue to compliment yet explore the realms of craftsmanship, design heritage, and rich traditions, today, Monica maintains the family tradition, acclimatizing and presenting the Pepa Pombo brand to new generations.
Incorporating an incredible sense of technical dexterities and a unique eye for intricate detailing, Monica of Pepa Pombo speaks of her favorite details amid the label’s collections; “One of my favorite pieces is one of our signature jackets that is essentially created by hand-weaving ribbons of fabric. The pattern of this particular weave is inspired by origami; the ribbon is folded over and over as it is woven, creating a beautiful chain of triangular shapes. Another favorite of mine is a gown that can be worn in a variety of ways. Not only is it reversible, but its straps can be tied several ways allowing it to be worn and styled differently each time. This versatility is another signature of our designs.”
Pepa Pombo presented ‘Paris in Asia’ as its creative proposal for spring/summer 2018, which transpired as an honourary collection Monica showcased to her legendary mother, celebrating her forty-year career in Colombian fashion. It was additionally an ode to her legacy of manual work with textile manipulation. A collection opulent in rich fabrications, exquisite textures, and vibrant colors tells a story of a woman who has a passion for art and travel. The proposal showcases increasingly evident expertise in knitting and looms, reiterating and celebrating Monica’s excellent managing of exploring silhouettes, materials and next level artistry.
Exhibiting a sophisticated playfulness that is terribly chic, infectious and wearable, Pepa Pombo designs for the modern woman who attains a penchant for texture and detail, unashamedly confidant with her innovative and individual style.
