Agua Bendita is the brainchild of 2 Colombian women; Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza. These ladies opted to pursue their passion for design and went on to found an iconic brand of distinctive and exclusive swimsuits. Over the years, they have fearlessly taken substantial risks. While their entrepreneurship acumen constantly drives to look for new innovative ways to express the very essence of women across the globe. Like their website boldly asserts, each piece is a story of hundreds of Colombian artisan women who work with their hands to give the designs the hallmark of Colombian strength.
Humble beginnings
Agua Bendita was established in 2003 when Ms. Alvarez and Ms. Hinestroza were still studying fashion design at the Colegiatura Columbiana University. To complete a class project, they obtained the ingenious idea of working with sample fabrics to design handcrafted bathing suits.
The idea richly paid off, and from a university project it evolved into a notable brand. As the demand for their wares increased, these 2 ladies contacted large textile manufacturers in Medellin and Bogota, requesting sample fabrics. To their credit, many of these companies provided what was requested for free. After a couple of years, Agua Bendita had achieved a fair level of success domestically.
International Acclaim
The next step for Agua Bendita swimwear was to reach out to a global client base. Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza decided to take a booth at the 2006 Miami fashion week. This was diminutive booth, tucked away in an obscure corner. Still, an editor of sports illustrated swimsuit edition, stumbled upon it and instantly loved their wares. Several months later, sports illustrated swimsuit edition featured on its front cover Marissa Miller and Bar Rafaeli in Agua Bendita swimwear and like they say the rest is history.
Immediately, numerous retailers from across globe started expressing keen interest in carrying the brand. As Ms.Alravez later stated, the magazine appearance became a gateway to the world.’ Now Agua Bendita bathing suits are on sale in more 50 nations from all over the world. Additionally, this brand has been privileged to be represented by top flight global models. This includes Kendall Jenner, Irina Shayk, Candice Swanepoel, Izabel Gouilart, and of course Bar Rafaeli.
The success story of Agua Bendita is certainly an inspiring one, particularly when you take time to reflect on the odds its 2 founders have had to overcome to get it where it is today. This swimsuit brand not only highlights the tenacious willpower of Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza. But also showcases the numerous Colombian artisan women who have put all their efforts to make by hand the distinctive allure this brand exudes.
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