La Ciénaga

"I first learned about La Ciénaga from a post I read here (on Substack) a few months ago, and I fell in love with it instantly. The bags are vibrant works of art and have a quality that feels both deeply rooted and completely modern. But honestly, what prompted me to reach out was my desire to learn more about the founder, Silvana, who also writes on Substack. The way she talks about her work made me feel like we were already on the same page about what fashion can and should mean."

"More than fifteen years ago, during a trip to Villa de Leyva in Colombia, she met a peasant woman who was weaving baskets to carry market purchases to her home. An everyday, functional, humble object. But in that object designed to last and accompany daily life, Silvana saw a piece charged with meaning."

“We want to break the European stereotype that baskets are only for the summer.”

“La Ciénaga presents its creations as timeless, with no distinction of gender or season, aimed at a global and diverse audience that values authenticity and sustainable design. Beyond its iconic baskets, the brand has expanded its range with unique accessories known as “Perendengues,” which include colorful pendants and small coin purses.”

"Under the motto 'No gender, no season, no age,' La Ciénaga champions an inclusive and timeless design that transcends categories. Its baskets suit various contexts and adapt to those who choose them, rather than the fashion calendar." 

“One of the things I liked most about La Ciénaga was the philosophy behind it. They reuse materials that would otherwise go to waste, support Colombian families, and create garments designed to last for years. That is what all of us who consume fashion should try to achieve, and that is why it is so important to support brands like this one.” 

"Silvana understood that objects often go unnoticed because they have not been taken out of their context. Just as it happened with the Wayúu bags, the basket needed a different frame to be read in a new way."

"Ancestral basketry from the Colombian Cundiboyacense highlands takes a firm step toward contemporary design. More than just accessories, La Ciénaga proposes pieces that embody a vision of conscious fashion: timeless design, responsible production, and respect for Latin American artisanal heritage."