Fashion
Catalina Álvarez & Mariana Hinestroza
These designers are bringing Colombia’s colors and textures worldwide
Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroz share a bond full of unforgettable memories from their university days and have also marked the beginning of a new and surprising journey as entrepreneurs. Their journey together started in the classrooms of the University of Medellin and has blossomed into an unexpected entrepreneurial venture, Agua Bendita. Their camaraderie would reach its pinnacle with their shared interest in swimsuit designs and during their unforgettable nights in Cartagena.
Built on a strong friendship and their love for fashion, these Colombians brought Agua Bendita to life. Today, this brand is sold in more than fifty countries.
With a shared desire to design swimsuits they loved, Catalina and Mariana began crafting their own beachwear. They didn’t have big aspirations, but when friends began to ask about their creations, they started making pieces for them too. Using Catalina’s grandmother’s old sewing machine and leftover fabrics from local factories, Agua Bendita began to take shape.
As demand for their creations grew, the talented duo began recruiting seamstresses. Expanding their business and providing jobs, they worked from their homes and contributed to the garment’s charm.
The company is famous for their prints, which are designs drawn by artists. The patterns are turned digital and printed onto the fabrics. Their team’s excellent craftsmanship shines through in each embroidery.
Bikinis, monokinis, one-piece swimsuits, dresses, and cover-ups are all part of the wide-ranging catalog of the leading Colombian brand. In 2018, they launched their second line: Agua, by Agua Bendita, which fulfilled their dream of going global. They achieved a presence in over 50 countries around the world, where Catalina and Mariana proudly represent Colombian talent with the unmistakable Latin DNA.
