C
onsidering how far removed it is from the four fash-
ion capitals, Colombia has carved out an impressive
presence in the style world. Designers Johanna Or-
tiz, Silvia Tcherassi, and Esteban Cortázar, as well
as ELLE’s editor-in-chief, Nina Garcia, are among
those who hail from the South American nation and have helped
export its colorful, optimistic aesthetic to the rest of the globe.
Given the country’s fashion cred, it’s unsurprising that Cali, locat-
ed in the Valle del Cauca region, would be steeped in chic, from
its fashion scene to its nightlife.
All three designers cite salsa as a must-do. Cali is known as the
world capital of the genre and has many dedicated nightclubs.
“On Wednesdays, it’s all about going dancing at Punto Baré and
La Topa Tolondra,” says Cortázar, who goes for the live music
and local crowd. Ortiz’s preferred salsa spot is El Habanero Club.
Her advice: “Wear a flowy dress, bring your fan, ask for aguardi-
ente, and let the night just be.” If you’d rather see the pros than
attempt your own moves, Tcherassi’s favorite troupe is Delirio, a
For fashion and art as colorful as its salsa scene, look no further
than this spot beloved by style insiders. By Véronique Hyland
Cali-based group. “Imagine the upper-team winners of Jennifer
Lopez’s World of Dance meet Cirque du Soleil,” she says.
The shopping is also first-class. One of Ortiz’s favorite stops—
besides, of course, her own recently redesigned boutique—is La
Caleñita, a store filled with traditional crafts. Look for “the typical
mochilas [bags] from the Wayuu communities, beautiful esterillas
[mats], and pre-Columbian jewelry.” When she’s working on a
new collection and looking for inspiration, she goes bird-watching
in San Antonio. “It’s really nice to see those beautiful creatures
with colorful and flamboyant feathers.”
Cortázar loves walking the trails of Rio Pance, which he calls
“an outdoor lover’s paradise,” and ordering fresh juices made
from local fruits at La Esquina de Bertha. And for an art fix,
Tcherassi can’t speak highly enough of the Museo La Tertulia,
which, she says, “has an incredible collection featuring pieces by
Colombian artists, such as Lucy Tejada, Hernando Tejada, and
the master sculptor Édgar Negret.” Perfect for nursing your salsa-
induced hangover.
TRAVEL
CALI, COLOMBIA
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