By Cristina Rivas - Translated by Laura Osuna
In the vibrant and diverse palette of Latin America, color is much more than an aesthetic matter: it reflects identity, history, and now also, sustainability. Latin American sustainable fashion has found the colors of a powerful language to communicate values, generate emotional impact, and restate its commitment to the environment and local culture.
Color as a symbol of sustainability
In the world of conscious fashion, every choice matters, and color is no exception. Through carefully selected shades, sustainable brands convey deep and ethical messages. Green, for example, symbolizes nature and a direct connection to ecology. Blue brings a sense of calm and responsibility. Earth tones evoke the roots of nature, alluding to fertile soil and the sustainable work of rural communities. Neutral colors (white, gray, black) serve as a timeless and versatile base.
Beyond the visual aspect, the commitment extends to the raw materials: the use of natural dyes, derived from plants, minerals, or organic waste, significantly reduces the environmental impact of the textile process. This practice, which preserves ancestral knowledge, has gained popularity among conscious designers in the region.
Culture and sustainability: a chromatic dialogue
Latin America is deeply rooted in cultural identity which is reflected in its colors. From Andean textiles to Mayan embroidery, pigments not only adorn but also tell stories. Today, this symbolic richness intertwines with sustainability, giving rise to fashion proposals that go beyond just clothing to actually express its cultural heritage.
In the fourth edition of Universo MOLA Fashion Week (UMFW) 2025 held in Bogotá, Colombia, several regional brands showed how color can serve as a channel for both cultural and environmental expression:
- FK Textil (Uruguay) presented handcrafted, naturally dyed pieces that rescue rural-origin natural fibers and expressions.
- Madre Tierra (Colombia) unveiled its collection “Legado,” highlighting earthy tones and references to local traditions.
- Pinsón (Colombia) used biomaterials and subdued palettes with intense accents, reflecting a balance between awareness and sophistication.
- Tenaz by Andrea Mesa (Uruguay) and Zamia (Colombia) explored warm, earthy tones to emphasize a connection with the land and resilience.
- Artelanas, Elipa, and Aymara (Argentina), contributed chromatic diversity through artisanal methods, using traditional dyeing techniques and natural fibers.
- Naturaliza Textil (Chile) presented textiles dyed with organic materials, demonstrating how innovation can harmonize with ancestral traditions.
Emotion, perception, and conscious design
The color theory, widely studied in fashion, holds that each shade evokes a distinct emotional response. In sustainable fashion, this dimension gains renewed relevance. Colors are chosen not just for trends or aesthetics, but for their ability to communicate values, shift perceptions and create sensory experiences aligned with responsible consumption.
Brands like Verde Amor (México), Sofía Hegel (Guatemala) and Vengala Pacheco (Peru) took part in the Fashion Films, bringing their visual language into digital narratives where color also plays a powerful emotional role.
Toward a more human and connected fashion
Sustainable fashion in Latin America is not only about reducing waste or improving labor conditions: it also seeks to reconnect with the human essence through color. This new perspective of fashion, where every shade is intentional, every dye tells a story, and every garment has a purpose, represents a quiet but deep revolution.
Color stops being a mere ornament to become a vehicle for change, one that reminds us that getting dressed can also be an act of awareness, and respect for the planet.
Sources:
Pantone Moda: https://es.scribd.com/document/850357446/Pantone-Moda-Ampliado
Academia Sisa: https://academiasisa.com/teoria-del-color-en-la-moda
Publicaciones de BCome: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcome-impact/posts/?feedView=all
MOLA HUB: https://universomola.com/marcas-disenadores/
Semana de la Moda Sostenible de Latinoamérica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zru_8kPvzP8
