Socarrás
/Show Day
October 17, 2024
/Social Media
JUAN PABLO SOCARRÁS YANI
DESIGN WITH PURPOSE, SOCIAL CONSULTANT, CREATIVE
Designer and entrepreneur with more than 17 years of experience leading transformation and
social impact projects through the design and creation of collections that connect with artisanal,
indigenous, Afro-descendant and traditional communities in Latin America.
As an expert consultant, he has supported international organizations such as IDB, USAID,
Women Together, PADF, the World Corporation for Women Colombia, among others, in the
design, construction and implementation of projects on topics such as economic and productive
empowerment that promote sustainable development of communities, gender equality and
poverty reduction.
As a leader of social projects, his success is reected in the creation of social value, the
empowerment of communities and giving a voice to each artisan, indigenous, people displaced
by violence and Afro-descendant; with which life stories and traditions are told to raise awareness,
educate and open conversations that produce transformations at all levels of society.
He has been recognized by multiple organizations:
Women Together Award as designer for development, awarded by the United Nations. Global Leader award from Woman Economic forum LATAM.
Organization with the power of Change towards gender equality awarded by She is Global Forum.
Cromos Award for best brand runway.
Favorite designer of the Colombian public award by Infashion magazine, among others.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I was drawn to art from a very young age, especially painting and designing shoes and dresses. Fashion eventually became a way for me to express the artistic sensitivity and creativity I had developed since childhood.
How would you describe your design style?
My work combines contemporary fashion with Latin American craftsmanship and storytelling. Traditional artisan techniques are brought into modern design while highlighting the people, cultural knowledge, and personal stories behind each piece.
What can people expect from your “Cecilia” collection?
Inspired by Juan Pablo’s aunt Cecilia, the SS24 collection celebrates the travelling woman while referencing the four elements of nature: fire, earth, air, and water. Changes in colour and texture help express these different influences.
What traditional techniques bring the “Cecilia” collection to life?
Crochet, embroidery, natural dyeing, and fringe are featured throughout the collection. These techniques highlight Colombian craftsmanship and reflect the knowledge of artisan communities involved in creating the pieces.
How did Colombian artisan communities contribute to the collection?
More than 122 people from different regions of Colombia participated in creating the collection. I especially highlighted the fully handmade work of communities from Putumayo as one of the techniques and crafts I valued most.