Colombian footwear made its mark at New York Fashion Week
The participation of Colombian footwear brands KERNEL LEATHER and LIZA HERRERA in New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2026, from February 13 to 16, was not an isolated event, but part of a strong delegation of eight Bogotá-based brands that included leather goods and apparel, promoted by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce through its "[PUENTE] Internacional" initiative.
Both footwear brands presented on the Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) runway, one of the most important platforms for emerging design from the Latin American region within the NYFW calendar.
KERNEL LEATHER: Presented a handcrafted footwear collection that highlights a family legacy of more than 50 years. Its proposal focused on traceability and human value, showing that luxury can emerge from traditional manual processes in the sector from Bogotá’s emblematic El Restrepo neighborhood.
LIZA HERRERA: Its collection focused on the contemporary woman, seeking a balance between sophistication, functionality, and comfort. Its designs stood out for high-quality finishes aligned with global trends, while maintaining a distinct identity.
The footwear presented moved away from mass production to focus on the concept of “conscious luxury”:
Materials: Predominant use of high-quality leather with fine leathercraft techniques.
Aesthetics: A fusion between classic-artisanal (Kernel Leather) and contemporary-urban (Liza Herrera).
Added value: Stories of resilience and the dignification of the Colombian shoemaker’s craft, something that strongly resonates in today’s U.S. market.
The reception was highly positive. Specialized press and attendees highlighted the ability of Bogotá’s “popular fashion” (from clusters such as San Victorino and El Restrepo) to compete at the level of designer fashion. The authenticity and “Saber Hacer” (know-how) that Colombia brings to the leather industry were especially valued.
The main objective of this mission was not only the runway show, but also commercialization. Thanks to the support of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, the brands gained access to:
Showrooms and Business Matchmaking Sessions: Direct connection with international buyers (boutiques and multi-brand stores).
Key Destinations:
United States: The immediate natural market due to proximity and the free trade agreement.
Europe: Specifically Paris and Madrid (where some brands had already made previous approaches at trade fairs such as MOMAD in Spain).
Middle East: Dubai appears as a strategic target for the artisanal luxury segment handled by Kernel Leather.
This step through New York positioned these brands as reliable “nearshoring” suppliers, offering a high-quality, design-driven alternative to Asian production.
Participation in trade fairs, runways, trade missions, and product launches is part of a strategic agenda for brands, suppliers, and institutions. SERMA develops editorial coverage and visibility formats for the footwear and leather goods industry across its print and digital channels.
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