Colombian ballet dancer Fernando Montaño, who has already conquered the world of ballet, is now conquering the world of fashion by introducing his first-ever fashion brand – Cachua.
In a stunning presentation held at the intimate and beautiful St. John’s Hyde Park Church, in front of a few hundred people last weekend, Montaño displayed his designs in a show that featured music and dance and culminated in a thunder of rapturous applause.
Cachua brings high-end refined craftsmanship from the Andes to the world. Cachua’s aim is to change perspectives and prove that luxurious fashion can be created in a sustainable way in a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
“My aim is to highlight the importance of protecting and preserving the alpacas, and their breeders and their traditions, and those who are responsible for producing and developing this important South American textile industry,” says Montaño.
“It is important for me, in this new venture, as a designer, to be responsible and take care of our planet, with a creation of an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable design and production process in order to make a positive impact that will promote diversity and inspire future generations.”
Montaño is a former Soloist of the Royal Ballet. He joined the Royal Ballet in 2006 as an Artist and was promoted to First Artist in 2010 and Soloist in 2014. He represented the Royal Ballet in the 2007 Erik Bruhn Competition. Montaño is the first Colombian to dance with the Royal Ballet.
Montaño has performed in many different countries including Mexico, Russia, Japan, China, Jamaica, Spain, Italy and the U.S., works regularly with the British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, and produces and choreographs his own shows around the world. He was described by BBC TV in 2013 as ‘the Colombian Billy Elliot’ and he has also appeared as a judge on a the Colombian series of ‘Dancing with the Star.’ Montaño, at a sprightly young age of 36, is only just beginning to.
Cachua – Round Dance – Trunk Show:
From the Andes to the World Trunk show will take place Nov. 15-17:
28 Clareville Street
London SW7 5AW
Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday
11am to 7pm
By Tim Baros