Meet Yhan Benitez, Chocó’s Genius Designer
Meet Yhan Benitez, Chocó’s Genius Designer
Colombian Fashion Designer Yhan Benitez talks new collections, representing Chocó, and creating work from start to finish.
Article: Edi Moya
Principal Interview: Edi Moya
Yhan was born in the Chocó department. Chocó is a department to the western of Colombia, bordering the Pacific ocean. This region is characterized by the mountainous landscape, which has made governmental infrastructure projects impossible. Chocó is also characterized by its large Afro-Colombian and indigenous population.
Yhan draws from a variety of inspirations in his creative practice, including the use of African textiles.
Yhan found himself at a crossroads at age 20. Passionate about his future, he moved to Cali to pursue an in fashion, but the lack of support for his industry made study difficult. The first issue that Yhan encountered was a lack of fashion programs in the area, and the second was that his father was set on Yhan following a more lucrative career path. Compromise came in the form of a truncated program. “I completed a one-year technical program at Uniclaretiana (FUCLA) University,” recounts Yhan, “the difference between one year and five years is that in one year, you don't have enough time to learn everything that exists in this field, and everything felt quite rushed. If it had been a five-year or technological program, I would have had much more time to learn a variety of things” While Yhan desired to continue his education, he found it impossible to continue without funding. He decided to move to Quibdo, the capital of the Chocó region.
In Quibdó, he has a workshop where he goes through the entire process of creating a garment (including design, pattern making and sewing). “As a designer, I stand out by being involved in making the garment from beginning to end. Because of that, each creation has my own unique DNA in the work. Additionally, I am known for my warmth, professionalism, ability to analyze details, and select the precise fabric for each piece."
“I want to emphasize that we are not an unproductive jungle, as Chocó has been categorized”
-Yhan Benitez
In addition to making garments from scratch, Yhan is also well known for his warmth and professionalism.
Working from Chocó means resilience to Yhan. He believes that it is possible to venture and make a name for oneself in that land, while also bringing visibility to the department through design. Yhan explains, “In a region marked by numerous negative factors, it is essential to portray the reality of its ethnic, cultural, and natural richness. Despite lacking a formal professional education in the field, I am able to contribute due to the economic and academic challenges of the region.”
Chocó is home to a majority of people of African descent, and it retains its culture with strong African influences reflected in its gastronomy, music, festivals, rituals, and other cultural expressions. The region has faced slow development compared to the national average and experiences high emigration due to lack of opportunities and violence. The fashion sector has also been affected, but Yhan remains determined to make it big on grand stages of fashion and design in Colombia, such as Colombiamoda in Medellín and Bogotá Fashion Week. He dreams of showcasing his work in Italy, the United States, or France and hopes to impact audiences there just like he does in his own territory.
A multifaceted designer, Yhan is perhaps best well known for his elegantly designed gowns.
Yhan considers fashion his way of changing the story about Chocó: “My goal as a designer is to establish an international presence, serving as inspiration to many young Chocóans who view their dreams of becoming fashion designers or artists as unattainable due to the challenges they face. It is also to be an ambassador for Chocó to the world, presenting a different perspective from the negative image often associated with the region. Through my efforts, I aim to create significant opportunities that allow young individuals to sustain themselves through art.”
Yhan draws inspiration for his creations from his surroundings, the people, flora, fauna, sunsets, and more in Chocó. He believes that all the ideas he needs are right there and he doesn't have to go elsewhere.
Through his brand, he wants to tell the world that Chocó exists. His dream of a collection called "Selva de Encanto" (Enchanting Jungle) is materializing, with the first capsule collection ready. It aims to showcase the biodiversity of the territory. “I want to emphasize that we are not an unproductive jungle, as Chocó has been categorized,” Yhan elaborates, “I also intend to promote female empowerment by highlighting the beauty of its women.”
Yhan’s upcoming collection "Selva de Encanto" (Enchanting Jungle) will emphasize the abundant beauty of Chocó.
Although Quibdó has been a place where he has adapted well, he always contemplates the possibility of expanding and becoming a representative for the ideas and experiences from that land, to expose the wonders of his designs inspired by tradition and nature.
His diverse range of designs, including those made from African fabrics, reflects the legacy that he cherishes and embodies, and the rich tradition that informs all of his work.
