Agua Bendita was founded in 2003 in Colombia by two friends — Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza. Their shared passion for fashion brought them together in college; today, their names are included in Bloomberg’s list of the 500 most influential people. The brand has grown from a local story into a global phenomenon, now present in over 60 countries.
The name Agua Bendita translates to “blessed water” — a reference to tropical Colombia, its ocean, and its sun. In a world where minimalism has become the norm, Agua Bendita offers the opposite: the courage to be noticed, the joy of color, and pride in handcraft.
Agua Bendita manages the entire product creation process — from the first sketch to the final stitch. All prints are created exclusively by the brand’s in-house artists and then hand-embroidered by more than 700 Colombian artisans. The brand operates its own sewing workshop and a network of 35 external facilities, employing over 450 direct and more than 1,000 indirect workers.
This is more than just production — it is the preservation of a craft heritage across generations. Each piece carries the cultural code of Colombia: vibrancy, warmth, openness, and a uniqueness that cannot be reproduced on an industrial scale.
Agua Bendita is represented by leading international retailers: Revolve, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Shopbop, Free People, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale‘s, Neiman Marcus, and Luisa Via Roma. The brand has more than 40 standalone stores in Colombia, 6 stores in the United States, and retail points in Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Aruba, and Paraguay. Its collaborations include Gucci Vault, Target, Hawaiian Tropic, and Tropic of C.
“We created Agua Bendita for those who value uniqueness and handcraft. Our brand is a fusion of Colombian traditions, vibrant colors, and impeccable quality — making every woman the heroine of her own story.”
— Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, founders of Agua Bendita.
