Meet The Founder
Alejandra Abondano is the creative force behind Alejandra Collective, a brand that brings together her passion for fashion, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Alejandra’s love for design began at a young age. She would sell jewellery at school, design her own bags and clothes, and was always drawn to creating a unique style that blended indigenous designs with modern fashion.
Her connection to traditional craftsmanship grew even deeper as she became aware of the challenges faced by local artisan communities in Colombia, especially those in rural areas where access to water and employment is limited. Alejandra noticed that these talented artisans—many of whom relied on crafting as their primary source of income—were often forced to sell their creations at local markets for unfairly low prices. Weather conditions, such as heavy rains, could prevent them from working, making their livelihoods even more fragile.
One of the communities Alejandra Collective proudly collaborates with is the Wayuu community, an indigenous group living in the desert region of Colombia. The Wayuu artisans are skilled in creating intricate handwoven mochila bags, but their work is often impacted by severe weather and limited access to basic resources like electricity. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Alejandra began partnering with non-profit organizations in Colombia that support these communities, providing them with access to water, education, training, and essential resources.