Translated from a Shakira lyric meaning “millions of ways”, Millones de Maneras, is an expanding collective formed in 2019 as fashion academic Liliana Sanguino curated the Colombian stand for the International Fashion Showcase in London,UK.  Bogota based designer, Laurens Laurens, had developed a relationship employing an indigenous community of trans-women, to supply traditional Embera bead weaving for her garments. This outsourcing arm of the design process became the focus of the exhibition. Roux Panchi Gutierrez, Yina Tascon, Marcela Panchi, Alexa Yagari and Jaima Yagari are the core of the trans community in Karmata Rua, a reserve, in Antioquia, Colombia, which is the 200 year old home to some 1825 of Colombias’s indigenous Embera population. 

Through the juxtaposition and confluence of aesthetics a new collaborative system has evolved, creating unique outcomes in fashion and art. Through workshops, networking, Fashion shows, and festivals, this initiative has focused on bringing empowerment to the women, while the most vital principle has remained, the consultation and well-being of the core community, who have contributed in all areas of each project from the outset. 

The community is at the heart of Millones de Maneras, Identifying ways in which this project can aid the women and their community is a driving force, this may be financially or through understanding and acceptance, via discussions and debate, asking questions about ourselves, our identities, and diversity and inclusivity.