In this edition of Alumni Spotlights, meet sisters Stephanie (Class of 2000) and María Catalina Martinez (Class of 2008), founders of resort wear brand Waimari. You can find the Colombian brand at renowned retailers like Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Farfetch, to mention a few.
Stephanie and María Catalina Martínez grew up surrounded by the world of fashion since they were little girls. Their parents and grandparents dedicated their lives to the textile industry. Being the third generation and inheriting this beautiful tradition, they decided to relaunch the family factory and fund Waimari.
The sisters have reinvented the concept of “resort wear’, expanding the spectrum of options for eclectic travelers who want to look sophisticated and always chic. The know-how and talent of the sisters complement each other and have been a boost for their brand.
Stephanie studied fashion marketing at Parsons and specialized in luxury brands, where she gained experience while working with highly recognized brands, such as Gucci, Cartier, and Michael Kors. She manages the commercial part of the business.
For her part, María Catalina creates the collections. She studied fashion design at Universidad Autónoma and continued her studies with courses at the Marangoni Institute, Parsons, and FIT in New York, which have greatly expanded her vision and technique.
Learn the story behind their amazing brand:
About Waimari and its founders
Interviews and Videos:
