Ponemos: Medellín’s Fashion Stars Auction Pieces for Colombia’s Earthquake Victims
The Ponemos auction in Medellín brings together Colombia’s biggest fashion names for earthquake relief: Johanna Ortiz, Silvia Tcherassi, Hernán Zajar and more have donated pieces and experiences, with online bidding open until Monday, August 31, and a live closing auction at the Makeno store from 5 to 9 p.m.
Colombia’s fashion industry has turned solidarity into a bidding war — and every peso goes to families hit by this month’s earthquake.
Key Facts
- The initiative. Ponemos — ‘Lo que podemos, lo ponemos’ (‘What we can give, we give’): a charity auction of fashion, art and experiences.
- The cause. 100% of proceeds go to Fundación Presentes for families hit by the earthquake in Suroeste Antioqueño, Montenegro and Quimbaya.
- The names. Johanna Ortiz, Silvia Tcherassi, Hernán Zajar, María Elena Villamil, Beatriz Camacho, Agua by Agua Bendita and more.
- The timeline. Online bidding since Wednesday, August 26; closes Monday, August 31, with a live auction at the Makeno store, Medellín, 5–9 p.m.
- Star lot. A hand-woven silk-thread dress by Hernán Zajar, commercial value COP 5.8 million (about US$1,400).
Ponemos Auction Medellín: How It Works
The Ponemos auction in Medellín runs online at Subastasycomercio.com until Monday, August 31 — anyone can bid on donated designer pieces, artworks and experiences from their phone.
The grand finale is a live ascending-bid auction on Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Makeno store in Medellín, where the top lots go under the hammer in person.
Who Is Behind It
The initiative was convened by Centro Democrático senator María Clara Posada together with Paola Betancur and Manuela Rubio of Makeno and Tuti Barrera and Lorenzo Márquez of Huevos y Escobas.
They rallied a who’s who of Colombian fashion: Johanna Ortiz, Silvia Tcherassi, Juan Pablo Socarrás, Faride Ramos, Maygel Coronel, Beatriz Camacho, Hernán Zajar, Paula Mendoza, Baobab, Specia, Tania, Agua by Agua Bendita and Sea & Salt, among others.
Where the Money Goes
Every peso raised goes to Fundación Presentes, which channels the funds to families and rebuilding efforts in the areas hit by the recent earthquake: Suroeste Antioqueño, Montenegro and Quimbaya.
The earthquake destroyed homes, businesses and savings in the region — organizers frame each lot as a direct, traceable contribution.
Why It Matters for Expats
For foreigners living in Medellín, Ponemos is a rare chance to buy into Colombian design culture and help the region that hosts them at the same time.
The online format means you do not need to be in Medellín to bid — only Monday’s live finale requires showing up at Makeno.
Sources
El Colombiano — Ponemos: una subasta de arte y moda para ayudar a los damnificados por el terremoto · Maria Clara Posada (convocante) — anuncio oficial
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ponemos auction in Medellín?
A charity auction of donated Colombian fashion, art and experiences raising money for earthquake victims in Suroeste Antioqueño, Montenegro and Quimbaya — 100% of proceeds go to Fundación Presentes.
How can I bid in the Ponemos auction?
Online at Subastasycomercio.com until Monday, August 31, 2026, or in person at the closing live auction at the Makeno store in Medellín, 5–9 p.m. that day.
Which designers donated to the Ponemos auction?
Johanna Ortiz, Silvia Tcherassi, Hernán Zajar, María Elena Villamil, Beatriz Camacho, Agua by Agua Bendita and many more of Colombia’s top fashion names.
Connected Coverage
Colombia’s creative industries rally fast when it matters — we follow the stories behind the headlines.
Sources: El Colombiano; Fundación Presentes.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
The Medellín Guide
What The Rio Times publishes for foreigners in Medellín, Colombia.
This month
Coming up in Medellín
- Ritvales 2026 in Medellín, Colombia: The City's Big Festival Weekend Runs October 31–November 1 31 Oct
- JetSMART Buenos Aires Medellín: Five Flights a Week From 12 November 2026, Leaving Ezeiza at 02:45 12 Nov
- Juanes in Colombia: World Tour Plays Medellín's DAVIarena November 14 and Bogotá's Movistar Arena November 20 14 Nov
- Chayanne in Medellín, Colombia: DAVIarena Show on 19 November, From US$68 19 Nov
Living in Medellín
- Medellín vs Mexico City for Expats in 2026: The Visa Gap Decides It
- Expats See Medellín Rents Surge as Digital Nomads Flood El Poblado
- Medellín's Feria de las Flores, Explained: The Flower Festival Every Expat Should See Once
- Colombia Denies Entry to Four Americans at Medellín Airport
Understand Colombia