BEHIND THE LENS
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA BY KD CASTAÑEDA
The Mexican creative KD Castañeda was born in Mexico City, where she began her career as Web Editor for Vogue Mexico and Latin America. In 2017 she ventured out to Cali, Colombia to pursue a role as Art Director at Colombian fashion label Johanna Ortiz. It was while living here that Castañeda founded From Latin America With Love, a creative studio in search of expanding Latin America’s sophisticated aesthetic. With this intention in mind, she invited us on a trip to ‘La Heroica’ through emotive images tinged with her signature romantic and nostalgic photographic style.
Instagram: @fromlatinamericawithlove
Can you tell us briefly about this trip. What brought you here?
The charm of the tropics, García Márquez and historical architecture.
What does Cartagena smell like?
Caribbean with a touch of antiquity.
What does it taste like?
Muelitas by Juan del Mar or basil ice cream in bed.
Your best discovery?
Happiness and joy.
If you had to choose your favorite activity there, what would it be?
Spritz and sunset.
What was your first impression of Cartagena?
Stories to be written.
A playlist that accompanied this trip?
I listened to Una aventura by Niche Group.
A memory that comes to mind when you think of Cartagena?
I remember you Cartagena
Naked together after fare l’amour
Head on. Your lips. A kiss.
When you travel to Cartagena, you can’t miss…
Las Damas street. Remember that night? La Vitrola reservation.
A local word or slang?
Morena y liberal (brunette and liberal), a popular exclamation from Cartagena.
What is beauty to you?
Embellishing the everyday.
Where to stay?
La Passion Boutique Hotel.
Favorite drink?
Tequila at La Vitrola.
A place for live music?
The Terrace, the after after. BLASDELEZO was the password. Pure Son Cubano. The dress code? Johanna Ortiz.
A can’t miss stop?
The islands.
Where to go in search of local culture?
Wander the streets.
What’s in your suitcase when travelling to Cartagena?
Two pairs of sandals (one flat, one high).
Three pareos.
Colombian pesos.
An evening dress inspired by Love in the Time of Cholera.
Pearls and emeralds.
Bonfiest
Sunglasses.
Fan.
Extra cash (Colombian, of course).
Orange blossom perfume.
More Bonfiest.
And remember, traveling light is traveling fast.
A local souvenir?
Memories.
