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Colombian Brand, Agua Bendita, Finds Its Place in Orlando
One of the things we enjoy about being immersed in Orlando’s growing culture is watching patterns emerge. Fashion shows have started to pop up throughout the year with experiences like Swim Week 2026, showcasing local and international designers. While a single event rarely changes a city, the patterns of these fashion experiences begin to connect the dots that tell a specific story. When an international brand decides to open up in Orlando, another dot is added.
International Colombian swimwear and resort wear brand, Agua Bendita, has decided that Orlando was where they needed to open up their latest store.
Founded by Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, Agua Bendita has built an international following through colorful prints, feminine silhouettes, handcrafted details, and collections inspired by nature, travel, and Latin American artistry. The brand’s pieces feel designed for movement and fun in the sun.
The opening last month at Florida Mall brought together local media, influencers, creatives, and fashion guests while introducing the brand to the Orlando community. Florida Fashion Shows, where Agua Bendita participated as a vendor during Swim Week 2026 in May, was also part of the celebration, continuing its work of connecting Orlando audiences with international fashion brands.
Inside the store, guests explored Agua Bendita’s swimwear, accessories, and vacation pieces while enjoying music, hors d'oeuvres, photography moments, and a charm station where shoppers could personalize bag charms and keychains. The details created a warm introduction to the brand and gave guests a closer look at Agua Bendita’s colorful world.
The brand feels especially relevant in Orlando because it speaks to our city’s lifestyle. Its pieces carry the color and craftsmanship of a global brand while fitting naturally into the way Orlando women dress for travel, beach days, poolside gatherings, and an active social calendar.
Agua Bendita’s arrival reflects Orlando’s growth as a fashion and retail market, with a reported $14.8 billion in total retail sales in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city also supports a strong luxury retail presence, with The Mall at Millenia featuring brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci. The Florida Mall, where Agua Bendita is now open, is recognized by Simon as Central Florida’s largest shopping venue.
The city’s diversity gives this opening deeper local meaning. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Orlando is 35.4 percent Hispanic or Latino, 25.4 percent foreign-born, and 40.8 percent of residents age five and older speak a language other than English at home. For a Colombian brand rooted in Latin American artistry, Orlando offers an audience that understands the cultural language behind the clothes.
Florida Fashion Shows founder Nayrouz Olarte sees the opening as part of the city’s larger fashion conversation.“Orlando has a growing fashion audience, and moments like this show how much opportunity there is for international brands to connect with our local community,” “Agua Bendita brings color, craftsmanship, and a beautiful connection to Latin American design, and it was exciting to see that welcomed here in Orlando.” Says Olarte.
Left to right, Samantha Gut, Nayrouz Olarte and Radhika Rana attend the opening of Agua Bendita
