Former rebels show fashion line in Colombia

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Former rebels show fashion line in Colombia

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Clothing line developed by demobilised rebels opened Bogota fashion week.

11 May,2012 01:29 am

Called Chance, the clothing brand was set up by the defence ministry and a special government program to help former rebels readjust to society.Chances main tailor is Alvaro Perez. A former member of the FARC, Perez spent ten years making the rebels emblematic military uniforms and berets in jungle camps.A tailor before he joined the FARC, he said he always dreamed of having his own brand, and that dream has now come true.Its 180 degree turn. Theres no comparison. Thats why its called Freedom, the freedom to have exhibitions, to say this is what I know how to do and this is my contribution to peace, said Perez, who quit the FARC in 2006.Joining Perez in Chance are former FARC rebels Oscar Rodriguez, Ciro Gomez and former paramilitary fighter Jorge Garcia.Colombias Defence Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon said he hoped it would set an example for other rebels looking to get out of Colombias civil war, which has dragged on for nearly 50 years.Chance by Colombia is nothing less than a real opportunity that lets those who got out of the guerrillas imagine a better future. I hope they have stable incomes and opportunities so when others who are there decide to demobilise they can at least return with clear ideas about how to get back into society, Pinzon said.Each of the men have their speciality. While Perez takes care of most of the sewing, Rodriguez focuses on shoes, Gomez on handbags and purses, and Garcia makes jewellery.Established designer Sandra Cabrales oversees the group and helps them navigate the fashion world.I worked with demobilised rebels for a year to create this new life project called Chance. Chance is the other face of war, Cabrales said.Between paramilitaries and FARC and ELN rebels, some 55,000 soldiers have put down their arms over the past years. Government figures say around 33,000 former rebels are in the process of reintegrating themselves into Colombian society.