When the creators of the new short film “Cholita Takes L.A.,” a short film by Minivela, were casting the wardrobe for their main character, a Bolivian luchadora-slash-fashionista dropped into East L.A., they didn’t run to Rodeo Drive. No, they went straight to the source: Dany Escalera Zambrana.
Zambrana, the internationally acclaimed Bolivian designer and founder of La Piquito de Oro Boutique, created all the looks for the film delivered designs to dress a character and tell a story. By blending handmade detail with heritage, she turned every scene into a love letter to Bolivia.
Zambrana is famous for doing what most fashion designers only claim to do: honoring tradition while keeping things fresh. She’s taken the timeless cholita aesthetic (layered pollera skirts, embroidered blouses, colorful mantas, and the familiar bowler hat) and made it move fluidly between La Paz and the city of angels.
Wait, What’s a Cholita?
With the recent release of “Cholita Takes L.A.,” many are asking the question What’s a cholita? Think of the cholita as the original fashion rebel.
“The word cholla was a derogatory term for someone of mixed race (Spanish and indigenous). Adding an ‘ita’ on the end in South American Spanish either makes something smaller or refers to it with tenderness and so the word ‘cholita’ has been reclaimed by groups of indigenous women,” Hero Traveler explains. “Most cholitas in Bolivia come from the Aymara or Quechua cultures, two of Bolivia’s 36 recognised indigenous groups. In the mountainous Andean region of La Paz the predominant cultural group is Aymara and nearer Cochabamba you’ll find more people with Quechua ancestry.”
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Cholitas dress to impress, but also to resist, to remember, and to reclaim their place in a society that once tried to erase them. Over the centuries, cholitas said, “Fine. We’ll wear your skirts but our way.” What was once imposed became reimagined, and honestly, way better.
Cholitas Go to Hollywood
In “Cholita Takes L.A.,” Zambrana’s designs help tell the story of a woman who doesn’t have to choose between heritage and ambition. She carries both with every swish of her skirt. The film is part heartwarming drama and part fashion show with soul.
Zambrana, whose dresses have already traveled to eight countries, sees her work as more than fashion. She says it’s a love letter to Bolivian women and the power of dressing like you mean it.
As for the new Hollywood project, Zambrana was an obvious choice.
Catching up with Dany Escalera Zambrana
We caught up with Zambrana to learn more about the inspiration behind her boutique, her work is preserving cultural heritage through fashion, and more
NS: How long have you been creating Bolivian fashion?
DEZ: Since 2019, I’ve been dedicated to creating and promoting Bolivian fashion through La Piquito de Oro Boutique, the first boutique exclusively for Bolivian women who wear the pollera. Our goal is to highlight Bolivia’s cultural richness by fusing tradition and modernity in each design. To date, we’ve exported custom designs to clients in eight countries: Spain, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland.
… we specialize in dresses inspired by the cholita boliviana style. These designs aim to honor and revitalize traditional clothing by incorporating contemporary elements that allow for proud cultural expression.
We’ve showcased our collections at fairs, events, TV shows, and also on digital platforms:
NS: When did you notice Cholita-style fashion becoming popular in Bolivia?
DEZ: Although cholita clothing has been part of Bolivian culture for centuries, its popularity and recognition have grown significantly in recent decades. Events like fashion shows and appearances in international media have helped spread and elevate its global appreciation.
A recent example is our participation in the short film ‘Cholita Takes L.A.,’ where our creations were featured as part of the wardrobe.
Additionally, our brand has been recognized on important platforms that promote women’s entrepreneurship in Bolivia. In 2019, we were awarded the Red Mujer recognition by Banco Económico, receiving seed funding and mentorship to strengthen our business. This award highlights women entrepreneurs whose projects have economic, social, and environmental impact.
We also participated in the TV program Nada Te Detiene, a competition that supports talent and the national economy. Our participation helped us showcase our proposal and connect with a wider audience.
These experiences have been key to bringing cholita fashion into new spaces, showing that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
NS: What was it like working on the ‘Cholita Takes L.A.’ project?
DEZ: Participating in ‘Cholita Takes L.A.’ was an enriching experience. The short film celebrates the identity and strength of Bolivian women, and contributing our designs allowed us to bring the essence of the cholita to an international audience, showing its relevance and beauty in a modern context.
NS: What do you think of your dresses in the finished film?
DEZ: I hope our dresses highlight the elegance and pride of cholita culture, complementing the short film’s narrative and offering an authentic, powerful representation of our traditions.
NS: How can readers learn more about your dresses?
DEZ: You can learn more about our designs by visiting our social media and website:
• Facebook: La Piquito de Oro Boutique
• YouTube: Dany Escalera Zambrana
• Website: lapiquitodeoro.com
• Instagram: @lapiquitodeoro.boutique
• TikTok: @lapiquitodeoro_boutique
There, we share our latest creations and projects that celebrate Bolivian fashion.
