Spain’s Most Famous Fashion Designers

I must admit, people in Spain dress with a certain elegance. They dress up to go out at night, they don’t “flaunt what they have”, they are dignified and slightly conservative. Modesty is still valued in this country. These observations are not to say that the Spaniards’ style of clothing is boring, definitely the opposite holds true.

There are many Spanish designers that have influenced the world with their wonderful renditions of a simpler way to live and wear clothing. I have listed a few of my favorites.

Mariano Fortuny was considered to be a Renaissance Man. Painter, printmaker, lighting designer, textile and fashion designer, he made the most exquisite fabrics. He was known for his pleated fabrics and especially for his Delphos gown, which became a sensation when it was introduced in 1907. It freed up women who wore corsets at the time, as it was an unconstructed, flowing design. He dipped each piece of silk or velvet fabric in dye, and then placed the fabric on porcelain rollers to develop the pleats. The dresses were twisted and then packed in small boxes to maintain their pleats. To wear a Fortuny was to wear a work of art.

Cristobal Balenciaga was born in 1895 in a Basque fishing village in Spain. His mother was a seamstress and he worked by her side, learning much of the basics. He was one of the few designers of his time who could cut, drape and design his own patterns. He was most known for his cocoon coat, the sack dress, the babydoll dress, the bubble skirt and the pillbox hat. His designs made women feel beautiful.

My absolute favorite Spanish designer is Manolo Blahnik. What girl doesn’t love shoes!!! He was born in Spain’s Canary Islands in 1942 and at a young age showed a flair for shoe design, dressing his pet dogs with shoes he designed. His hallmark is a light, feminine touch and he sketches each shoe design and creates the prototype by hand. In describing his shoes, Manolo Blahnik once said, “This is what I try to do, make women feel like princesses.” Wow, has he succeeded!

Comments

2 responses to “Spain’s Most Famous Fashion Designers”

  1. Julia Nary

    Mrs. B your website is awesome!! I have enjoyed looking through your jewelry-its beautiful! And your blog is great!

  2. Thanks Julia – you’re very sweet!