The prestige of Spanish fashion is now recognized worldwide. High fashion is the centerpiece of the Spanish fashion sector, mainly presented at Madrid Fashion Week, which brings together year-by-year the most avant-garde creations of the national scene. Other important Spanish events are 080 Barcelona Fashion and Valencia Fashion Week. The events show variety of dresses; mermaid prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and many more.
Spanish fashion history
Spanish fashion has influenced since the 1500s. Despite all the changes it has experienced, it remains influenced today by its history, culture and traditions. In 1500, King Philip II of Spain is in power and influences trends.
Men wore linen shirts and tights, and women wore corsets and loose-fitting clothes. For special occasions, black outfits were appropriate. During the 1700s, Spanish fashion changed dramatically. The sleeves were narrower, and the obsession with black clothes made Spanish style a popular style.
The 1900s were marked by the appearance of two classical personalities of Spanish fashion: Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) and Manuel Pertegaz (born in 1917). The first did everything himself, down to the smallest detail, and his finishes were incomparable. Regarded as the most important fashion designer in history, his sleek classical style has earned him the Queen of Spain and Belgium, the Princess Grace of Monaco and the Duchess of Windsor. He brought back the black in the Spanish trends. The second, Manuel Pertegaz, opened his first shop at just 25 years old. He was the first to present his models on 5˚ avenue, and received, among other awards, the Oscar de la Couture at the University of Harvard.
Spanish Fashion: News
Adolfo Dominguez and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada are two essential references in Spanish fashion. Adolfo Dominguez was the first stylist to open a shop in his name in Madrid. As for Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, she only designed clothes in her early days, but today she also creates furniture, perfumes, lamps, bedding, … Her creations are characterized by a bright, fresh style, using bright colors. She was one of the icons of Movida. Other stylists are well known and do a remarkable job. For example, Francis Montesino, Jesús de Pozo, and Hannibal Laguna. But there are many others.
Famous Spanish top-models
– Marina Pérez is one of the best known, she has worked in Paris, Milan, and London with remarkable companies.
– Madelaine Hjort is one of the favorite Spanish designers.
Spanish mannequins
– Andrés Velencoso, known for the campaigns for Segura Chanel Allure Homme, Sport Fragrance and Louis Vuitton, in 2003, accompanied by Jennifer Lopez.
– Jon Kortajarena, notably known for being the recurring model of the Tom Ford men’s collections.
Spanish brands
Today, major Spanish groups enjoy an international reputation. For example the group Inditex, led by Amancio Ortega, a man who created a real textile empire. From this group depend the brands Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka, Oysho. Another well-known group is Cortefiel, which owns the Cortefiel, Springfield, Woman’s Secret and Milano brands. Loewe, founded in 1846, is the only luxury house of Spanish origin that is known internationally. And don’t forget about Mango. The brand was created in 1894 in Barcelona and now dominates the fashion world. Spanish brands have revolutionized the world of fashion with their “Iberian architecture”, also encouraging online shops such as JJ’s House to provide more choices for customers.
