Names like Balenciaga, Loewe and Moisés Nieto trip easily off the tongue, Zara is the staple of every wardrobe, shoe-perstar Manolo Blahnik is a household name, and sibling-run Bimba Y Lola is one of the fastest growing brands in the world.
The verdict? Spain is a well-established landmark on the global fashion map.
But beyond the big guns, the country also boasts a wealth of lesser-known brands, familiar to insiders, but yet to be discovered by many an international fashionista. Stylist, pro-shopper and LUXE contributor Lou Stokes introduces the Spanish fashion designers you need to know now.
Timeless Femininity: Lexdeux
Juan Manuel Capón Pérez may be one of the boys, but he sure knows how to flatter and accentuate the female form with his sleek and functional, ready-to-wear women’s collections. In French, the word Lexdeux means ‘both’, and in Juanma speak this represents that moment when you’re looking at your wardrobe and you have to choose what to wear, and the fine line between everyday garments and glam wear. Perhaps not surprisingly for the former director at fashion giant Inditex, timelessness and simplicity are the foundation of all his collections; Juan Manuel designs fluid, wearable separates that become part of you – to the point you don’t want to ever take them off. An obsessive collector of contemporary art, Juan Manuel draws influence from architecture, art and photography.
C/Argensola 19, 2 drcha, Madrid. lexdeux.com
Bespoke Tailoring: Oteyza
Do a quick Instagram search for Caterina Pañera and Paul García de Oteyza and you’ll spy countless snaps of the couple impeccably dressed in matching, richly coloured, Matador-influenced tailoring. This creative, not to mention photogenic, duo inherited their brand from three generations of tailors, and today craft modern, impeccably crafted takes on the traditional suit, using the finest fabrics and extremely well-honed techniques.
Earning a reputation as a masculine brand with a distinctly feminine influence, Oteyza encourages men to embrace their feminine side, while women need only look at Caterina’s chic, sexy wearing of las capas to be smitten. I highly recommend you check out their most recent catwalk show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid S/S19 for a sophisticated and surprising performance.
C/Conde de Xiquena, 11, Madrid, deoteyza.com
Contemporary Luxury: The 2nd Skin Co
Known for their dazzling and powerful collections of evening, bridal and cocktail wear, designers Antonio Burillo and Juan Carlos are considered among the best couture craftsmen in Spain, and leaders in the Spanish luxury fashion world.
Founded in 2006, The 2nd Skin Co offers a contemporary version of luxury for a diverse range of women with different tastes and lifestyles. The label has two distinctive collections: prêt-à-porter, which exudes urban, feminine and elegant style, and the Atelier, for exclusive hand-made pieces such as a wedding dress or evening gown made with exquisite fabrics and embellishments, and cut to fit like a glove.
Atelier: C/ Hortaleza, 106, Madrid. the2ndskinco.com
Hero image: The 2nd Skin Co
For more Spanish style sensations, get your manicured mitts on a LUXE Madrid guide…
