Think of Granada, Spain. No doubt you´ll imagine of the view across to the Alhambra palace, some delicious Spanish tapas or maybe the quaint streets of the Albayzin quarter.
You may not think of Granada as a fashion hub but recently several design studios have cropped up. Nestled amongst the historic streets of the city I went to see what each one is doing and found them bustling with creativity and projects.
Spanish fashion in Granada
The three designers I cover in this post have strong ties with the city of Granada. All of them are growing their businesses and working with clients and brand at a European level. They are people who were born in Granada or based here, expanding their businesses from this corner of Andalusia. Although their brands are reaching customers all across Spain and even worldwide in some cases.
Claudina Mata Spanish Fashion designer
This young designer has just set up a studio in Granada although she has been based here for a few years. Born in Alcaudete Jaen, Claudina Mata has a Bridal collection and occasionwear label.
When I went along to visit her studio a few days before the launch she explained how her team worked on site. Working closely with their clients, they craft evening and bridalwear up to European size 52 (that´s UK 24). They adapt the designs to fit the client (colour, neckline, fit etc) to ensure that the client is completely happy with the garment when it´s finished.
Her current Wedding collection was just presented at Barcelona Bridal week and got a great reception there, not to be underestimated as this is a very competitive marketplace. While in the studio I even got a chance to look at some upcoming designs in her design book. (picture below)
- Address: 1st floor, Acerca del Darro 48, Granada, Spain (close to Hotel Carmen)
- Website: Claudina Mata
Pilar Dalbat Spanish Fashion
Pilar Dalbat is no newbie on the Spanish fashion scene. This local Granada designer has her brand is stocked in over 100 places across Spain. Her label is also sold internationally. Earlier this year I went along to the presentation of her Landscape collection for Spring Summer 2015.
Here´s a short video of the Landscape catwalk show.
This collection inspired in the icy landscapes of icelands was fresh, modern and wearable. The collection is a pallet of turquoise, purple, white and blues.
The Granada studio is in the city centre (close to El Corte Ingles) They have a ready to wear range as well as the catwalk collections. The label also has a bridal collection, displayed in a seperate showroom in an annexe to the main store.
As part of the Granada Shopping night I visited the Pilar Dalbat store to see the latest Spring Summer collection. I have to confess that the fresh modern lines of Pilar´s designs get me every time.
Address: Calle San Isidro 17, Granada, Spain
Website: www.pilardalbat.com
Karolina Fresneda – Spanish shoe designer
Granada born footwear desinger Karolina Fresneda has just presented her latest collection, iKat. This Spring Summer range is inspired by tribal motifs and metallic details. The catwalk show was eyecatching with lots of tribal make up and headresses. Presented in late May this collection is current and fits right into this seasons style.
Karolina Fresneda is selling her footwear exclusively online, however you can see some of her range at L´Atelier Vintage at calle Montereria on display.
There are several collections available from this Andalusian designer. A Bridal collection, the latest iKat range and a Flamenco style collection. (my personal favourite) This Andalusian influenced collection has black and red shoes in polka dot print and large flowers decorating the toe of the shoes.
More information on the website: Karolina Fresneda
I love learning about local designers. Great post!
Thanks Paige, it was fun doing the research and I was quite surprised at how much was going on right on my doorstep