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Olé Fashion: Fashionista's hit Madrid |
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Written by Hilda Gabriela
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Monday, 18 February 2008 |
 It is fashion week in Madrid, and serving as a platform for some of Spain’s most innovative fashion designers is Las Pasarelas Cibeles, also known as Madrid Fashion Week. For the 47th consecutive time, this invitation only, six day, back to back, non stop fashion show arrived on February 11 with a staggering 37 designers showcasing their fall and winter 08/09 clothing line.
History, Fashion and Controversy 
Pasarelas Cibeles, which was housed in the Juan Carlos I convention center in Madrid, was far from controversy yet again this year. After inciting polemic scandal in 2006 for implementing new health guidelines that allowed only models that met the adequate Body Mass Index (BMI) to participate, Pasarelas Cibeles was once again followed by intrigue. Three British models were denied participation after not meeting their minimum BMI, and supermodel Eugenia Silva refused participation in the event stating that the weight requirements were “humiliating”.
Pasarelas Cibeles, which is a platform showcasing strictly Spanish designers, invited for the first time in its history a foreign designer to participate. The International Contemporary Art Fair (ARCO), which is also housed in the Juan Carlos I convention center, had Brazil as this years guest country and therefore invited one of Brazils emerging designers, Gloria Coelho, to participate.
Also creating frenzy was the fact that one of Spain’s biggest names, Custo Barcelona, was missing from the show this year. Custo Barcelona, whose line was inspired by the Dalmau’s brothers Custo and David’s trip around the world, is widely known especially in Europe and Australia. But a quick trip to the Beverly Center in Los Angeles can save you a trip to Europe and Australia, for the Custo Barcelona L.A. based store, visit Custo Barcelona.com.
 Veterans and Rookies
With this year’s theme being “Moda, Cibeles, Arte, ARCO, Febrero, Madrid”, veteran designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada had the honors of inaugurating the fashion show with her line titled “Universo Propio”. For her new designs, Agatha drew inspiration from her own creative universe and for the first time in her career incorporated plastic into her trademark line that usually consists of traditional materials like wool and cotton. Her flowered prints and multi colored garments remained true to the essence behind her line: which is to be comfortable, yet stunning.
Anke Scholder, rookie to the event, opted for a more “grassroots” approach. Her insect inspired designs consisted of mosquito like headpieces and capes with wings and feathers. As creative as her designs were, they were loved by some and heavily criticized by others.
From the Imagination to Flying Solo
Other designers dazzled in fairy tales, such as Jesús del Pozo who presented a mystical approach to fashion. Pozo’s designs brought typical fairy tale plots to the very runway with designs of capes and bonnets reminiscent of medieval times. Accompanied by the sound of horse hoofs and church bells, the models paraded down the runway with an impressive display of tangible imagination.
 In contrast to both Pozo and Agatha, designer Duyos opted for more contemporary designs with geometric figures. The everyday working woman mod was set by striking wool designs reminiscent of the early ‘20’s.
The fashion week continued with over 37 fashion shows, one of which was analyzed to the tiniest of details. Designer Ana Locking, of Locking Shocking, recently split up from her partner and ventured out solo. Following a black monochromatic theme, her designs consisted of mostly shiny and tight materials accentuated by elaborate feathers. Although her recent split from Locking Shocking made spectators extremely curious as to whether or not her designs would fail in comparison to previous ones, many “oohs and aahs” accredited Locking’s solo debut. Locking’s style is most definitely one that can be worn on a day-to-day basis and that can be easily copied without having to drop a whole weeks paycheck.
ARCO
Also making a great impression this year was the Madrid International Contemporary Art Fair (ARCO), which hosted art collectors and artists from all over the world displaying Brazilian themed art. The fair brought together 295 galleries from 34 countries, and more than 50 major exhibitors. Also joining in on the Brazilian theme, were different museums through out Madrid who hosted their own private events. And due to the noticeable sales success in ARCO’s previous presentations, gallery owners and international buyers expect excellent monetary outcomes not only from this year’s event, but from future ARCO presentations as well.
Out with a Bang
This year’s event closed with the presentation of some of the youngest designers in the fashion show. With his first participation in Madrid Fashion week, designer Josep Abril presented his line of men’s clothing. The anticipated display consisted of classic men’s designs such as fitted slacks and blazers in cashmere and cotton in black, blue and taupe colors. As anticipated, the line captured simplicity at its best and gave an overall classic touch to everyday men’s wear.
But no need to travel to Spain to snag the latest styles. For all the latest fashion and for a complete listing of all the participating designers, check out the Pasarelas Cibeles Web site. And to make that runway look your own, check out Mujer Terra and rock that runway look! |
Hilda Gabriela |
| Acerca del Autor: |
| recently discovered mustard and onion
terrified of midgets
livin' the thug life.."watts up!"
hootchie mama for Obama!
loves to dance with rich old men
journalism major
orphan
writer and video producer for AB | |
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