Moda Española in the British Capital
04-05-2007
New Shops / Nuevas Tiendas
Opened back in 1984, Desigual is typically Spanish in terms of bringing the textiles to life. Making use of bold colours and graffiti-like prints the collections are fun and show a more humorous take on fashion. Desigual, the Spanish term for unusual (see the inverted “s†in the brands logo), provides truly original street and sportswear designs for both men and women.
Hoss Intropia teamed up with British model Lily Cole as their new face when they launched their first stand-alone store in London’s Regent Street earlier in this year. The bohemian chic they’re well known for is also selling in various multi-brand stores throughout London.
Another recent opening was Mascaró’s Pretty Ballerinas store in Brook Street. The shop specialises in ballet pumps and flats and its beautiful and romantic décor is definitely worth a visit.
The High Street / La Calle Principal
{mosimage}Ever-present throughout the world and of course not missing out London are the mega chains Mango, Zara and Bershka.
Mango, which was also founded in 1984, has almost 1000 shops on all five continents and several in the British capital. The elegant cuts are aimed at young urban women and the chain has stores on Oxford Street, Covert Garden, Kensington High Street etc. This summer they have even designed limited edition lines dedicated to the international fashion destinations of our time.
Another Spanish company that’s gone global on a huge scale is, of course, Zara. Part of the Inditex Group the brand has firmly established itself on the high streets of the world since its founding in 1975. Its range covers sophisticated and formal styles for the both women and men as well as an accessories range and a children’s collection.
{mosimage}
Bershka, also part of the Inditex empire, is more extreme, colourful and kitsch in its designs and a lot more trend-driven than the other shops. It also differs from its big sister Zara in its target market as Bershka is aimed at women and men in their late teens to early twenties.
Another brand of the conglomerate that hasn’t yet landed in Britain is Stradivarius. But it seems only a matter of time till Amancio Ortega’s (Spain’s Sir Philip Green) latest coup will hit the capital.
The Designers / Los Diseñadores
{mosimage}Started in 1985 as a men’s clothing company, Massimo Dutti now has almost 400 shops worldwide and has expanded its range into women’s designs as well. The casual and cosmopolitan design range is made for the modern Spanish dresser.
Shoe genius Manolo Blahnik started his business in 1973 in London after three years of living in the British capital. Regularly featured in the iconic TV series Sex and the City his creations were lifted to an immortal status.
Bridal wear designers joined under the label Pronovias is located on New Bond Street and the brand is planning the opening of The Wedding Dress Boutique at famous department store Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Further online information on the brands:{mosimage}
Desigual www.desigual.com
Hoss Intropia www.hossintropia.com
Pretty Ballerinas www.prettyballerinas.com
Mango www.mango.es
Zara www.zara.com
Bershka www.bershka.com
Massimo Dutti www.massimodutti.co.uk
Manolo Blahnik www.manoloblahnik.com
Pronovias www.pronovias.com
By Christa Catharina Muller
Pictures by Nicole Winkler
& JoJo Iles
