(Cover photo: Models wearing the fashionable shorts. Editorial taken on the outskirts of Madrid, 1971 )
Let's be clear: fashion in Spain has a lot more history than is sometimes acknowledged. We're not just talking about flamenco dresses or mantillas (which are beautiful, yes, but not the end of the story). Modern fashion in our country has a unique personality, a mix of tradition and avant-garde that has conquered catwalks and wardrobes around the world.
So get ready, because we're going to take a look at what has made Spanish fashion a benchmark for style and attitude. You'll see how we also know how to set trends!
The first steps towards modernity
It all started with big names who took Spanish fashion to the next level. And we can't talk about this without mentioning Cristóbal Balenciaga . Yes, the master. Although he started in the 1930s, his work laid the groundwork for what modern fashion in Spain would become. With his obsessive attention to detail and designs that seemed like pure art, he showed the world that in this country we not only knew how to make shawls, but also luxury haute couture.
The 60s and 70s: From tradition to revolution
The 1960s brought with them a breath of fresh air. Spanish fashion, which until then had been more focused on the traditional, began to experiment with new shapes and styles. Designers such as Manuel Pertegaz began to put Spain's name on everyone's lips. Did you know that Pertegaz was close to designing for Jackie Kennedy and that he made history with Queen Letizia's wedding dress? His work symbolised a transition between classic elegance and modernity.
Meanwhile, Spanish women were beginning to break away from the moulds of the time. Trousers, bright colours and more daring cuts began to become part of their daily lives. The key? A new attitude. Because fashion is not just what you wear, but how you wear it.
The 80s and 90s: The explosion of creativity
And then came the 80s, and with them, the explosion! The Movida Madrileña not only marked music and cinema, but also fashion. Designers such as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada burst onto the scene with their eccentric and colourful style. Their designs were (and still are) pure joy and cheekiness, a declaration that fashion could be fun and bold.
In the 90s, Spain began to establish itself as a benchmark in the world of fashion. Do names like Custo Barcelona ring a bell? Their vibrant prints and unique style triumphed on international catwalks. This was the moment when Spanish fashion began to export its character to the world, proving that we were not just following trends, but creating them.
21st Century: Fashion for real women
We come to the present, where Spanish fashion is a kaleidoscope of styles. From the great luxury houses like Loewe , which continues to reinvent itself decade after decade, to the most accessible brands that are in our closets, like Zara and Mango , which have revolutionized the way we buy fashion.
But the most exciting thing about fashion in Spain today is that it is made for real women, just like you and me. Emerging designers, sustainable brands and local projects are creating fashion that is not only beautiful, but has a purpose: to empower, inspire and celebrate our diversity.
A future full of attitude
Fashion in Spain continues to evolve, but there is something that will always be part of its essence: our attitude. The confidence with which we wear each garment, the balance between tradition and modernity, and that special touch that makes everything seem natural.
So, the next time you look in the mirror and feel like your outfit is perfect, remember that you are part of an incredible story. Because Spanish fashion is not only on the catwalks, it is in each one of us, in how we choose to express ourselves and how we show the world who we are.
Ready to dress up your story? 😉
