At this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at IFEMA, emerging designers had the opportunity to showcase their designs outside the runway in small stands. Among the many brands, one brand immediately drew attention with its vibrant designs.
Devol Studios, created by Rosa Gassent, stood out amongst other kiosks with its colorful ties and flowers covering its walls. The quirky purses and unconventional pieces caught the attention of the exhibition’s visitors.
“We try to give garments a second life by transforming them completely or by modification. We even have the service in which a customer can bring a garment and work with me to modify it and give the piece a second chance to help reduce contamination,” said Gassent.
Gassent showed visitors how each piece was designed, explaining how some were recycled and how the flowers in her designs are central to her new collection, “Desencanto.” She described the collection as a process of falling in love and breaking up, leading many of her designs to alternate between vibrant and darker emotional pieces, some depicting creatures crying.
Although still a small brand, Gassent’s fashion stylist, Luis Tayan, helps find models, style garments, and collaborates with Gassent in creative decisions. “I work with Gassent as a partner, and I really trust her,” Tayan said. “We make decisions together, but in the end, she is the one who decides everything.”
While this is one of the many independent brands, visitors could also explore the activity booths that were scattered around the IFEMA hall.
Tacota Perez, a fashion student, said she attended the event to see Isabel Sanchi´s fashion show. “Her designs are inspired by Japanese culture, which is unique. However, I also came to enjoy the different stands available for guests to see and experience,” said Perez, who said that her favorite kiosk was L’Oréal’s, as it offered free makeup and photos.
Other activities in the event included a second-hand clothing stand, small booths for smaller fashion brands, tote-bag painting workshops and fashion business speeches.
Where do SLU-Madrid students find their own fashion inspiration, and which stories around Madrid captivate them the most?
Many students said Madrid´s vintage stores are what shape their styles. Mía Rodriguez, a study abroad student, said she prefers shopping in Malasaña and Justicia, two neighborhoods known for their artistic nature.
“I usually shop at thrift shops, and this city is perfect for me because it´s all vintage shops,” Rodriguez said.