Fashion Spotlight: Spain

As I touched down in the El Prat Airport of Barcelona, I was greeted by scathing looks and sneers from head to toe.

While I’ve always maintained a classic yet modern style, I quickly realized that my “airplane chic” attire served no place in Spain. During the six months I spent living and breathing Spanish fashion, my delicate florals were replaced with leather, pencil skirts evolved into balloon silhouettes, and the trendiest of sweatpants became the ultimate faux-pas. I had abandoned my personal fashion 411, pairing the boyfriend jean (months before Katie Holmes, might I add) with layers I would have never combined. And as I covet boots and handbags with metallic hardware this fall, I can’t help but think… Spain did it first.

Fashion is an integral part of the culture of Spain, as some of the greatest designers of our time are of Spanish descent (think Cristobal Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada). Walking the streets of Madrid and Spain, it does not take a fashionista to recognize the pride both men and women uphold in the way in which they dress themselves. Regardless of economic status, men are fit in tailored pants or tight jeans, form fitting tees and scarves in a bevy of fabrics. The Spanish are known for their mix and match of elegant and contemporary pieces, and it is no question why—the famed shopping street in Barcelonoa, Passeig de Gracia, plays home to both stores from Dolce & Gabbana to the recession friendly Mango.

Spanish fashion maintains its connection with trends from Paris, London and New York, as styles stay consistent throughout the seasons and in the windows of boutiques. Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez’s billowing silhouettes and loose fabrics are paired over skinny jeans or dark leggings. Stores like Gonzalo Comella stock denim with ornate stitching and frayed pockets from D-Squared with blouses from American designer Marc Jacobs. Boots in black, chocolate brown and deep hues of red from designer Pedro Garcia exhibit Spain’s rich tradition of leather craftsmanship.

While Spanish fashion may be synonymous with the established designers who call the country their home, it is also representative of a number of designers to keep an eye out for! Collections from Pilar Ruiz, Rocabert, and Carmen March to name a few.