There is always a joy that runs through me whenever I come back to Spain.
It could be the Spanish sun, the tapas, the people (who are some of the most friendly humans I'd ever encountered)! But for me personally, I always make space in my suitcase for the clothes.
There has always been something romantically persuasive about what the Spanish wear and how they wore it. If we go back to stereotypes in movies, the most obvious images that would spring to mind are of a beautifully bronzed woman, in a tiered-frill dress with sleeves slightly off the shoulders, softly caressing the skin and complimenting the gentle rose that sits elegantly in bold, dark curls of hair. The man would be glistening with oiled hair in an open, gathered shirt, slightly revealing a muscular chest with bails of chest hair and lets not forget the tight trousers!
All of these images were very appealing to someone, mostly designers who have been influenced by the sensuality of an old Espana but let's be real... No one dresses like that anymore unless they're in a flamenco show or at La Feria, Sorry!
But Spain has come a long way in terms of Fashion, especially since the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (better known as Franco) during 1939-1975, where women had to dress "modestly" which basically meant no trousers etc. Spain has always been a land that was considered "still behind" by friends who are natives, and by many others... In a sense I do get it when it comes to political matters, but I would never consider La Moda to be one of them.
There is a lot of range in this country that I really admire and it inspires me to create every time I come here. As advanced and desirable as London is in the clothing world, I always tend to see a lot of trend repetition and that urks me!
My times in Sevilla had made me realise absolutely anything I want in terms of clothes is available somewhere and at a damn good price too! Pleather suits, outstanding wedding dresses, corduroy trousers, a barber who specialises in mullets, you name it and it shall be found.
But lets not forget, this not-so-small country is the home to one of the biggest fashion companies (Inditex) that really do help me out in my times of 1st world crisis. The people behind this high-street giant have made sure that there league of designers give us what we want in brands such as Zara, Bershka and all the other sister stores.
A genius idea from a company that has been known to be against advertisement and have somehow creamed major success and all of our money.
So you ask what's my deal huh? You will hardly be j u d g e d.
Look, when we see someone wearing something somewhat "outrageous/revealing" ( I believe I fall in the outrageous category), people get really weird about it. But in little old Spain, I think they are so accustomed to showing a little flesh or just by overall change, that they don't even care - they more tend to embrace it.
One thing that I do love is women between the age of 45-65 strutting down a cobbled street in the tallest platform trainers, with a sleek blazer and a fresh balayage. That is truly iconic for me and sets an example to other women that age that you can wear what you want, not matter the age!
You can also go to almost any city and find a few good vintage kilo shops, unlike London. There is no limit to one off hand-me-downs in places like Valencia, where there is a whole avenue dedicated to vintage wear... And I don't mean like Shoreditch, it's a bit more Inspiring in Ruzafa... AND I FREAKING LOVE IT!
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