Sorry, this entry is only available in European Spanish.

Could anyone imagine that grey and yellow would be the perfect dance partner? Moreover, that they would come to mark and influence this uncertain year that lies ahead of us? According to Pantone, the world authority on colour, nothing is impossible and the entrance to the new 20s will be tinted with Ultimate Gray and Illuminating , this unique colour duet that they assure “combines deep sensations of reflection with the optimistic promise of a sunny day”.

It is not the first time that an ambitious colour pairing has been chosen to represent the colour trends that will influence aesthetic aspects related to fashion, design, advertising or decoration, among others. In 2016, for example, Serenity blue and Quartz pink (known as Millennial pink) were also chosen as a combination. Instead, the 2020 election was motivated by different reasons, influenced by the current context of the pandemic and its social consequences, based on a contrast between strength and hope. Two important attributes that will mark 2021.

Positivity with strength

On the one hand, Ultimate Gray represents firmness. According to Pantone, it “evokes feelings of solidity and reliability that are timeless and provide a firm foundation.” The fortress is painted grey, hard and difficult to break. In nature, “this colour is present in the pebbles that we see on the beach, in the rocks and stones that have been permanently and immobile on the face of the Earth for thousands of years. ” Therefore, this shade of grey is able to withstand the test of time. To itself, “Ultimate Gray inspires calm assurance and conveys feelings of composure, stability and resilience,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. For example, in fashion, what colour would the sweatpants that have lived in most homes and have become the most used garment in confinement?

On the other hand, Ultimate Gray is paired with an energetic, clear and hopeful tone to overcome a situation of sustained uncertainty. This contrasting colour is Illuminating, a bright and cheerful yellow that generates vivacity and effervescence and that in nature inevitably refers us to the sun’s rays. This shade symbolizes hope, positivity and all the good that awaits us during 2021. Thus, the union of an imperishable Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow that represents the Illuminating, expresses a message of positivity combined with strength”, according to Leatrice Eiseman. “A practical and solid colour combination, yet warm and optimistic at the same time that offers resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and comforted, it is essential for the human soul, ” she concludes.

 

 

In fact, the annual choice of a colour that will guide a given year is not the result of chance. Pantone analysts base their final decision on rigorous research and international market analysis. ” The Pantone Color of the Year reflects everything that is happening in our global culture, a colour that expresses the needs of individuals and the colour can give an answer, ” added Laurie Pressman, vicepresident at the Institute Pantone Color. Pressman who also assures that “at a time when society continues to recognize colour as a critical form of communication and as a way of symbolizing thoughts and ideas, a large number of designers and brands are adopting the language of colour to interact and connect ”.

 

 

Ultimate Gray + Illuminating on the catwalk

The union of these antagonistic shades has been uploaded to the catwalks and is very present in the spring-summer 2021 collections. Prada, Jacquemus, Emilio Pucci, Balmain or Salvatore Ferragamo had already chosen this chromatic alliance in the new spring proposals. Two tones that have an impact on clothing, on the fabrics that are chosen and that will determine our way of combining and choosing current garments. According to Pantone, Ultimate Gray + Illuminating in clothing and fashion accessories conveys a message of sunshine and strength because the evergreen grey provides an excellent counterpoint to yellow, bringing some light to small details and clothing accessories. For example, with its energetic presence, the union of the two shades represents an excellent combination in sportswear, coats and in outerwear.

From Gratacós we have several seasonal fabrics that mix the two colours of 2021. Most are floral prints or geometric-inspired prints. The best of all? Right now we have them at irresistible prices. Do not miss the new promotion of fabrics in our online store.

 

This anomalous 2020 has also upset the calendar of the interesting informative talks by the Color Community. association. A private initiative, which we have followed closely since its creation, led by a group of three professionals who love colour: the architect Pere Ortega; the designer specialized in Colour & Trim, Eva Muñoz; and Rosa Pujol, Textile & Colour Stylist and creative director of Gratacós.

This year, the biannual and face-to-face meetings at the Old Damm Factory in Barcelona have been converted into digital format, thus via screen respecting the security measures imposed by the current health situation. Despite the difficulties, Colour Community was able to present the new colour chart that will serve as a guide for the Spring-Summer season 2022 in an orientation report that serves as a source of inspiration for creative professionals who are dedicated to fashion, design, advertising or architecture, among other areas. 

Within a current social and economic context marked by instability and uncertainty, the new broad and global creative proposal Wait… SS22. A concept that articulates the entire chromatic range and which symbolizes the preamble to an infinity of optimistic possibilities, guided by the real need to make better decisions as a society and also in relation to the environment. This “waiting” is essential, according to the association, “to appreciate and value life with humility and simplicity, and its functional daily life to structure the whole future.” For this reason, it will be necessary to design from practicality, but without forgetting beauty or creativity.

“The new creation symbolizes the preamble to celebration,

play and optimism”

“Wait…” also symbolizes the beginning of celebration, play and optimism, opening seamlessly to coexistence with digital reality. As for colour, it materializes like never before, conveying human emotions and being the conductive support of these senses.

In turn, the ‘Wait…’ colour scheme is structured through four ranges of colours, textures and materials named Wait… & Listen, Wait… & Wish, Wait… & Enjoy and Wait… & Grow Up. Colour Community sums it up with a claim to a final message of hope: “Wait… & tomorrow”. Wait and there will be a tomorrow.

Below, we summarize each creative proposal:

Wait… &Listen

This first range is inspired by attentive waiting: ” one that is willing to receive information and learn from it “. A proposal that is based on learning from the proximity of natural society and human knowledge. Wait… &Listen is built from neutrality and naturalness, presenting colour with renewed subtlety. That means that we speak of natural realism, of materials and finishes that connect with a well-manipulated origin, worked from harmony and sustainability. As for the colour palette, relaxing neutral tones abound, such as natural white, basic ecru and calcareous grey, among other soft colours that structure and soothe. The designs mark a return to the simplicity with linear shapes and geometric  basics such as the circle. Rough textures, natural and imperfect finishes, wrinkles and rustic aesthetics return. This trend is also seen in fabrics that are expressed without decorative excesses. Clean-looking matt cotton, linen, hemp, poplin and satin threads abound. Finally, natural fibres coexist with recycled and regenerated synthetics.

Wait… &Wish

The second range appeals to desire, this concept that cannot be materialized and that activates the most creative part of the human being. According to Colour Community: “desire is not satisfied with the tangible and looks for something else as far as possible”. Under this premise, Wait… & Wish seeks to rediscover the secrets of craftsmanship, revaluing all its specific features. In turn this range also focuses on the plant world, but this time it focuses its attention on that nature that we know, but that we rarely touch or experience consciously. The colour is inspired by the apparent chaos of natural beauty, its uniqueness and exuberance with rich, bright and contrasting chromaticism: vegetal green, bright blues, gold foils or crimson brushstrokes. The designs seek to seduce by their elemental, organic and abstract geometries, hand-drawn striped prints, paintings in their freest version and colour combinations that reflect the chromatic chaos of nature. As regards materials there are many works with artisan natural dyes, semi-gloss yarns, die-cuts and laser cuts, utilitarian clothing and satin looks. Finally, in fabrics we are committed to sustainability and comfortable and practical fabrics that do not abandon design. In the fantasy section, Jacquards abound with geometric structures, mesh fabrics, nets and refined weavings such as reliefs and embossing.

Wait… &Enjoy

The third inspiration is the opposite on a conceptual level to the first two: it wants to project the future in an optimistic and creative way, exploring concepts such as freedom, evasion and extroversion. A creative enjoyment that will become limitless, but consistent and thoughtful with the common good. In this range, Colour Community features a creation enriched and loaded with subjective personality, but always coherent and respectful with the environment. The colour palette is based on fresh, cheerful, playful and sensual tones full of positivity and ready to be combined with neutrals. Vital tones such as geranium,  fresh mint, chlorophyll, pink and vitaminised lime which combine with neutrals like white and sand-coloured. The designs are seduced by the power of the flowers and the magnetism of the most exuberant vegetation. Leaves, petals, gardens, green spaces … plant nature also takes centre-stage in summer fabrics. In addition to the flower motifs there are beautiful yarns for new colour sensations, shiny fibres, fluid fabrics that create transparency, textured organza with iridescent yarns, Jacquards with reliefs and piqué. In general, the fabrics express that intention to celebrate and dance again through movement.

Wait… &Grow Up

Finally, Wait… & Grow Up represents an evolution of the previous range. It is based on the imperfection of growth, the acceptance of the passage of time and integration of the past in order to understand the future. This range is “a reunion with the most chromatic geometry with a high expressionist content”. Products designed from a future perspective, with this range of colours, will be approached with a stimulating and light-filled mentality in which multicoloured harmonies generating multitone patterns will play a prominent role. The colour palette is thus multifaceted, symbolic, versatile and adaptable to all sectors: mauve, yellow, intoxicating pink, coral, orange, green, grey, blue and sophisticated brown. In designs a mixture of antagonistic, strange motifs and visual surprises is prioritized. With regard to fabrics this last range follows the line of the previous three and has a clear intention: to better production via recovered or recycled yarns, reducing the chemical impact and water consumption, in order to face a future with hope. Finally, the proposal is based on tactile fabrics that provide an extroverted, colourful and highly visible look.

They have done it again. Mans Concept Menswear has won another distinction that recognizes the originality, good know-how and future projection of this revolutionary men’s tailoring firm created by Jaime Álvarez (Seville, 1994). 

This time, MANS has been the winner of the 2020 Vogue Who’s On Next award, a prestigious award that after nine consecutive years supporting emerging talent has become the most important in Spanish fashion by being endowed with 100,000 euros to develop a business plan, thanks to the collaboration of Inditex. This awards also includes enrollment in ACME (Association of Fashion Designers of Spain) without passing the vote of the General Assembly and the opportunity to participate in the next edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. In addition to the support and editorial coverage of Vogue Spain magazine. Thus, Mans Concept finally prevailed over the other two finalists for the award: Dominnico and Ynésuelves.

A conceptual twist on traditional tailoring

And why Mans? What makes it special? If you still do not know the firm, you should carry on reading.  Mans Concept originates in 2017, in the thesis project of the young Sevillian, Jaime Álvarez after his studies in Fashion Design at the IED in Madrid. Its purpose was revolutionary: to forge a new concept of masculinity through tailoring, challenging its more traditional codes. Actually, the name Mans comes from Demans, which is of German origin and one of the surnames of the designer and creative director of the brand.  Shortening it to ‘ Mans ‘ indicates the search for a new, more personal and updated tailoring. A new approach to modern man. And that’s the main purpose of this visionary pret-a-porter brand.

Thus, Mans Concept focuses on bespoke men’s tailoring based on the reinterpretation of classic patterns. In fact, the firm is influenced both by the ‘ Saville Row ‘ workshops and by Japanese techniques, both present in all its collections. What makes Jaime Álvarez’s signature different is that emphasis on lines, refining cuts and achieving an avant-garde image in silhouettes and finishes that do not lose the traditional essence. The firm seeks a masculine aesthetic adapted to today with clean cuts, colours at the service of the concept and innovation in the fabrics that are personally chosen by Álvarez himself and are exported from England, Italy, Japan and Spain, Gratacós being one of its regular suppliers. With all this raw material, Mans Concept designs and produces locally, two annual collections with clothing that is positioned within the medium-luxury sector and in which each piece has its own detail. The objective is to offer a complete and hybrid masculine wardrobe with basic quality garments, versatile and a progressive design, focused on people who are sure of themselves and what they are looking for.

In its short career, Mans Concept has participated four times in the 080 Barcelona Fashion catwalk and has received the Best Emerging Design award on three of them, and has also walked the MBFW Madrid catwalk on another occasion.

The announcement of Mans Concept as the winning firm of the ninth edition of Vogue Who’s On Next also marks the verification of the creative drive of a new batch of Spanish designers whose common link is the love for clothing made in Spain, the appreciation for craftsmanship, the breakdown of gender barriers, and an international projection that leaves its mark on various red carpets. They call it the WON generation, made up of winners from previous editions such as Marcela Mansergas (2012), Juan Vidal (2013), Maria ke Fisherman (2014), ManéMané (2015), Moisés Nieto (2016), Leandro Cano (2017), Palomo Spain (2018), Carlota Barrera (2019) and, the latest incorporation Mans Concept (2020).

Congratulations Jaime Alvarez for this distinction!

 

September leaves behind the balance of the first Spanish virtual catwalks, held in Madrid and Barcelona in a linked way. Despite becoming digital platforms, the presentation format of a collection remains practically intact: through a catwalk show, adapted to the new times. Gratacós has been following each one of the presentations and, as always, we have managed to identify some of our seasonal fabrics in the original garments presented by the designers who support us. Once again, thank you for your trust!

Dominnico embraces science fiction

If there is something that Dominnico has, it is that, in a short time, he has managed to create an identifiable style, aesthetic codes and his own language on and off the catwalks. And it is not easy at all with the times we are living in. The brand Domingo Rodríguez Lázaro exhibited his credentials in the last edition of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. How? Embracing the retrofuturist aesthetic, his taste for the Bauhaus art movement, pop culture, and manga. Now, Dominnico has taken science fiction as a reference to devise the woman of the future. Thus, in UHURA, the collection for next summer, the Alicante designer has drawn through his enigmatic designs a space traveler, empowered and fighter, technological and romantic. The eccentric Leeloo from The Fifth Element; the stylish officer Nyota Uhura from Star Trek; the sexy Vanessa Kensington from Austin Power or the exotic Nina Williams and Ling Xiaoyu , Manga muses from Tekken par excellence, are some of the characters that emerge in the creator’s imagination.

The colour of the new collection travels between watercolor tones such as water green , storm blue, lilac and pastel yellow or other more earthy tones such as tile; the brand’s characteristic holographic bright colours, without forgetting black and white passing to more resounding ones such as red and orange. In terms of materials, guipure plays a leading role in this new proposal, deconstructed and mixed with leather with laminated textures and fur, introducing lamé, sequins, elastic crepe and fringed lurex. Do you recognize any of our fabrics?

Katherine Hepburn inspires Angel Schlesser

Angel Schlesser, under the creative baton of Juan Carlos Mesa since June, was inspired by the actress Katherine Hepburn as an icon of contemporary, independent, personality and risky women. An actress who, during her professional career of more than six decades, maintained her own style that moved perfectly in ambiguity: she defied the masculine and feminine codes, being equal to or more modern than contemporary actresses. A series of virtues that represent Angel Schlesser’s urban and cosmopolitan woman, who always lives in the present with one foot in the future and without renouncing her past.

The lines of the collection are simple, of great purity in the cut and in the finishes. Fluid silhouettes, designed for comfort without restricting movement. Garments such as shirt dresses, cape skirts, narrow, straight, wide trousers, trouser-skirts; trench coats , kaftans , short and long evening dresses. A whole series of garments to give women freedom and not limit their choice with a wide range of fabrics and noble materials to cover all needs, cotton poplin and voile, linen, silk twill and satin, jaquards and printed sequins, metallic and lame effects. Juan Carlos Mesa does not set limits to honour the Schlesser woman.

Brain & Beast celebrates 10 years of transgressive fashion

The irreverent signature of Ángel Vilda turns 10 years old and has celebrated it again on the catwalks, doing a double in Madrid and later, in Barcelona. At Brain&Beast nothing is what it seems at first glance and behind each collection of deconstructed garments, printed t-shirts, layer-by-layer looks and a mix of colours, fabrics, reliefs and prints, there is always an easily recognizable identity and a hidden message, an intentionality and this is ambiguous because if something characterizes Vilda’s signature is the game, the double meanings and the fun that later invites reflection. The rogue fashion that stirs consciences. In fact, Angel Vilda first builds stories and those stories are translated into clothes. Then, those clothes end up in the wardrobe of other people who in turn interpret new stories, dressed in those unique clothes.

On this occasion, Brain & Beast presented in Madrid the ‘Dogma’ collection for next spring-summer 2021. A new proposal that combines a new philosophical doctrine that serves as a starting point to present genderless garments on the catwalk that rightly combine emotion with models that represent a display of diversity: professional mannequins with friends of Angel himself are the best ambassadors of these fresh and carefree collections designed for an unprejudiced public. In Barcelona, Brain & Beast prepared a whole show to celebrate this first decade by displaying those closest to them in a great party with bizarre hues. Like it or not, Brain & Beast is just like that, unconventional.

Menchén Tomàs pays tribute to light in a brilliant proposal

Menchén Tomàs, led by Olga Menchén, kicked off the last edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion with a splendid collection to honor her 25 years of know-how. As usual, the proposal focused on the festive universe with a catwalk show dominated by dresses and sets of two pieces that suggest sensuality and elegance in each movement. Silhouettes of refined cuts, delicate and silky fabrics, pure colours and a palette inspired by the tones of the sunset make up the collection called ‘Reflexos’.

Mans, between ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring

Mans is one of the most interesting Spanish menswear firms in the country. Creative director, Jaime Alvarez has managed to build a powerful brand identity moving between the ready-to-wear and made to measure tailoring. In fact, Mans’s goal is clear: to offer a complete hybrid wardrobe with quality, versatile basic garments and a progressive design, focused on self-confident people who know what they are looking for in fashion.

The garments of the new spring-summer 2021 collection are inspired by the colors, silhouettes and above all by the attitude of the characters portrayed in them, which are rescued from the photographic work of Slim Aarons . In this new proposal, an inventive line can be identified in the collection and its patterns, based on the bucolic multiculturalism that Aarons expressed in his images. Robes and tuxedos that transport us to the parties portrayed by the American photographer in which we are presented with an idealized society, according to the environment of the location. From Capri to Palm Springs, passing through the gardens of Marrakech. This reality portrayed in the images has been represented by the use of the brand’s own prints, where nude silhouettes and more abstract prints make a parallel between the idealization of the works and the anatomy of the body and nature.

ONRUSHW23FH debuts on the Catalan catwalk

The young designers Albert Sánchez and Sebastián Cameras, aged 24 and 22, are the creators of ONRUSHW23FH, one of the debuting firms at the last edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion. A brand that is part of their final degree project and that consisted of the creation of a collection presented in 2019, later being consolidated in the current project. In fact, the Sánchez and Cameras tandem already had our fabrics in their project and now, in their premiere at 080, they have counted on us again. 

ONRUSHW23FH presented the collection ‘ Almost There ‘ with a reflection in the background at the Sant Pau Modernista Campus. In fact, the designers started from the idea of ​​a liquid society and the immediacy that it implies developed by the sociologist Zygmunt Bauman to base a collection that is inspired by the movement caused by doing things quickly. A utopia that brings the dynamism, wrinkles and simplicity of chaos that are part of this proposal. Among his designs, we find a rich visual imagery that reveals the immediacy and agitation of arriving at your destination at all costs. Garments that are twisted, overlapped or with silhouettes completely displaced from their centers are created from a novel process that mixes 3D prototypes of toile on the mannequin. A technique that allows you to make a selection that is later digitally transformed to achieve more interesting volumes. The result is a timeless and genderless collection that works as a satirical portrait of the concept of haste that marks us as individuals.

Sorry, this entry is only available in European Spanish.

Sorry, this entry is only available in European Spanish.

This year is being atypical in every way due to the global coronavirus pandemic and this uniqueness is also fully affecting the bridal sector that has seen its event calendars altered. It is precisely in spring and summer when more ceremonies are held and in these months, when the big world fairs and exhibitions display their novelties to show and organize the preparations for the ceremonies of the following year but everything now is uncertain.

Obviously, it is still too early to predict whether bridal fashion will be affected by this stage of uncertainty. What is fore sure is that there are certain trends that adjust to the preferences of millennial brides, who still represent the bulk of bridal fashion consumption, and the new generation of generation Z brides that is beginning to appear timidly in the market.

Analyzing the new collections of the main specialized firms and as manufacturers of bridal fabrics, these are some trends for brides that will mark 2021.

1. A change in silhouette

There are as many dresses as there are brides on the market. And it is no longer a single piece per ceremony. Now bridal clothing goes beyond the “unique dress” and other accessories are introduced, such as the evening dress or other looks to wear during the day before or at rehearsal, at the banquet and at the after party.

In any case, the ceremony dress continues to be the centrepiece and symbol of bridal fashion.  Analyzing the last years, there is a tendency towards sobriety that affects the shape. Simple and elegant lines, combined with dazzling veils with appliqués or lace are one of the most popular formulas. Minimalism triumphs combined with controlled doses of pomposity. As for the silhouette, there is a certain predilection for the most fitted dresses and a less “princess” look. Two-piece dresses are also worn a lot of thanks to that combination of style and comfort, which is especially liked by younger brides.

As for trends observed within the bridal designs themselves, special sleeves are worn such as puffs, sophisticated round neckline closed collars, volumes on the skirts if it is a two-piece suit, ruffles, long sleeves for autumn or winter ceremonies, buttons especially in retro-style dresses and transparencies.

2. Fabrics and details

As fabric manufacturers, with a wide range of articles dedicated to brides, we can say that there are fabrics that are infallible, and that despite the passing fashions, they always have a print such as floral embroidery, lace, crêpe, organza and tulle. In general, the former define the outer part of the dress, and are the most striking, and the latter the skeleton or interior or details such as transparencies or the veil, although it is no longer possible to speak of generalities due to this heterogeneity in taste and the preferences of the current brides. In any case, special fabrics are also sold very well, those that go beyond the ABC and that provide a plus of sophistication: articles with decoration, precious stones or even the sophisticated feathers that give ethereal and beautiful point in a bridal gown.

In any case, from Gratacós we invite you to re-enter our space and marvel at the new bridal fabrics. We have many dreams to fulfil for the brides who are still waiting for that yes I want.

3. The bridal colours

Although the silhouettes or fabrics change, depending on the trends of the moment, there are classics that still remain and in terms of colour, current brides still prefer white to say I do. In fact, it continues to maintain comfortable leadership in its pristine version. Of course, competitors have emerged for years: from the most subtle as false whites (ivory, champagne, bone …), to the most daring such as yellows and light blues or pinks, who resist abandoning bridal gowns in their palest shades. In fact, the consumption of this feminine colour has continued to grow in terms of preferences for the bridal dress or the second dresses that the bride uses for other occasions within the ceremony.

4. Personalization and second hand, two trends on the rise

Bridal fashion also reflects the latest trends of the Prêt-à-porter. In this sense, the sector also takes into account two values ​​that are increasingly appreciated by the new generation of consumers: personalization and vintage or second-hand outfits.

Beyond the custom-made dress, the big bridal fashion firms are offering the option of customizable garments, where the bride can choose several options on a base model, which set her apart from the rest. For example, the firm Pronovias, world leader in the bridal sector, has created My Dream Atelier. It is a capsule collection made up of four basic bridal designs and different silhouettes, depending on the body, taste or preferences of the consumer. Once the model is chosen, it can be personalized with appliques and details such as flowers, stars, butterflies, hearts or glitter. To finish the customization, the firm offers the possibility of embroidering on the dress or veil initials, words or phrases that tell the love story of the couple.

The other rooted trend is the choice of vintage dresses and / or second-hand accessories that go from grandmothers to mothers and from mothers to daughters. They are special clothes that are bought in specialized stores or that are inherited to maintain the family’s legacy. In fact, within an increasingly homogeneous and impersonal society, garments with their own values ​​acquire a new meaning: they provide exclusivity and authenticity.

Wearing a mask is already an imperative. No buts about it. It is an obligatory accessory that must be worn in public spaces as a measure of protection from possible contagion in this return to the new normality that we all of us are experiencing for the first time as a society. The coronavirus pandemic has shaken all our foundations, also affecting something as banal as our street clothes. Indeed, this essential accessory during the lock-down has come to stay for a while, at least during 2020. An opportunity always emerges from every crisis and the fashion industry, hit hard by the interruption of production and consumption, has found in the mask an escape route to market a new accessory that will accompany us wherever we go as a hygiene measure.

The commitment of brands and designers to this unexpected product is more than certain. In the last few weeks they have all started to produce their own designs. Within the luxury sector firms such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Off-White have presented the new trend items, which in some cases are still true luxury accessories. The cost of a mask “with pedigree” could be anything up to 200 euros. Celebrities have also seen a niche to maintain their popularity and earn extra money. Let them learn from Kim Kardashian! The voluptuous American socialite recently launched a collection of masks with devastating result: they sold out in an hour. The low cost market has also heeded the call to revitalize consumption via this accessory. For example, the giant Inditex already has a collection of masks available in the online catalogues of two of its best-known brands (Bershka and Stradivarius). Indeed, the models of their campaigns already wear them accompanied by their jeans and fashionable tops. The message is clear: the mask has already become a standard piece of clothing in our daily wardrobe. Even the Lidl supermarket chain announced an agreement with Agatha Ruiz de la Prada to give their masks a touch of brightness. As experts in the sector point out, “creativity and ingenuity are needed to give colour to the dark times of COVID-19”.

A designer accessory

Spanish designers have also not stood idly by and have wanted to develop proposals that maintain their identifying features. The essence must never be lost. A stand-out example is the creative alliance between Dominnico and Pezones Revueltos to create four innovative masks. Thus, the Alicante designer Domingo Rodríguez Lázaro and the illustrator María Bueno have launched a capsule collection inspired by modern fairytale princesses. And we are very pleased to say that among those models you can identify some of our own fabrics.

Another pioneer designer creating his own mask has been Juan Carlos Pajares. In April the designer from La Mancha launched a colourful solidarity design whose profits were destined for sanitary equipment . Now Pajares is incorporating this as an additional accessory in his summer looks. Indeed, if you look closely you will also recognize the fabric of this design mask.

Quién fue un paso más allá fue Miriam Ponsa and Josep Abril went a step further, reinventing their brands to produce protective equipment to guarantee safety against the coronavirus. Initially Catalan designers created prototypes of gowns and masks to turn their production around and focus on meeting protection needs. Now, with the de-escalation they are keeping their mask designs as a further accessory in their collections.

Finally we should also highlight the creation by Closca Design, a Valencian company dedicated to creating bicycle helmets and other urban accessories which has expanded its business with a line of face masks of functional, sustainable and aesthetic design. This accessory is designed to last since it can be washed, is foldable and adapts to different faces because it has a velcro closure. The company assures wearers that the anti-coronavirus function is achieved with the same filters that are used in FFP2 masks, offering the same protection.

Apart from the big brands or prestigious designers, it is important to point out that a network of individuals and small companies in the textile sector has also been created, who have launched their own masks offering customizable options which especially are governed by the choice of fabrics to consumer taste. In this regard we anticipate that at Gratacós we will also soon be promoting our own line of masks, an interesting project that we will reveal to you in June together with the fabrics of our collections. Keep in touch!

Together we are stronger – and this is more necessary than ever in unstable times that shake the foundations of the current economy. The textile industry (national and international) could not be left out of the emergency caused by the coronavirus, and it is admirable how in recent weeks it has joined efforts to manufacture on a large scale basic medical supplies to help cut the chain of contagion of the disease, and thus slow down the pandemic.

In extraordinary situations shock measures are needed. In our country, Spanish textile companies, as well as cosmetics, automotive and beverage sectors, have heard the government’s call to convert production to make masks, gloves, assisted breathing equipment or disinfectant gels to the maximum speed. This reconversion serves to supply hospitals, residences and essential service workers who urgently need this material to face the battle against the epidemic. Until now lack of resources was one of the black holes that gave wings to the coronavirus.

In the case of the textile industry, the companies that are joining the initiative have gone from sewing pants or dresses to making surgical masks and “use and throw” gowns that are used by thousands in hospitals. To date the sector has the necessary machinery, patterns and fabrics ready and once they comply with all the requirements and approvals approved by the Textile Technological Institute (AITEX), mass production will begin. Estimates are indeed encouraging: they calculate that up to 160,000 masks a day and about 50,000 disposable gowns can be manufactured.

The big international fashion brands have also gone to work with special productions accompanied by financial donations dedicated to providing current resources in hospital centres and promoting scientific research to accelerate the race to find the vaccine that eradicates the coronavirus. For their part, the Spanish fashion giants (Inditex, Mango, Tendam and Desigual) also have an army of suppliers around the globe to obtain more medical supplies. Things are already moving in this regard.

An army of volunteers fights for the cause

Beyond unity, if there is something that is happening in a positive key in almost every corner of the planet and that is teaching us a valuable lesson in humanity these days, it is solidarity. Everyone wants to join in and help as much as possible to slow down the pandemic. Apart from private initiatives, which are many and diverse, one of the projects related to fashion that has contributed its grain of sand has been Modistas Solidarias, an initiative promoted by the designer María Cordero, alter ego of the Spanish firm Wolflamb. Its goal has been to convert all the cotton fabrics into masks to supply the hospitals near its workshop in Valencia, and for this reason all seamstresses on the team are involved. This small project has gained in strength by the addition of small workshops and individuals spread throughout Spain. Along with anonymous volunteers, well-known names such as Ariadne Artiles, Eugenia Silva, Blanca Padilla, Paz Vega and designers Vicky Martín Berrocal and Juan Avellaneda have also joined the initiative.

Gratacós is also committed

At Gratacós we have not stood idly by and we are aware of our social responsibility as a fabric company. We too wanted to join forces in the fight against the coronavirus. So far we have supplied and shipped dozens of cotton fabrics to local workshops and neighbourhood companies for mask manufacturing. We are aware of the state of emergency and in the coming days we shall be studying how to encourage more actions to alleviate this social, economic and health crisis. We will inform you through social networks. Look after yourselves at home!