Spain: What are the Brands?

[killua]

I don't really see Spanish brands discussed around here. If you were going to Spain, what stores would you check out and what would you look at buying? Is there more than just leather shoes?

My parents will be traveling there in a few weeks, but I have no idea what to tell them to get me. I can't simply say "buy leather shoes" because their judgment sucks. And I don't want to say "don't get me anything" because I'll end up with some dust collecting ornament.

 

[Bring The Noise]

balenciaga? but its pretty much french now

 

[killua]

Do they make mens wear? I had a quick look at their online store but only saw women's items.

 

[Swann]

You can check out the mens stuff here. But keep in mind that it is not a french label anymore.

 

[LA Guy]

Well, the gold standard for Spanish leather is Loewe, which also has a well regarded RTW menswear line. Olimpo is anothe big name in Spanish leather, though without the heritage of Loewe, nor, imo, does it match up in design or quality. If you are looking for inexpensive "fast fashion", Zara originates from Spain. I love Spain (actually went there for my honeymoon) but I am not a huge fan of the domestic fashion. You'll find that a lot of the boutiques there stock, exclusively, imported brands. The domestic brands, are for me, a little too "Euroflash", and there is not the range of Italian designers. The more famous of these brands include Armand Basi, Custo Barcelona (both of which were popular in the States in about 2000, when the very body conscious Euro-Italian look was strongest), Florentino (which I think has some stateside stockists). Some of the more "streetwear" designers, like Designual, are just too happy for my Canadian soul. Gimme more greys and blues and browns and even some blacks.

Unfortunately, there is not the North American and Japanese tradition of stocking lots of local artisanal goods in boutiques, so you will have to ask around and look. They are definitely there though, often selling out of single storefronts, and with very high workmanship and quality of raw materials, and often (relatively) inexpensive too.

 

[bach]

over the summer i saw some spanish students wearing 'desigual', some of it looked pretty cool.

 

[Easily Amused]

A topic near to my heart, as I'm going to be moving to Madrid in a few months (for business school). I've visited Spain twice twice previously, and admittedly I wasn't looking for clothing brands/stores during the trips. The only Spanish brand that stands out in my mind right now is Zara, from which I've bought a few decent sweaters (made in Spain), two ties, and a sport coat - nothing fancy or ostentatious, though you can get a lot of wild stuff from Zara, if you're so-inclined. I do remember smaller brick-and-mortar stores which did sell uniquely-designed and -made Spanish clothing like capes and chambergo wide-brimmed hats, but I'm not sure you'll get a lot of use out of these items anywhere outside of Spain. I recommend Zara - okay quality, okay prices, and you're parents won't get sticker-shocked. Hope they have fun and return with a lot of goodies for you.

 

[hossoso]

I got an amazing Motorhead belt buckle in Madrid. The guy only had one of them and refused to part with it for less the $20. Joke was on him though, I would have paid that sucker $50.

 

[ppllzz]

isnt carmina spanish

 

[jet]

Going to venezuela guys what are the hot brands over there?

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by andyliu52

isnt carmina spanish

That's right. I have a nice pair of their boots. Nice.

 

[killua]

Thanks LA Guy. Loewe looks to have a nice selection so a good chance they'll find something there for me, plus they have stores in the right locations. I think that will be the backup if they cannot find an independent shop or can't be bothered.

Desigual doesn't quite fit my style based on their website collection.


On the topic of Spanish leathers, does anyone have an opinion of Lottusse?

 

[Razele]

Originally Posted by jet

Going to venezuela guys what are the hot brands over there?
Socialism.

 

[ErnestoG.]

zara is good.