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Amaya Arzuaga (1970) has just presented her creations for next summer in Milan. Spain’s most international prêt-à-porter designer now makes regular appearances on the Italian catwalk, where her bold, cutting-edge asymmetry has met with great acclaim since 2003.

Amaya Arzuaga completed her Fashion Design course at Madrid’s Polytechnic University in 1992, and joined the family knitwear firm, Elipse, the same year. Two years later, she set up her own firm and launched her first collection. In 1995 and 1996, she presented her collections in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and New York, and in 1997 became the first Spanish designer selected to take part in London Fashion Week.

The Spanish designer’s international success is also confirmed by her foreign sales, which make up 80% of her total turnover. Her first own-brand store in Calle Lagasca in Madrid is a further indication of the innovative, avant-garde approach of this designer from Burgos with a desire to break moulds.

What are the key features that define the Amaya Arzuaga style in your collections?
My personal idea of creativity is simplicity with very little frippery, coupled with an eye for practicality. It’s a combination which is pretty unusual. The aim is to do something that doesn’t already exist, but which is also very wearable at the same time. My style is a play on asymmetry in all the clothes I design, both for men and women.

What do you consider your major contribution to Spanish and global fashion?
My personal artistic vision.
Colour is increasingly a feature of your collections. Is that something you intend to continue?
To tell the truth, even I don’t know the answer to that!
What are your current fabric preferences and why?
Silk, tulle, silk gauze, knitted cotton and knitted viscose and lycra, which I consider to be the materials that work best with my designs. I also like the new-age fabrics made from polyurethane and plastic... There’s something of a revolution afoot in the world of fabrics at the moment.