Search:

The latest collection by Spanish designer duo Ailanto has once again met with public and critical acclaim. Presented at the latest Cibeles Catwalk, the characteristically colourful and distinctive creations for Autumn/Winter 2005/2006 draw on contemporary artistic movements and the avant-garde, setting high standards in the world of young Spanish fashion design, of which they are first-class exponents. Ailanto is the work of the 37-year-old Barcelona-based twins from the Basque country, Iñaki and Aitor Muñoz. The duo has succeeded in getting their collections sold at exclusive outlets such as Deli Room in Madrid and Camisería Pons in Barcelona. Outside Spain, their work is available through the Aquagirl store in Tokyo, Selfridges in London, Bergdorf Goodman in New York and American Rag in Tokyo, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Ailanto is one of the top names in a new generation of Spanish designers born during or after the 1960s, many of whom – such as Amaya Arzuaga, Custo Barcelona and Alma Aguilar – are internationally renowned. A look at the credits list of the latest catwalk shows in Madrid will serve to illustrate a youthful tendency in the current Spanish fashion scene, with boots provided by young, but established designer Úrsula Mascaró and shoes by Juan Antonio López, another newcomer who is already known abroad.

Iñaki and Aitor talked to Fashionfromspain.com about their sources of inspiration, their working methods and their international ambitions:

The label was created in 1992. What brought you to the world of fashion?

We both studied Fine Arts in Barcelona and Iñaki then went on to do Fashion Design at the IADE arts school in Madrid. We started designing, entered a few competitions and won a prize which enabled us to set up our first studio. That’s how Ailanto came about.

Why Ailanto?

It’s the name of a Chinese tree. When we first started trying to put a collection together, we needed a name. Aitor was studying gardening at a school in Barcelona and we came across the name when we were flicking through one of his books.

What defines the Ailanto style?

One of the key features of our designs is that we use our own print patterns and an extensive list of fabrics. We are also highly meticulous about putting garments together. We try to stay true to our style, although of course things have changed since we started out. Each time we’re capable of doing more and more things, and we can afford to be that bit more adventurous, although always retaining the Ailanto style.

The Ailanto universe is very colourful.

That’s probably a throw-back to our fine arts training. We just love colour and when we create a collection we tend to devote a lot of time studying colour charts.