For Mans’ autumn collection, Jaime Álvarez took us on a journey to rural Britain, interspersed with a country-kitschy personal touch. “That English countryside can also be perfectly Andalusian,” he said, laughing. “I’ll take it home.” He merged both themes, but kept customization, the house’s strongest asset, as the common thread. His main intention was to renew garments through small details, such as bringing the lining of a jacket from the inside out, or using trompe l’oeil details to rework garments from previous collections. The Seville-born designer focused on texture, with micro sequins on ladylike dresses and jackets and skirts made from alpaca. “It’s a bit of a tribute to women who ride horses, whether they’re from Britain or from El Rocío in Huelva.”
Recently, Álvarez expanded the Mans offering, which has strengthened the brand’s customer profile. “We will never give up on menswear because that is our biggest success, but this show has been a testament to the fact that we can make all kinds of clothes, always following the brand’s line,” he said. His men’s and women’s wear collections were aimed at an audience of contrasts: the festive side coexisted with everyday pieces, through playful layering, and the strong presence of difficult shades, such as green or ‘hedgehog yellow’, Álvarez added: ‘ It is very manly – a chaos that became harmonious in the look.”
