[ Next: 13 Keys to Nailing French Fashion Like a Parisienne ]
Spanish Brands
-
Zara
Hooded Down Coat, $169 at Zara
Believe it or not, fast fashion mecca Zara is a Spanish brand. Owned by Inditex and headquartered in Arteixo, Spain, Zara first opened its doors in 1975 in A Coruña, Spain. It took several years for the brand to expand and now it’s the go-to resource for all fashion lovers with minimal budgets.
-
Loewe
Patchwork T-Shirt Dress Beige, $790 at Loewe
Now under the direction of Jonathan Anderson, Loewe actually dates back to 1892. Originally dubbed E. Loewe, the Madrid-based brand became known for its use of quality leathers to craft truly elegant pieces fit for royalty (in 1905, the brand was named the Official Supplier to the Royal House). Loewe continued to expand and is now owned by LVMH. In recent seasons, Loewe has become one of the most exclusive Spanish brands out there, known for its raffia totes and animal-shaped bags plus logo-clad everything.
-
Delpozo
Leather Flower Belt, $600 at mytheresa.com
Though current Creative Director Josep Font is stepping down from the revitalized Spanish fashion house, he certainly left his mark. Known for creating structured silhouettes and street style-worthy pastel pieces, our forum members even think the brand deserves a haute couture extension. Delpozo was started back in 1974 in Madrid by Spanish couturier Jesús del Pozo, but since it shows at London Fashion Week, a lot of people aren’t aware of its Spanish roots.
-
Manolo Blahnik
Verna Tweed Mary Jane Pumps, $965 at Barneys
Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite designer, Manolo Blahnik was born in the Canary Islands to a Spanish mother and Czech father. He originally set his sights on being a set designer, but that all changed in 1970 after then editor-in-chief of American Vogue Diana Vreeland encouraged him to focus on footwear. Now headquartered in London, a pair of Manolos is still a prized possession.
-
Mango
Belt Long Jumpsuit, $99.99 at Mango
Another fast fashion destination, Mango takes a more tailored approach than other low-cost Spanish brands. Founded in Barcelona back in 1984, it's a great place for workwear pieces, jumpsuits and sculpted footwear. Plus, it has a truly chic plus-size range called Violeta by Mango.
-
Adolfo Dominguez
Elastic Shirt With Original Print, $159 at Adolfo Dominguez
If you’ve ever watched reruns of Miami Vice, you’ve probably seen Adolfo Dominguez’s linen suits. Born in 1950 in Trives, a village in Ourense, Galicia, Dominguez launched a men’s collection in 1976. He expanded into womenswear in 1984 driven by the slogan "the wrinkle is beautiful." Steadily growing through the 80s and 90s, Dominguez also created a range of popular fragrances. He even outfitted Barbie in 1993 for her 35th birthday.
-
Bershka
Beetlejuice Tote Bag, $14.90 at Bershka
Created in 1998 as part of Inditex (noticing a pattern here?), Bershka is definitely targeted toward the younger generation. Basically, it's the Forever 21 of Spanish fashion brands, but with a bit more attitude. Get your hiking boot fix, belt bags on the cheap and some novelty items perfect for Halloween.
-
Desigual
Mariana Pullover, $259.95 at Desigual
Launched in 1984, Desigual has a reputation for bold prints and bright colors (it’s kind of like Jeremy Scott, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana rolled into one). Headquartered in Barcelona, the Spanish brand has yet to reach critical mass like Zara, but it offers its runway designs at surprisingly affordable prices.
-
Bimba y Lola
Pink Fantastic-Forest Midi Dress, $391.46 at Bimba y Lola
Named after owners/sisters Uxia and Maria Dominguez’s dogs, Bimba y Lola was founded in 2005. The nieces of iconic Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez are a bit print happy (but we’re not complaining), designing statement dresses, stylish flats and super sleek bags.
-
Massimo Dutti
Skinny Fit Corduroy Trousers, $94.50 at Massimo Dutti
Founded in 1985 and acquired by Inditex in 1991, Massimo Dutti originally catered exclusively to men. But the Spanish brand expanded to include womenswear in 1995 and even offers fragrances and a children’s line. Stock up on its corduroy collection and sneaker offering to stand out from the street style crowd.
-
Pull&Bear
Netflix Stranger Things Neon Logo T-Shirt, $18.22 at Pull&Bear
Pull&Bear came to life in 1991 "with the intention of dressing young people who are engaged with their environment, who live in the community and relate to each other." One of the many Spanish brands of Inditex, the label delivers plush coats, classic jeans and even a Stranger Things collab.
-
Stradivarius
Low-Heel Track Sole Boots, $89.82 at Stradivarius
Known for its treble clef moniker, Stradivarius was created in 1994 and is basically the kid sister of Zara (and is one of the many Spanish fashion brands under the Inditex umbrella). The affordable label can be found on sites like ASOS and is known for quirky, trendy pieces, like leopard print sweaters, mom jeans and funky footwear.
