To appreciate a particular fashion or lifestyle brand is to know its history and its strong qualities. This was highlighted during our trip to Barcelona upon the invitation of Trimark Holdings Inc.
Here are four Spanish brands, some of which have made a mark in Manila for their stylish, competitively priced collections.
Rosa Clará
Twenty years ago, Rosa Clará entered the bridal market by opening its first shop in Barcelona. The brand’s innovative designs and high-quality fabrics caught attention; soon Rosa Clará boutiques sprouted around Spain, eventually branching out to the rest of the world.
The success spawned a new brand, Two Fiesta by Rosa Clará, a collection that includes gowns and cocktail dresses.
Today, with more than a dozen awards and citations, Rosa Clará is one of the most established brands in the bridal wear industry.
My sister, incidentally, is getting married this Sunday in a Rosa Clará gown. Women today would rather see and fit dresses by themselves, as opposed to going to a designer, to avoid “surprises” at the last minute. I guess it is also the sign of the time—people want instant gratification.
Rosa Clará is at The Greenbelt Residences, Tower 3, Makati; tel. 2381310.
Tous
Starting out as a small watch repair shop in the 1920s, Tous now has over 400 boutiques in 45 countries.
Inheriting his father’s shop, Salvador Tous and wife Rosa Oriol designed a new style of jewelry. In 1985, the Tous Teddy Bear was born, setting off the brand’s expansion in Spain.
Later its worldwide popularity led Tous to produce not only jewelry but also bags, watches, perfumes, eyeglasses, textiles and small leather goods.
My favorite Tous item though is still its jewelry. I remember buying a dainty ring with a cross design. There are chunky ones, too, but I like the rings and necklaces that are perfect for piling on.
Tous is one shop you’d like to visit for trinkets on special occasions. Since I’ll be attending a baptism soon, I will definitely be giving earrings from Tous.
Tous is at 1/L, Glorietta 2, Makati
Mango
In 1988, four years after Mango’s humble beginnings in Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona, the company started expanding its domestic market. By 1993, Mango had 100 stores all over Spain and also opened two stores in Portugal.
Now everybody knows Mango. What I appreciate most about this brand is there is always something classic with a twist, and easy to wear.
What’s more impressive is the brand’s commitment to offer only the best items to costumers in terms of design, fit, production schedule and little things that happen before the clothes reach store shelves.
It seems everyone who visit a Mango store feels special, as if they were top of mind among the brand’s creators for every new collection.
Aïta
In the year 2000, with a solid background in designing, manufacturing and selling women accessories, the Relats family founded the brand Aïta. In the next 10 years it has opened 68 stores all over Spain.
In 2006, Vogue Spain handed Aïta a number of awards, including Best Spanish Franchising Concept and Most Innovative Packaging.
In 2014 the brand was acquired by Sux Trit, S.L continuing the vision of making quality goods with the modern woman in mind.
Aïta is the go-to shop for unique fashion accessories I personally found its designs exciting and well-conceived.
Aïta is at 1/L, Glorietta 2, Makati.
