Watching fashion’s rising star Alejandro Gomez Palomo’s runway show is like watching a real life fairytale unfold with a cast made up of people you want to be friends with. The clothes are romantic, transgressive, and unapologetically visceral, worn by male models who are completely comfortable with themselves. Palomo Spain Fall 2019 collection was inspired by the Ballet Russes’ arrival in Spain in 1916, and the collection highlights the beauty and grace of ballet in the same rich colors and patterns of the costumes.
The young Spanish designer has made a name for himself with his mastery of non-gendered clothing executed with couture quality craftsmanship in impeccably flattering proportions. It’s rare to find such an exquisite taste level in such boundary pushing clothing. There has always been a historical influence in each of Palomo Spains collections, but this season, you can see the golden era of 1920s Spain in the flouncy fronted shirts, billowing croissant opera capes, and ruffed men’s collars. New in the collection is an increase in the number of tailored pieces, and the addition of sporty nylon, and lots of black – all quite effective against the bright scarlet, green, blues and gold colors which nod to the costumes of the Ballet Russes in 1916.
For all the fancy ostentatiousness in this collection, it can also be reduced down to some very iconic wearable pieces. Like the trousers with lace blouses, and of course the really beautiful coats that are rather easy to integrate into an expressive, risk taking wardrobe. Lace blouses for men have made an appearance here and there for the past few years, but Palomo Spain takes them to the next level with extravagant over-sized bow, sashes and sheer, brazen transparency. Some of the most exceptional looks had an air of quiet elegance, as in an ankle grazing gray dress coat with a delicate bloom of lace ruffles protruding from the neck. Or his opening look which was a softly flowing, floor length gown with a delicate, navy and dove gray polka dot print.
In a short span of three years, Palomo Spain has taken us on a journey of imagination, desire, and dreams that come true. Without losing any of their magic, his designs continue to be worn by men, as well as women. And as the designer explains “these are clothes for anyone who wants to wear them.” Available at rather affordable prices for a designer label, Palomo Spain is a dream that is attainable.
See All the Looks from the Collection
