. Olga, you have a background in brands that are icons of tradition and haute couture like Burberry, not many people go through that, how was it to be involved in fashion at that level?
Undoubtedly, I have been very fortunate, not only to have worked for an international firm for 8 years but for what those eight years meant for the brand.
When I joined as the design lead for Burberry "Red label," it was a mid-range brand led by Rose Marie Bravo, but the major change occurred when Angela Ahrendts landed as the new CEO. This marked a significant revolution for the brand, pushing it towards a higher segmentation and positioning it as a leading luxury brand globally. I was fortunate to experience this transformation process and be part of a team with a new design methodology, led by Christopher Bailey.
It was a period of great learning for me – I learned to design collections following a pyramid structure, gained insights into quality processes in the luxury world, and had novel experiences like large runway shows streamed online and the beginnings of online sales.
. SILENCIOSA is a project that comes from Victor (creative) and your archive of ideas; how was the process?
Victor, CEO of Silenciosa, came to Plus Valúe for advice on the feasibility of creating a men's fashion collection adapted to the world of urban bicycles. After qualitative and quantitative studies, we saw the viability of the project and began working on it.
After qualitative and quantitative studies, we saw the viability of the project and began working on it. After the initial theoretical brand positioning and product typology phase, came the realization, design, and execution of a real collection, like the one we have just presented. It's a formal collection for dressing the new executive of the present and the future.
Despite appearing as suits, all the properties of Japanese technical fabrics used for "outdoor" or mountain garments are developed. These fabrics, when used in tailoring and outerwear, become essential basics for the new male wardrobe.
These garments are not only useful for cycling but are also ideal for the new "travel" concept and undoubtedly perfect for the contemporary style of today's man.
. During your career in the fashion world, what change do you think is the most relevant in recent years?
The world of advances in smart fabrics, new technologies in sports, and military advances developed in bielastic fabrics with transpiration and UV protection properties, all contribute to a revolutionary future in current technical fabrics. If we add new technologies with new ways of making garments, with heat-sealed and heat-fixed finishes, we are facing a revolution in the future of dressing.
. Do current social changes/movements affect fashion in any way?
Certainly, the pandemic, for example, has led to significant progress in the research and development of wearables and smart textiles. It's a strong trend that supports the return of "Slow Fashion" or the movement to recover high-quality collections that endure over time, helping to curb the excessive consumption of garments, which is unsustainable for the planet.
. Minimalism is a cornerstone of Silenciosa; what are your sources of inspiration?
Our inspiration comes from Bauhaus and contemporary architecture. We design with a clean style of forms, without disruptive elements and with a unique identity that can endure over time.
Indeed, we design in the same way a building is projected—with a solid and strong foundation, crafted with the best tailoring techniques and undoubtedly with the best materials, in our case, the best Japanese technical fabrics with excellent adaptation properties.
Indeed, we design in the same way a building is projected—with a solid and strong foundation, crafted with the best tailoring techniques and undoubtedly with the best materials, in our case, the best Japanese technical fabrics with excellent adaptation properties.
. The garments are full of technical and functional details; how do we apply this to everyday life?
Our everyday life can be conditioned by many changes, not only changes in weather, humidity, and temperature when you're cycling and need to reach the office, and with the same clothes, attend a meeting.
Toni Segarra, a globally recognized publicist, devised our claim "All they long," a collection adaptable to all our daily needs.
Our garments are super comfortable by using elastic fabrics both vertically and horizontally, so they don't wrinkle and remain perfect. Their breathability allows them to adapt to body and environmental temperatures, and their "waterproof" finishes ensure they can last without problems until the end of the day.
. How do you see sustainability in fashion; is it a real concern?
Well, let's say it's a long journey, with many difficulties to achieve true traceability of processes, but it is already very present in our way of working and is undoubtedly a necessary step if we want to leave a better world for future generations. Consuming high-quality garments that endure over time is undoubtedly very sustainable.
. Where does Olga go when she wants to disconnect?
My work is my passion, and I enjoy it every day. But when I want to disconnect, I spend my free time with family, doing sports, and enjoying the mountains and the sea.
. Favorite cities and why?
Seoul and Tokyo as avant-garde and inspiring cities. The design of Japan for men and Korean design for women. These are countries whose capitals are avant-garde references.
. An indispensable item in your wardrobe?
A good suit blazer and a trench coat.
. From Silenciosa's catalog, which garment represents you the most?
I love all the garments, but the blazer is my favorite.
