In a world where mass production and uniformity often dominate the contemporary fashion landscape, Spanish designer Carlota Barrera emerges as a singular voice, challenging established conventions and celebrating the tradition of craftsmanship. Her latest project, Conversations on Craft Vol.1, marks a significant milestone in her career: it is her first exhibition, but also the beginning of “a conversation about past, present and future, a dialogue between craft and fashion, a challenge to our industry and our cultural landscape in continuous transformation.”
Until May 13, the Design Center is transformed into a space for exploration and reflection, where visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Barrera’s intimate universe. The exhibition, meticulously curated by the brand, not only presents its fashion collections, but also offers a transparent window into the creative process, from conception to final realization.
At the heart of Conversations on Craft Vol.1 lies a fundamental question: what role does craft play in the era of mass production? Barrera, whose brand was born in 2019 in London but whose spirit is rooted in Spanish tradition, embraces craftsmanship as a means to preserve cultural heritage and foster innovation in contemporary fashion.
“The most palpable sign that something is alive is that it moves, transforms, adapts,” explains the designer. “A handmade object is the result of years of learning and accumulated mastery of the people who treat the material, cut, braid, place and join the pieces. All of our garments are handmade by people, and all of these people deserve great respect and recognition for their talent, experience and dedication.”
The exhibition develops as a journey through the production process, from the initial references to the campaigns and runway shows. Visitors have the opportunity to witness each stage of the process, from conception to completion, while exploring reference images, garments under construction, and other objects that make up the landscape of Barrera’s atelier. It also presents objects made in collaboration with prominent artisans such as Ábatte, Steve Mono, Javier Sánchez Medina, Estaños de Pedraza and Carmen Ma Castañeda, among others. These collaborations showcase the synergy between individual creativity and shared tradition, demonstrating that craftsmanship is not a reliquary of the past, but a living source of contemporary creativity and expression.
Conversations on Craft Vol.1 seeks to generate crucial dialogues about the need to preserve crafts in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Through this exhibition, Barrera shares his passion for handmade and opens a meeting space for designers, artisans and students, promoting an intergenerational dialogue about the future of fashion and crafts in our country.
