Palomo Spain Expands Horizons with Strategic Leadership and New Womenswear Line
In a significant development for the brand, Palomo Spain has appointed a seasoned CEO to oversee daily operations and steer the company’s future growth. Rosella Lopez, a professional with an impressive background, joins the team after gaining experience at renowned fashion houses such as Diane von Furstenberg and Polo Ralph Lauren, primarily on the sales side. She later advanced to become Cushnie’s sales director and eventually assumed the role of president at Palomo Spain. Reflecting on her new position, Palomo expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m genuinely happy to focus on what I do best-designing.”
Building a Foundation for Inclusive Fashion
The designer recounted his initial interactions with Lopez, which centered around a straightforward yet revealing question: “I love your designs,” she said, “but why do you make it so difficult for women to wear them?” This dialogue underscored the brand’s evolving approach to inclusivity and accessibility. Alongside Lopez’s appointment, Palomo Spain is officially launching a womenswear collection, marking a pivotal milestone. While the move might seem natural now, it wasn’t always part of Palomo’s original vision. “I’ve been creating clothing for a long time,” he admitted, “even if men weren’t seen wearing them on the red carpet.” He emphasized that he has consistently designed garments for women through bespoke projects, which he considers a quiet but essential part of his work-less about spectacle and more about personal expression.
The Timing and Significance of the Transition
Why it took so long to bring womenswear into the spotlight is a matter of personal perspective. Palomo, whose work is deeply rooted in his unique identity, views menswear as a traditionally heteronormative domain ripe for reinterpretation. Achieving this shift requires patience and deliberate effort. As Palomo Spain approaches its tenth anniversary next year, the timing feels right to reinforce its foundation and set sights on future innovations. The goal is clear: to create designs that resonate with a broad audience and inspire confidence in those who wear them.
Strategic Approach to Collection Launch
Palomo explained that the decision to debut the womenswear line during the resort season, rather than a major runway show or seasonal release, was strategic. It allows the brand to test the waters and gradually build momentum. Although Palomo’s release schedule has been somewhat irregular, this new collection signifies a renewed focus on consistency and refinement. “This season’s collection was about streamlining and modernizing,” he said, jokingly describing it as an exercise in distilling his signature aesthetic into more wearable pieces-moving away from elaborate embellishments like feathers, crystals, and lace, toward more accessible designs. Nevertheless, he remains committed to his creative roots, ensuring that the brand’s distinctive flair continues to evolve.
Highlights of the New Womenswear Collection
The debut womenswear line features elegant shirt dresses, playful knit separates, and striking corseted evening wear. The collection also includes sharply tailored pieces with bold shoulders and dramatic gowns, embodying a blend of sophistication and edge. Meanwhile, the menswear remains largely consistent with previous collections, subtly refined to enhance its commercial appeal without losing its distinctive character. Palomo added innovative touches such as cocoon-shaped capelets paired with shirts and jackets, along with draped bubble-hemmed silhouettes inspired by haute couture legends like Cristóbal Balenciaga.
Embracing Spanish Heritage and Global Aspirations
Looking ahead, Palomo envisions fully embracing his Spanish roots as a core element of the brand’s identity. “Our uniqueness stems from our heritage,” he asserted. Drawing parallels with Spain’s recent cultural exports-such as Rosalía’s global success in music and Pedro Almodóvar’s international acclaim in film-Palomo believes fashion should follow suit. He highlighted that Almodóvar’s recent English-language debut, The Room Next Door, exemplifies how Spanish talent is gaining worldwide recognition. For Palomo, this cultural momentum presents an exciting opportunity for Palomo Spain to become a global ambassador of Spanish style and creativity.
