The highlight of Paloma Barceló Fall-Winter 16-17 collection is the herringbone style pattern in burgundy, a trend color this fall. I am not one to bet on just one color (unless it’s white), but I was seduced by the contrast between sleek calfskin and the dynamic visual beat of the herringbone pattern. The visual rhythm was greatly intensified by the orange-reddish hue of the linen cloth.
The “Layla” wedge has an air of Englishness to it, a very popular motif with Spanish designers these days (see post here). No amount of Englishness, however, can overpower the hallmark audacity of Paloma Barceló design. Just look at the doughnut-size gold-rimmed hole in the wooden wedge framed by golden metallic studs and you will know that you are deep in Dreamt Up and Made in Spain territory.
And this is why my love affair with Paloma Barceló continues since day one of me setting my eyes on Spanish shoes. It takes a heightened sense of fashion, very resilient arches, but, most of all, guts to get on board of that train. Italians, world’s most fashion-forward folk, love it. I don’t pretend to have the same flair, but the temptation is definitely there. The first pair of Spanish shoes that I ever consciously bought were Paloma Barceló:
Then these followed:
Then these:
Even though many Paloma Barceló designs will never end up in my shoe closet, I am now at the point where I am always interested in what Paloma Barceló designers have to offer. You don’t love a brand for what they can do for you (even though for that too) – you really love a brand for what it represents. For its risks, its new ventures, its flops, its successes – in short, for its essence. This is the case with me and Paloma Barceló.
Speaking of new ventures: Paloma Barceló just amped up its fashion game by branching out into high-end leather accessories. It was high time too, in my opinion – the brand has a very special relationship with Italian design, and, as they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So the FW1617 collection includes sleek calfskin bags and leather gloves with opulent leather, fur, and velvet detailing. With this well-rounded collection Paloma Barceló confirms its status as a high-street urban extravagance brand that can go head to head with its Italian peers.
Other favorites from the Paloma Barceló FW-1617:
So happy to have spent the last three years with Paloma Barceló!
Here is to many more:
