Francis Montesinos’ Spanish Ballad

My most eagerly anticipated collection of Madrid Fashion Week is always that of the Valencian designer Francis Montesinos (more about him here). I dream of wearing a creation of his some day. His Fall-Winter 15-16 show at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid was a powerful display of everything that is the most dramatic and confident in the Spanish fashion imagination. The magenta and red silk prints, transparent organza,  warm soft textiles, elaborate and daring head dress, bold jewelry were contrasted with the steely austerity of grey and black robes inspired by medieval chain-mail. I nicknamed this collection “The Spanish Ballad“.

Francis Montesinos Fall-Winter 2015-16 collection at the MBFW Madrid. Photos: Vogue Spain.

I couldn’t figure out who had provided the jeweled stiletto pumps and over-the-knee boots, or the silver military-style high-tops for that matter . Most fashion houses collaborate with shoe making brands, but they don’t often say who it is. I wish this information were more readily available, but for now the identity of the shoemakers and jewelers is a mystery. The Spanish don’t seem to be very willing to brag about this stuff. Strange, since, as you will see, the shoes and other accessories are amazing.