Pertegaz
A highlight of MBFWMadrid, which created a press and celebrity frenzy, was the return of the heritage brand Pertegaz. Hosted in the stunning setting of Galería de Cristal in the Palacio de Cibeles, there was also a full orchestra to provide a musical backdrop to the catwalk show which added to the atmosphere. The crowd were jammed into the space with no one wanting to miss the spectacular return of the brand that led the fashion industry for more than seven decades.
The firm was founded by Manuel Pertegaz and, until his death in 2014, the brand presented collections around the world, winning numerous awards and having a dedicated customer base through its many stores. Owner of the Pertegaz women's prêt-à-porter licence, Jealfer, last year selected the Galician fashion designer Jorge Vázquez, for his prestige, experience and talent, to continue the legacy of Manuel Pertegaz.
The show was stunning. The cohesive, capsule collection was presented in the style of old school couture, with all
the glamour, anticipation and drama one would expect from the historic return of this brand. Creative director Jorge Vázquez immersed himself in the archives of the house to interpret the original patterns, shapes and prints, thus updating the legacy left by one of the great masters of fashion in Spain.
His first collection uncovered the best of Pertegaz, adapting the inspiration into a covetable, contemporary collection that was bold and strong yet at the same time simple in its silhouettes. The collection included modern day dresses and seperates alongside more occasion wear, with Jorge Vázquez adding to the simple lines with theatrical millinery of feathered head pieces and accessories that added to the drama.
Watching the show, felt like I was watching a new beginning, that we were watching a new history in the making and that Pertegaz will rise again to be a leading brand in the industry.