Paloma Barceló and the village of happiness
Tibetan inspirations for the collection for the next cold season, between history and folklore, between yin and yang
The village of happiness lies in the rocks towering Mount Everest and the Himalayas. In Tibet, where reigns a fauna unknown to the Western world among faces reddened by icy winds and frigid temperatures. The inspiration for ‘Tibet Vibes’, the A/W 2016 collection, stems from there;
And talking about mountains, Manuel Barceló reached his maximum creative peak presenting an extremely multifaceted and filled with folklore range, where fur appears to be “redundant” in a collection that has the flavour of history. Sculptural and powerful platforms and structures developed in perfect harmony with the tradition of the house. 
Yin and yang, the principles of cause and effect, are the antipode elements that together harmonize the concepts of futurism and craftsmanship. Shaved mink, sheepskin, Mongolia lamb, mohair and astrakhan: a call to luxury that does not want to flaunt power but to tell of a tradition. The warm snug furs adorn the look of unconventional women, sticking to a fashion that lives in the present but looks to the future. The palette comprises of vibrant colours, from intense orange to bright yellow, from forest green up to muffled tones of blue and grey. And again, materials such as 1970’s tweed on open toes and sculptural wedges, soles that sway from view but remain firm and stable when worn.
For next cold season Paloma Barcelo’ and its eccentric fashion designer Manuel present a capsule collection of fur jackets, hats, gloves: an uninhibited and not particularly challenging use of fur matched by sneakers and vintage jeans. Last but not least, a capsule collection of handbags made of leather and fur inserts, a tribute to the culture of dressing well and of the total look. Also confirmed again for next Autumn/Winter, the creative identity of a brand that went far beyond the simple concept of using rope. Whimsical, ironic and “stubborn”, Manuel Barceló manages again to surprise, flying from the western borders all the way to legendary Tibet.
www.palomabarcelo.com