
A stunning sequined dress by Acuamona.
Although we appreciate all fabrics equally due to their uniqueness, we recognize that there are certain items that best stand the test of time and become a smart investment for any time of year. Taking advantage of the last weeks of discounts on our winter collection, Gratac贸s presents you five items that do not lose their relevance, despite the ephemeral trends. In addition, now you can find them at more attractive prices in our outlet section
Tweed
This fabric stands out for its extraordinary richness in every imaginable aspect: it has a historical legacy that dates back to the Scottish Highlands; It is a wild card in constant evolution; It is easily recognizable at first glance and is inspired by classic elegance, while exhibiting a chameleon-like character that allows it to adapt to more contemporary versions. What more could you want?
It is a fabric wool fabric with an irregular appearance, a rough feel, openwork and elastic texture, with well-defined patterns such as houndstooth , windowpane and herringbone . This item is easy to sew and iron, offering a versatility that can transcend the limits of gender, or rather so, does not have limits.
Of modest origin, tweed comes from Scotland and was a common fabric in the warm clothing of the popular classes, used in the countryside to face adverse weather conditions. In the 19th century, the English aristocracy found in this fabric their best ally for carrying out country activities and outdoor sports. The person who knew how to give tweed an aura of glamour was, without a doubt, Coco Chanel, who in the late 1920s incorporated it into the women’s wardrobe in garments that have become symbols, such as her short jackets or pencil skirts. This fabric provided the woman of the time with extra comfort without losing an ounce of elegance.
Discover all our seasonal tweeds.

Mikado
The mikado is a textile jewel that is distinguished by its exclusivity and sophistication, enclosing with it an ancient history. Originally from Japan, this fabric has managed to captivate designers thanks to its uniqueness and its ability to transform seemingly simple garments into authentic works of haute couture.
We start with his name. It means ’emperor’ in Japanese, a title that reflects its royal splendor. Mikado is produced through a special manufacturing and finishing process, giving it a luxurious appearance and a firm structure. Initially intended for making imperial kimonos and other ceremonial garments, the mikado symbolizes nobility and elegance. Given this rich symbolic load, it is not surprising that it is currently one of the most used and demanded fabrics in the bridal field.
Mikado is distinguished by its heavy structure and slightly shiny surface, giving it an opulent look and distinctive feel. Often composed of silk, this fabric stands out for its softness and the ability to create elegant folds. Additionally, its ability to maintain its shape makes it the ideal fabric for making couture dresses that require volume and structure.
Find our mikado proposals. From smooth designs to floral or geometric-inspired motifs.

Sequins
This fabric does not need presentations. Sequins are the true protagonists of women’s wardrobe, displaying their brilliance throughout decades. Whether day or night, on any occasion, sequins add luminosity and are linked to luxury and glamour.
Its historical legacy dates back to ancient times, when these tiny shiny pieces were used in clothing in Ancient Egypt, adding sparkles to the clothing of that era. However, their revival occurred in the 1920s, during the Jazz Age and the swinging twenties, becoming symbols of opulence and sophistication. Its heyday came in the 1930s, when Hollywood stars began wearing dresses decorated with this fabric on red carpets. Since then, sequins have been synonymous with glamour and a certain extravagance. World-renowned designers, from Coco Chanel to Versace, have incorporated this shiny fabric into their creations, cementing its status as a timeless element in luxury fashion.
What defines sequins is their ability to transform any garment into a masterpiece of shiny elegance. These small pieces, usually made of metal, plastic or reflective material, are sewn into patterns to create a dazzling visual effect. Its shine, often associated with the light of gala evenings, has been an essential component in evening fashion and haute couture.
Today, sequins have transcended festive occasions, conquering urban fashion with contemporary proposals that adapt to any style.
Find the sequins that suit your style.

Floral jacquard
Floral Jacquard is a textile masterpiece that fuses technical skill with elements inspired by nature. Originating from France, this fabric is distinguished by its elaborate relief pattern. The key lies in its technique, named after Joseph Marie Jacquard, which has left a distinctive mark on the history of fabric making, becoming a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
In the 19th century, its inventor introduced an innovative weaving machine that revolutionized the textile industry by allowing the creation of intricate and detailed patterns. This pioneering technology took fabric manufacturing to new levels, enabling the precise reproduction of ornamental motifs and complex designs.
What makes Jacquard weaving unique is its ability to generate raised patterns with a variety of colours and textures. This process is achieved by carefully combining threads of different colours and types, creating a three-dimensional work of art in each thread. The resulting texture is rich and luxurious, providing a unique visual depth to the fabric. Jacquard has also earned its place in the fashion world thanks to its versatility in design. From haute couture suits to more casual garments, Jacquard has spread into a wide range of garments that incorporate everything from geometric patterns to the most exquisite floral motifs.
Add a touch of romanticism and femininity to your creations with these floral Jacquards.

Houndstooth
The houndstooth fabric is one of those timeless classics that resists ephemeral trends to become a symbol of elegance and style. Its history dates back to the 19th century in Scotland, where local weavers created it with care. Initially known as houndstooth , the pattern is distinguished by abstractly shaped blocks that evoke the footprints of a rooster. Over time, this pattern transcended Scottish borders, becoming an iconic element in global fashion.
What gives houndstooth pattern items their distinctive appeal is their ability to combine simplicity and sophistication. Typically composed of repeating black and white blocks, the pattern creates a bold and balanced visual effect. The versatility of this fabric is manifested in a wide range of garments, from suits and coats to skirts and accessories, adapting to both formal environments and casual outfits. From the catwalks to the streets, houndstooth continues to be a stylish choice that evokes an air of classic sophistication.
At Gratac贸s we recommend this houndstooth fabric.

Pantone聽has established a tradition that colour enthusiasts eagerly await as a prelude to the Christmas holidays. It is about the choice of the shade that will set the direction of trends in 2024 and that will influence art, design, fashion, decoration or advertising, among other creative disciplines directed by professionals who draw on the latest developments on the market, also chromatic.
A sincere, tender and empathetic colour
Following its vocation of naming colours with subtly sensual names, Pantone has chosen the winner for next year. The colour in question is called Peach Fuzz 13-1023 and it is a peach shade that evokes sincerity and tenderness, and conveys, according to the world authority on colourimetry, a desire to take care of ourselves and others. A soft and velvety shade whose enveloping spirit enriches the mind, body and soul. This is how Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute, explains it in a statement about the colour that will take over everything in 2024. 鈥淲e were looking for a hue that expresses our innate desire for closeness and connection, so we chose this radiant colour that exudes warmth and modern elegance. It is a colour that exudes empathy, wraps us in a hug that we can almost feel and naturally combines the youthful with the imperishable.鈥 This warm and comforting tone stimulates the desire to unite with others or have moments of stillness, and the feeling of protection that this generates.
The tone of calm and inner peace
According to Pantone, Peach Fuzz 13-1023 is an alluring peachy hue, carefully balanced between pink and orange, that inspires belonging, relaxation and the opportunity to care, evokes calm and offers a space in which to live, feel, heal and prosper. Therefore, the colour of 2024 is comforting and encourages inner peace and well-being. Peach Fuzz 13-1023 has both an idea and a sensation and stimulates all the senses, as it makes one perceive its tactility and envelops people in its warmth.
A modern tone that takes refuge in nostalgia
Peach Fuzz 13-1023 is a sweet and light colour that evokes a new modernity. It focuses on the human experience of enriching and caring for the mind, body and soul, but it is also a subtly sophisticated, modern and deep peach tone, with a soft but effective luminosity that fills the digital world with beauty. A poetic, romantic peachy shade that conveys cleanliness and a vintage feel, Peach Fuzz 13-1023 reflects the past, but reimagined for modern settings. This last characteristic makes it especially interesting for the world of design and decoration.
The meaning of colour in an unstable context
Peach Fuzz 13-1023 is the colour that replaces Viva Magenta, which was chosen as the colour of 2023. The reasons given were: 鈥淎 tone rooted in nature that vibrates with energy and vigor. “That descends from the red family and expresses a new sign of strength.” So, now we move from strength to warmth.
“When our lives are affected by instability, our need to care and to have empathy and compassion grows even more, as well as to imagine a future that brings more peace,鈥 Laurie Pressman explains this meaning of the colour that we will see in the coming months throughout Instagram and Pinterest boards, aswell as, probably in the next trends in both fashion and decoration. 鈥淚n a world where productivity and external achievements are often emphasized, it is crucial to recognize the importance of taking care of our inner self and seeking moments of calm, creativity and connection with other people in the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life,鈥 adds the vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute. Give value to the bonds, affection and home: 鈥淭he colour we selected had to express our desire to be close to our loved ones and the happiness we feel when we connect with our own being and enjoy a moment of quiet alone. It had to be a colour that conveyed an enveloping warmth and a message of compassion and empathy,鈥 argues Laurie Pressman.
25 years setting trends in colour
In 2024 it will be 25 years since the Pantone Colour Institute began putting colour on the sensory and creative map for the following year. It was in 1999 when the Pantone Colour of The Year educational program engaged the design community around the world in a conversation about colour. 鈥淲e wanted to emphasize the relationship between culture and colour to make our 聽audience aware of how what is happening in our global culture is expressed and reflected through colour language,鈥 explains Pressman again. In this first session, a clear winner emerged: cerulean blue (Pantone 15-4020), a shade that returned to the stage thanks to the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and Meryl Streep’s famous speech on how the fashion industry works. 鈥淥ver the years, the Pantone Colour of the Year program has become a cultural touchstone around the world and has stimulated the imagination of many designers, brands and consumers,鈥 explains Pressman.
To decide on each year’s selection, the Pantone Colour Institute team travels the world in search of new colour influences. They can be found in the entertainment industry (film, television series and even music), works of art and new artists. Of course, in fashion and design, but also in more aspirational places or concepts, such as travel destinations that are starting to become a trend, lifestyles, new technologies and materials, textures or effects (yes, like Instagram filters). that generate interest or capture attention in some way.
What began as a catalogue with 500 colours that served as a guide for graphic arts has grown in such a way that its influence on upcoming trends is comparable to what the biggest celebrity of the moment looks like on the cover of Vogue magazine. The Pantone guide already has more than 2,000 references that are updated every 18 months, with new, more precise shades being added to the list.
Another way to express the evolution as a society
Colour plays a fundamental role in people’s experience. It has a close relationship with emotions and the expression of feelings and its nuances can also be seen in how the story evolves year after year with its cycles of rise and fall. The impact of colour is also noticeable in the world of fashion, in the colours of cosmetics, in household items, in automotive and industrial design, and in products, packaging, multimedia design and retail interiors. 鈥淲e are very pleased to have encouraged designers and colour enthusiasts around the world to tell their stories through colour language and show their creativity in their communities. We hope to continue doing this for many more years ,鈥 concludes Pressman.
At Gratac贸s we also wanted to pay our particular tribute to Peach Fuzz 13-1023 with a selection of collection fabrics in peach tones so that you can think about a possible design for this 2024. You will find them here : Give free rein to your imagination!







Un color sincero, tierno y emp谩tico
Siguiendo su vocaci贸n de bautizar los colores con nombre sutilmente sensuales, Pantone ha elegido el ganador para el a帽o que viene. El color en cuesti贸n se llama Peach Fuzz 13-1023 y es una tonalidad melocot贸n que evoca sinceridad y ternura, y transmite, seg煤n la autoridad mundial en cuestiones de colorimetr铆a, un deseo de cuidar de nosotros y de los dem谩s. Una tonalidad suave y aterciopelada cuyo esp铆ritu envolvente enriquece la mente, el cuerpo y el alma. As铆 lo explica Laurie Pressman, vicepresidenta del Pantone Color Institute, en un comunicado sobre el color que lo te帽ir谩 todo en 2024. 鈥淏usc谩bamos una tonalidad que expresara nuestro deseo innato de cercan铆a y conexi贸n, as铆 que escogimos este radiante color que rebosa calidez y elegancia moderna. Es un color que despide empat铆a, nos arropa en un abrazo que casi podemos sentir y a煤na con toda naturalidad lo juvenil con lo imperecedero鈥. Este tono c谩lido y reconfortante estimula el deseo de uni贸n con los dem谩s o de tener momentos de quietud, y la sensaci贸n de protecci贸n que esto genera.
El tono de la calma y de la paz interior
Seg煤n Pantone, Peach Fuzz 13-1023 es una atractiva tonalidad amelocotonada, cuidadosamente equilibrada entre el rosa y el naranja, que inspira pertenencia, relajaci贸n y la oportunidad de cuidar, evoca calma y ofrece un espacio en el que se puede vivir, sentir, sanar y prosperar. Por lo tanto, el color de 2024 es reconfortante y fomenta la paz interior y el bienestar. Peach Fuzz 13-1023 tiene tanto de idea como de sensaci贸n y estimula todos los sentidos, ya que hace percibir su tactilidad y envuelve a las personas en su calidez.
Un tono moderno que se refugia en la nostalgia
Peach Fuzz 13-1023 es un color dulce y ligero que evoca una nueva modernidad. Se centra en la experiencia humana de enriquecer y cuidar de la mente, el cuerpo y el alma, pero tambi茅n es un tono melocot贸n sutilmente sofisticado, moderno y profundo, con una luminosidad suave pero efectiva que llena de belleza el mundo digital.聽 Un tono amelocotonado, po茅tico y rom谩ntico que transmite limpieza y una sensaci贸n vintage, Peach Fuzz 13-1023 refleja el pasado, pero reimaginado para ambientes modernos. Esta 煤ltima caracter铆stica la hace especialmente interesante para el mundo del dise帽o y la decoraci贸n.
El significado del color en un contexto inestable
El Peach Fuzz 13-1023 es el color que substituye el Viva Magenta, que fue elegido como color de 2023. Lo defend铆an as铆: 鈥淯n tono arraigado en la naturaleza que vibra con energ铆a y vigor. Que desciende de la familia roja y expresa una nueva se帽al de fuerza鈥. As铆, ahora pasamos de la fuerza a la calidez.
鈥淐uando nuestra vida se ve afectada por la inestabilidad, crece a煤n m谩s nuestra necesidad de cuidar y de tener empat铆a y compasi贸n, as铆 como de imaginar un futuro que traiga m谩s paz鈥, explica de nuevo Laurie Pressman sobre el significado del color que veremos en los pr贸ximos meses a lo largo y ancho de todo Instagram y de tableros de Pinterest, as铆 como, probablemente en las pr贸ximas tendencias tanto de moda como de decoraci贸n. 鈥淓n un mundo en el que se suele enfatizar la productividad y los logros externos, es crucial reconocer la importancia de cuidar de nuestro interior y buscar momentos de calma, creatividad y conexi贸n con otras personas en medio del ajetreo de la vida moderna鈥, a帽ade la vicepresidente del Pantone Color Institute. Valorar los v铆nculos, el cari帽o y el hogar: 鈥淓l color que hemos seleccionado ten铆a que expresar nuestro deseo de estar cerca de nuestros seres queridos y la felicidad que sentimos cuando conectamos con nuestro propio ser y disfrutamos de un momento de quietud a solas. Ten铆a que ser un color que transmitiera una calidez envolvente y un mensaje de compasi贸n y empat铆a鈥, argumenta Laurie Pressman.
25 a帽os marcando tendencias en color
En 2024 se cumplir谩n 25 a帽os desde que Pantone Color Institute empez贸 a poner el color en el mapa sensorial y creativo del a帽o siguiente. Fue en 1999 cuando el programa educativo Pantone Color of The Year involucr贸 a la comunidad del dise帽o de todo el mundo en una conversaci贸n en torno al color. 鈥淨uer铆amos poner 茅nfasis en la relaci贸n entre la cultura y el color para destacar ante nuestro p煤blico c贸mo lo que est谩 ocurriendo en nuestra cultura global se expresa y refleja a trav茅s del lenguaje crom谩tico鈥, explica de nuevo Pressman. En esta primera sesi贸n sali贸 un claro vencedor: el azul cer煤leo (Pantone 15-4020), una tonalidad que volvi贸 al estrado gracias a la pel铆cula 鈥楨l diablo viste de Prada鈥 y el c茅lebre discurso de Meryl Streep sobre c贸mo funciona la industria de la moda. 鈥淐on los a帽os, el programa Pantone Color of the Year se ha convertido en un referente cultural en todo el mundo y ha estimulado la imaginaci贸n de muchos dise帽adores, marcas y consumidores鈥, explica Pressman.
Para llegar a la selecci贸n de cada a帽o, el equipo de Pantone Color Institute recorre el mundo en busca de nuevas influencias crom谩ticas. Pueden encontrarse en la industria del entretenimiento (cine, series de televisi贸n e incluso m煤sica), obras de arte y nuevos artistas. Por supuesto, en la moda y el dise帽o, pero tambi茅n en lugares o conceptos m谩s aspiracionales, como puedan ser destinos de viaje que empiezan a ser tendencia, estilos de vida, nuevas tecnolog铆as y materiales, texturas o efectos (s铆, como los filtros de Instagram) que generen inter茅s o acaparen la atenci贸n de alguna forma.
Lo que comenz贸 siendo un cat谩logo con 500 colores que sirviese como gu铆a para las artes gr谩ficas ha crecido de tal manera que su influencia en las pr贸ximas tendencias se equipara a lo que la mayor celebridad del momento luzca en la portada de la revista Vogue. La gu铆a Pantone cuenta ya con m谩s de 2.000 referencias que se van actualizando cada 18 meses, con nuevos tonos m谩s precisos que se van a帽adiendo a la lista.
Otra manera de contar la evoluci贸n como sociedad
El color desempe帽a un papel fundamental en la experiencia de las personas. Tiene una relaci贸n cercana con las emociones y la expresi贸n de los sentimientos y en sus matices se aprecian tambi茅n en c贸mo evoluciona la historia a帽o tras a帽o con sus ciclos de auge y descenso. El impacto del color tambi茅n se nota en el mundo de la moda, en los colores de los cosm茅ticos, en los art铆culos para el hogar, en el dise帽o automovil铆stico e industrial, y en los productos, embalajes, dise帽o multimedia e interiores de los comercios. 鈥淣os complace enormemente haber estimulado a dise帽adores y entusiastas del color de todo el mundo a contar sus historias a trav茅s del lenguaje crom谩tico y a mostrar su creatividad en sus comunidades. Esperamos poder seguir haci茅ndolo durante muchos m谩s a帽os鈥, concluye Pressman.
Desde Gratac贸s tambi茅n hemos querido hacer nuestro particular homenaje al Peach Fuzz 13-1023 con una selecci贸n de tejidos de colecci贸n en tonos melocot贸n para que vayas pensando un posible dise帽o para este 2024. Los encontrar谩s aqu铆: 隆Da rienda suelta a la imaginaci贸n!







Mi閞coles 22 noviembre 2023
Pics: Museo del Traje CIPE.
How many jeans do you have in your closet? Or, rather, how many garments made with denim? Surely, the mental figure would occupy double digits if we start counting the number of trousers, skirts, dresses, shirts and jackets that hang on the hangers and are made with the world-famous denim, without a doubt, the king of fabrics.
Jeans and denim clothing are some of the most universal elements in contemporary fashion. These garments transcend social class barriers around the world and, although they initially emerged as utilitarian garments for the working classes, over time they have become common items that unify all wardrobes.
From the pioneer Levi’s, founded in 1853, to today’s ready-to-wear brands and luxury houses. If we had to define the 20th century to the present day in one piece, it would surely be a pair of jeans: whether it be a model with large tears, patchwork elements and misaligned hems, or the stylish model that Kaia Gerber wore at Valentino for the show Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2023-2024. In the words of Pier Paolo Piccioli: 鈥淪trength is not in the outfits, but in the clothes.鈥
Aware of the universal power and conceived as a symbol of our contemporary culture, the Costume Museum wanted to pay tribute to the eternal jeans with the exhibition ‘Jeans, from the street to the Ritz‘.
Curated by Josep Casamartina i Parassols and Ismael Nu帽ez Mu帽oz of the Fundaci贸 Antoni de Montpalau and coordinated by Mar铆a del Mar Belver, the exhibition pays tribute to the cowboy. How? Through a journey through the history of denim fabric, from its origins as a material in the 18th century, through the birth of the jean in the mid-19th century and its enormous expansion throughout the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, to its infinite formal and textile variations, but also symbolic and social.
The proposal includes more than 200 pieces of clothing accompanied by graphic documentation and accessories from the Fundaci贸 Antoni de Montpalau, completed with loans from the private collections of the collector Josep M. Rovira, the historical archive of the Lois brand and the collector Paco Sifre, as well as the companies Jeanolog铆a and Evlox. Among them, classic brands dedicated to making jeans stand out, such as Levi Strauss, Lee, Lois or Pepe Jeans, but also brands such as Cavalli, Armani, Kenzo, Paco Rabanne, Gloria Vanderbilt, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Versace, Gori de Palma or Christian Lacroix.

From Europe to the United States. The origins of denim
The origins of this fabric date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, until the mid-19th century when the garment that takes its name from the fabric itself was born. Denim is a cotton twill made with very strong and durable twisted threads. The beginnings of the industry are located between Nimes – this is where the name comes from – and Genoa, where most of the factories that produced the fabric were concentrated. Jeans as such were not 鈥渋nvented鈥 until 1860, when Levi Strauss began using twill fabric to make work clothes. Without disconnecting from the United States, the exhibition follows the course of history and strips the cowboy of its exclusive association with the working class, explaining how it came to be a symbol of masculinity and, later, a garment of female empowerment through its outstanding diffusion in the world of cinema, music or urban movements.
The exhibition also presents a section on denim production in Europe, with an industrial network of brands dedicated to denim clothing that would soon achieve great international dissemination. In fact, Spain was one of the most prominent producers, with companies in Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country and Castilla la Mancha.

A constant metamorphosis
Starting in the 1970s, the fashion world adopted denim and integrated it without complexes. The industry moved forward in search of new horizons and gave rise to countless variations in the types of denim garments. It is curious that, although jeans were born to last, at the end of the 20th century a taste for worn and torn jeans arose. In the same way, it was used to recreate modern versions of historical pieces totally removed from utilitarian clothing. Pleats, draping, puffing, pleating, extravagant prints and all kinds of embroidery flooded jeans in the world of luxury. In fact, the exhibition also explains how major luxury brands adopted denim and introduced jeans into the world of glamour, generating a kaleidoscopic denim universe.
Precisely, the exhibition culminates with a 鈥渂runch at the Ritz鈥, where the aim is to emphasize how denim has become a prominent part of the social elite. With a nod to the famous quote by Yves Saint Laurent, who proclaimed 鈥淒own with the Ritz! Long live the street!鈥, the exhibition shows how jeans would end up taking over the Ritz in their own right thanks to their enormous versatility and their role as absolute kings of the street.

The sustainable vision
Jeans, from the street to the Ritz’ also highlights an uncomfortable issue. Beyond being the most popular and durable fabric in the world, denim also has a dark back: it is the fabric that demands the most water resources. To produce a single pair of jeans, 3,000 liters of water are needed. In one of the challenges posed for the new century, the exhibition also addresses, although cautiously, the ecological implications of the manufacturing process and the search for sustainable alternatives for its production.
‘Jeans, from the street to the Ritz’ will be open to the public until the 17th March, 2024.

Sorry, this entry is only available in European Spanish.

Portrait of Yayoi Kusama. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Victoria Miro, and David Zwirner 漏 YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Yusuke Miyazaki.
She is considered a living legend, a revolutionary who has stood out in multiple artistic movements from the 1960s to the present, an admired visual artist capable of connecting art with fashion through her unique universes, full of geometries. Or rather polka dots, her most identifying feature. Yayoi Kusama (Matsumoto, Nagano, 1929), yes the flesh and blood one -and not the hyper-realistic robotic figure that Louis Vuitton made for her in her latest collaboration with the brand- is the absolute protagonist of one of the most visited exhibitions in the Bilbao Guggenheim . Turned into a true global cultural icon, in the last seven decades, Yayoi Kusama has devoted herself to her avant-garde vision with conviction, perfecting her aesthetic vision, which is a faithful reflection of her philosophy of life. As the artist herself usually says: 鈥淲hat does it mean to live a life? I get lost in this thought every time I create a work of art.
This exhibition goes beyond a simple overview of her career. It seeks to focus on the existential questions that drive the creative explorations of the Japanese artist and writer. Through her paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, and documentary material on her performances, the show offers an in-depth analysis of her practice, from her first drawings as a teenager during World War II to her latest immersive mirror installations.
Organized according to chronological and thematic criteria, Yayoi Kusama : from 1945 to today addresses the six key themes that run through the artist’s life: ‘Infinity’, ‘Accumulation’, ‘Radical Connectivity’, ‘The Biocosmic’, ‘Death’ and ‘ The energy of life’. These interrelated themes appear and evolve within the obsessive universe of Kusama, who has been agitating the art scene and society for decades in favour of the 鈥渉ealing of all humanity鈥.

Yayoi Kusama. Infinity Mirrored Room 鈥 A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe, 2020. Mirrors, wood, LED lighting system, metal, acrylic panel. 293.7 脳 417 脳 417 cm. 漏 YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts.
Some keys to understand Yayoi Kusama
Self portrait
Kusama ‘s work is based on self-affirmation , self-destruction , self-promotion , self-invention , self-referential and self-portrait, even in those creations where the representation of her own image is less explicit. This room brings together some of the paintings and drawings made by Kusama within the genre of the self-portrait, which occupies a prominent place in her production.
This section begins with Self-Portrait (1950), a dark painting in which a flesh-pink sunflower floats above a human mouth, and is one of the first works to be given that title; The space is presided over by her Portrait (2015), in which Kusama arranges some of her characteristic motifs 鈥攑olka dots, pumpkins, nets and tentacular shapes鈥 in a composition constructed as a collage and dominated by a hieratic figure.
Infinite
Kusama grew up in a seed nursery surrounded by vast fields of flowers. However, in 1957 while flying over the Pacific on her first flight to the US, the sight of the ocean inspired her well-known paintings of Infinity Webs. In this series, the canvases are obsessively covered in tiny arcs painted in one swift gesture, creating an expressionist pattern of interconnected dots and webs. The free brushstroke contrasts with the reiteration of the motif, which makes it impossible to identify the beginning and end of this universe without hierarchies, whose dimensions were expanding within Kusama ‘s production until the public was immersed in the infinity of her installations.
Accumulation
Kusama ‘s art , the concept of accumulation is not simply an obsessive-compulsive tendency, nor an innate desire for repetition, but can be interpreted as a desire for expansion driven by the artist’s need to broaden her creative vision.
After creating the ‘Infinity Nets’, Kusama developed ‘Accumulation’, a series of collages made with reused fragments of paper and soft sculptures in repetitive forms. In these pieces, an everyday object, such as a chair, is transformed by accumulating on it a large number of phallic and tubular shapes of stuffed and sewn fabric, which make the object itself and its function disappear. Little by little, the compulsive desire to multiply these soft shapes led Kusama to expand her vision to the mirrored rooms of infinity, which she began in 1965, and to the silver or patterned fabrics she made during the 1970s and 1980s, such as ‘Accumulation de manos’, where a sofa and chairs are covered in hundreds of silver gloves

Yayoi Kusama. Self-Obliteration (Auto-obliteraci贸n), 1966鈥1974. Painting on mannequins, table, chairs, wigs, handbag, cups, plates, ashtray, pitcher, plastic plants, plastic flowers, plastic fruits. Variable dimensions. M+, Hong Kong. 漏 YAYOI KUSAMA
Radical connectivity
In the late 1960s, the struggle for civil rights and the war in Vietnam generated a counterculture atmosphere in which Kusama developed a practice centered on public action and performance. The artist denounces race and gender stereotypes, criticizes the warmongering US policy and attracts the attention of the media with her provocative happenings, especially those featuring naked bodies covered with polka dots, which are acts of 鈥渟elf-obliteration鈥.
Kusama ‘s philosophy , which represents the liberation of the self as a form of group healing and deeply connects people, especially those who live on the margins of society. The Japanese artist uses the power of the media to spread her philosophy and intensify her visibility and notoriety.
Biocosmic
Where does your obsession with polka dots come from? Yayoi Kusama gives us the answer: 鈥淥ur earth is just a mole among the millions of stars in the cosmos. Polka dots are a path to infinity. We erase nature and our bodies with polka dots, we integrate into the unity of our environment.鈥
Her childhood near her family’s plant nursery made the Japanese artist feel a deep bond with organic life, which the artist considers to be connected to the dimension and space of the cosmos. ‘Lo Bioc贸smico ‘ expresses her belief that the earthly and the heavenly are the same. As a child, she begins to observe the anatomy of plants, their life cycles, and the union between heaven and earth. Perhaps the most consistent image of the biocosmic in her work is that of her distinctive gourds, with whimsically undulating and mottled surfaces, which Kusama identifies as a benevolent plant spirit and reflection of her own soul. Her stance towards nature illustrates how Kusama expresses her alienation from the world and her expansive need to commune with the cosmos.

Yayoi Kusama. Pumpkins, 1998鈥2000. Mixed media. 6 pieces, variable dimensions. 漏 YAYOI KUSAMA
Death
鈥溾淲hat death means, its colours and its special beauty, the stillness of its footsteps and the ‘nothing’ after death. Now I am in a phase in which I create art for the rest of my soul, accepting all this鈥, says Kusama at the exhibition at the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Kusama ‘s work is constantly on the threshold between life and death. A childhood surrounded by the ephemeral existence of plants in the family nursery, adolescence marked by the war and its consequences, and especially the death of her father and her close friend Joseph Cornell in the mid-seventies, led the artist to consider that death is not the end point, but another phase of existence that can give rise to a new one. Sometimes in her creative struggle and in despair, Kusama yearns to be free of what she describes as the “languorous weight of life.” However, through her artistic and literary practice, she transforms that desire into a kind of therapeutic fantasy, into a spiritual reward in the 鈥渟olemn beauty鈥 of death and in the loss of the ego as a return to eternity.
The force of live
Kusama ‘s art and psyche underwent a major change. With the arrival of the long-awaited and well-deserved public recognition, both from her international exhibitions and from her publications, praised in avant-garde literary circles, the healing power of art and the celebration of life become the central themes of her production. As she stated in 1999, Kusama came to believe that her role was to transform her suffering through art “for the healing of all humanity.” In the new millennium, the Japanese artist wants to amplify this message. For this reason, the colourful paintings and sculptures from one of her latest series, My Eternal Soul (2009鈥) and I Pray Every Day for Love (2021鈥搕oday), perhaps represent the culmination of this commitment
The exhibition “Yayoi Kusama : from 1945 to today” will remain open to the public until October 8.

Neus Bermejo in an aquamarine dress by designer Mariano Moreno. Photo: Courtesy of Mariano Moreno
No one doubts that the colour of the year is Barbie pink, a more striking transformation of the Millennial pink we’ve been seeing in the past decade. It resembles bubblegum pink or plastic pink, all of which have more artificial undertones. However, beyond the fuchsia and soft pink that dominate the Barbiecore trend, other colours are emerging this season. One of them is aqua green, which captivates with its discreet charm and its calming and refreshing nature.
Aqua green, also known as blue-green or aquamarine, immerses us in the fascinating transparent, warm and shallow waters, evoking emotions and transmitting subtle messages associated with summer. Paradisiacal tropical beaches, lagoons surrounded by nature and river beds with crystal clear waters are some of the images that come to mind when contemplating this pure tonality. It is perfect for the summer, since it is closely linked to the sea and nature.
The name makes the thing
This colour gets its name from the gemstone that represents it, aquamarine. A gem characterized by its beautiful light bluish-green hue. The term “aquamarine” comes from the Latin “aqua marina”, which means “sea water” to poetically evoke the sparkles and transparency of water.
Since ancient times, the colour aquamarine has been appreciated for its beauty and its connection to aquatic nature. The ancient Romans attributed protective and healing powers to this stone. Also, in the Christian tradition, aquamarine was associated with purity and innocence. Over the centuries, it has been used in jewelry, especially gemstones, but also in ceramics and ornamentation in different cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to the Native Americans.
Psychological and sensory properties
On a sensory level, aquamarine is a refreshing and calming hue for the eyes. It has a luminous, translucent quality that evokes feelings of serenity and freshness. Not surprisingly, this hue is associated with peace, clarity of mind, and harmony鈥攙aluable traits in fashion, advertising, and interior design when seeking to create a serene and welcoming environment. Also, their presence can stimulate creativity and promote a sense of relaxation.
This colour is also attributed qualities that encourage emotional openness and the ability to express yourself. Its soft and luminous hue makes it a popular choice for those who want to convey a fresh, sophisticated and elegant image. In addition, it is related to youth, since its shades instill confidence and magic, making people feel renewed both inside and out, with positive energy.
A notable example of a brand that has embraced aquamarine in its identity is Tiffany&Co. Its iconic shade of aquamarine blue is used in its packaging and presentation, providing a duality between elegance and carefree freshness. Likewise, the renowned sportswear brand Nike has incorporated the aquamarine color into its latest collections of sports footwear and clothing, providing a fresh and energetic look to its products.
Without being essential, it stands out
Let’s not fool ourselves. It’s true that aquamarine hasn’t been a front row colour on the fashion catwalks, at least until now. It is not usually the favourite of the designers and it is not abundant in the collections, since its relaxing nature is incompatible with the frenetic rhythms of the industry. However, it is true that aquamarine is more easily found in spring-summer collections, since it refers to crystal clear waters on sunny days and evokes paradisiacal destinations. In addition, it favours the tanning of the skin as it is a soft tone that gives it prominence.
Despite this, renowned designers have embraced aquamarine in their creations. For example, the Italian designer Roberto Cavalli has used this colour in his prints and haute couture designs, adding a touch of sophistication and freshness. Brands like Versace, Gucci and Carolina Herrera have also incorporated aquamarine into their collections, both in clothing and accessories.
This summer, through the mermaidcore trend, aquamarine has gained more presence. In this sense, the colour of the crystalline waters has been shown in total looks that Max Mara has explored with designs such as retro-style swimsuits, including hats. Fendi has also opted for this hue, combining pants with printed tank tops. For its part, Armani has presented a more subtle proposal, with a strapless dress combined with trousers.
Although aquamarine may not be the usual star in fashion, we cannot deny its charm and versatility. Its presence in the collections of renowned designers and its association with freshness and sophistication make it an attractive and elegant colour.
From Gratac贸s, we join the charm of the aquamarine colour. In our online store, we offer a selection of seasonal fabrics dyed with this refreshing colour, which brings vitality and sophistication. When we enjoy our well-deserved vacation, we will see life with a touch of aquamarine colour.
Pics: The 2nd Skin y Max Mara






The Little Mermaid is all the rage, pardon the Barbie doll and her barbicore style. And not only its long-awaited remake, released on May 26 in theatres, has won a legion of fans among both children and adults. Now, the aesthetics of these mythological creatures have also seduced the fashion industry, which surprises with the most popular trend of the summer: the mermaidcore with designs that transport us to the depths of the ocean.
The catwalks speak
Fashion’s interest in reflecting the fascinating underwater world is not new. In fact, French designer Marcel Rochas is credited with creating the mermaid silhouette in the 1930s, which was later popularized in fashion circles by Jean Patou. His dress inspired by the aquatic world was published in an edition of Vogue magazine in 1933. Since then, the mermaid style has evolved in various ways and today, designers such as Bottega Veneta or Bluemarine have reinterpreted the image of this mythological creature offering their own vision with clothes that move between the sophistication and the casual.
Investigating more into the current collections we see that the big brands continue to explore the collective imagination of mermaids. For example, for her Resort 2023 collection, Alberta Ferretti gave a very marked nod to these marine creatures by closing her collection with evening outfits full of iridescent blue sequins. In a similar line, Gucci also revealed a striking sparkly dress in green tones and a flowing silhouette, which already predicted the new rise of the trend. Or Tom Ford with a festive collection full of sequins and colours of the sea, like the cut-out design in silver and green that Gigi Hadid wore in a style with curly hair.
The curious thing is that everything suggests that the mermaidcore trend is going to extend throughout 2023 until it permeates the next seasons. Far from being forgotten, in autumn, clothes with the effect of scales and skirts in the shape of a mermaid tail also mark the design of Bottega Veneta. As well as Roberto Cavalli ‘s evening gowns, whose catwalk models sported wavy hairstyles with a subtle wet look and smoky eye makeup. And in 2024, the Resort collections continue to rescue this aquatic environment, as has already been seen in Louis Vuitton with sequined skirts that create optical illusions.

Mermaid designs made in Spain
This global trend also influences Spanish designers. Many of them have proposed creations that are inspired by the shapes of the marine world and follow this mermaidcore aesthetic code. In the last edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion, Anel Yaos presented a collection of an intimate nature that plunges into the seabed to present its hallmarks, marked by romanticism, fantasy and the na茂ve in pieces of clothing that do not distinguish genders. “Beings without names or appearance, intangible creatures, aquatic myths have been with me since I was a child, arousing in me feelings that range from tranquility to fear, and remind me that I am not alone,” he said backstage at the Catalan catwalk. The ‘Deep 23’ proposal reflects the fluidity of light fabrics such as silk, chiffon and cotton, contrasting with the forcefulness of velvet and neoprene, through a fascinating combination of prints and colours that fit harmoniously with each other.
The Sevillian designer investigates new materials such as latex and towels, and continues focusing on upcycling of bedspreads, vintage buttons and elements that evoke the ocean, such as fishing nets and shells. Furthermore, ruffles, 3D flowers and lace overlays take centre stage. The colour palette of the proposal flows between pastel tones and other more intense ones, such as moss green and black.

Another brand that explores sensuality with feminine proposals loaded with transparencies, sequins, iridescence and lace is Eiko Ai, led by the Barcelona designer Gl貌 Llad贸. The firm immerses itself in dreamlike proposals that are inspired by the ephemeral beauty of natural landscapes. According to Llad贸, 鈥渙n this occasion her inspiration lies in the movement of water and marine fauna, such as jellyfish鈥. With her ‘Underwater Life’ collection, Eiko Ai seeks to establish a connection with aquatic nature through elements such as plants, animals and other organisms, as well as fantastic beings that inhabit the oceans.
To achieve this, the Barcelona firm uses transparencies that allow light to pass through, soft satins in bright tones, ruffles, volumes and vaporous and ethereal fabrics that capture the movement of the waves of the sea. In addition, the pearly tones present in her garments emulate the scales of mermaids, thus completing the marine inspiration of her collection.
Following the latest trends closely, the large fashion distributors have not wanted to miss the opportunity to keep the aesthetics of these fascinating marine creatures on the crest of the wave. Zara kicked off the new season with an editorial dedicated to modern mermaids, presenting garments that have been best sellers. Among the proposals are sequined tops, satin skirts and a silver dress that enhances the feminine silhouette. In the middle of the sales season, the Inditex flagship continues to bet on mesh fabrics with small jewel inlays and sequins of different sizes in blue and metallic tones.
At Gratac贸s we also have an assortment of shiny fabrics that could follow the percepts of the mermaidcore trend. Find our most premium sequins here with different sizes, shapes and spectacular multicolour designs.



Protrait of Josep Font by Javier Biosca. Museo Crist贸bal Balenciaga
Josep Font has everything to be a fashion legend -a category that places him in the firmament of needlework stars whose legacy endures over the centuries-. Talented, dreamy, perfectionist and discreet. Unattainable image, architectural soul and persistent work. After spending five years away from the media spotlight once he abandoned the creative direction of DelPozo, a firm that relocated its foundations to relaunch it to international stardom, the Catalan dressmaker is once again in the spotlight. Of course, maintaining its enigmatic aura. It is already known that Josep Font does not like to feed his ego by hitting the headlines.
Now, the Crist贸bal Balenciaga Museum dedicates the first retrospective to Josep Font. It will be the first focused on a creative beyond the Getaria maestro in a new cycle that the institution is preparing to show the world how Balenciaga’s talent has influenced the work of international creators on a global level.
The exhibition ‘Josep Font. Beauty and restlessness’, is a production of the Crist贸bal Balenciaga Museum, and curated by Josep Casamartina i Parasols 鈥 director of the Antoni de Montpalau Foundation , in close collaboration with the creator in which they have worked hand in hand for more than a year so that the result was sophisticated but fleeting, without a millimetre of margin of error and paying homage to the silent luxury that the Catalan creator knows how to print so well in his designs.
And why does Josep Font converse with Crist贸bal Balenciaga in the same space? This union was proposed because the look of the Catalan designer towards the Basque couturier has not been mimetic but a very personal interpretation based on the study of the volume treated autonomously and independently of the female anatomy, achieving a sublimated and silent sensuality, as well as Balenciaga understood. Simultaneously, Josep Font achieved great technical perfection and in the simple and at the same time forceful treatment of the fabrics, in the architectural construction and in the use of exquisite embroideries, he is also close to the legacy of the master from Getaria. Perhaps like no other contemporary Spanish designer, Font fits in with Balenciaga’s famous concept: 鈥渁 couturier must be an architect of form, a painter for colour, a musician for harmony and a philosopher for measure鈥.
Beauty and restlessness
The name does the thing. The exhibition is articulated through a constant premise throughout the career of Josep Font: “behind beauty there is always restlessness”. The Catalan designer believes that beauty, in all its splendor, produces restlessness and even uneasiness, but perhaps for this reason it also generates the energy to continue reaching for it without stopping. The architectural construction, the combination of volumes and the ornamentation of the fabrics are hallmarks of his work. Without forgetting his incessant search for a very personal and constantly evolving feminine ideal, far from stridency and provocations. Josep Font’s style is elegant, refined, but also hypersensitive and ethereal. Based on this idea, the exhibition proposes an agile aesthetic discourse that chronologically reviews the 30-year career, from the beginnings on the catwalks of Gaud铆 and Cibeles through the fashion shows in Paris, haute couture and finally at the head of Delpozo, the pinnacle of his career. It is made up of 54 pieces of clothing, including coats, street, cocktail, night and bridal outfits; from the Fundaci贸 Antoni de Montpalau -which has the main collection of pieces by the Catalan designer- and from various private Spanish and North American collections. The set also brings together some accessories from the two brands, such as shoes, perfumes and headdresses. Beyond the creations, the tour includes emblematic photographs by Joseph Hunwick , Javier Biosca and Ernesto Artillo , as well as an interview with the creator by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Dress Delpozo. Pic: Alex Iturralde. Museo Crist贸bal Balenciaga
This anthology especially embraces the work of Font carried out in the first two decades of the 21st century and is structured through three major key periods:
From the beginnings to the consolidation
Josep Font (Santa Perp猫tua de Mogoda, 1965) studied Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and graduated in Fashion Design from the Escola de Disseny i Moda Felicidad Duce, in Barcelona. At the age of 21, he won the Air France Mode Prix award and exhibited at Les Arts D茅coratifs . The young designer consolidated his own brand with Luz D铆az in 1987, although they had already enjoyed good recognition in the fashion world for years. Together they created their own language. An aesthetic of sober, austere and refined colours. His inspiration was born from everyday popular clothing, with the use of natural materials, silk, wool and cotton, and a studied and severe pattern. However, in 1995, Font decided to pursue his solo career and at the end of this decade he evolved into a magical and hypersensitive world, with broader colours, luxurious and refined fabrics, spectacular and daring embroideries. This turn in design allowed it to achieve international success in the early 2000s. Years of expansion, awards, shops and parades arrived in Madrid, Barcelona and Tokyo. An ascending process that culminated in three pr锚t-脿-porter collections presented in Paris and four other haute couture collections that were absolutely successful in the French capital.
Delpozo ‘s relaunch
There was a bump in this rise to the top: Josep Font lost his own label in 2011, although for a year, the talented creator began designing anonymously for other firms. However, one offer particularly excited him: the commission to remodel and relaunch the firm of the late Madrid designer Jes煤s del Pozo. Font re-founded the pillars of the brand with a new name – it would be called DelPozo – and an updated structure and workshops in Madrid, Miami, London, Moscow and Dubai . In the new DelPozo collections , it was appreciated what Josep Font had started in haute couture and would create a new line called impeccable pr锚t -脿- couture , with a rigorous technique and exquisite finishes. Very Josep Font style.
Maturity and international recognition
Josep Font reached his zenith in his stage for Delpozo. Between 2012-2018 he created 19 collections and it is in this full production that the influence of Crist贸bal Balenciaga will be most evident. In Delpozo, the Catalan designer will reach his maturity and maximum recognition worldwide through the collections he presented in Madrid, New York, Paris and London, and placed the brand among the favorites of the red carpet and celebrities such as Care Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Keira Knightley or Zendaya , creating trends and marking a milestone in the world of fashion. In fact, Josep Font became the first Spanish designer invited by Anna Wintour to the Met Gala . An anniversary that shows the deep admiration felt by the main fashion gurus for the work of this prodigy with the needle.
Little is told about the last stage of Josep Font. He abruptly left Delpozo when he “fell out of love with the project.” Just like Balenciaga did in 1968, who preferred to leave everything when he saw that his idea of design had nothing to do with the democratization of fashion at the time-if he raised his head right now, we don’t know what he would think of his own brand-. Until then, Josep Font has continued working from the most absolute anonymity and time will tell if he will return to the media spotlight with a new resurgence of himself. Now for the moment, his applauded talent comes to light again in this fantastic exhibition that can be visited until January 7, 2024 at the Crist贸bal Balenciaga Museum. A magnificent alliance between fashion, architecture, coherence and integrity.
Exhibition ‘Josep Font. Beauty and restlessness’ Pics: Ernest Artillo y Alex Iturralde. Museo Crist贸bal Balenciaga





Sorry, this entry is only available in European Spanish.
Rahul Mishra’s design from the collection “The Dawn.” Photo: Facebook
Inspiration always comes from the most unexpected places, especially in the demanding world of fashion, which is always looking for new things to surprise its consumers with. For some time now, there has been a new object of desire that generates fascination and repulsion in equal parts: mold. Yes, you read that right. Mold, that type of microscopic fungus that helps nature break down dead organic matter, is all the rage for a number of reasons.
This statement is not surprising, because in general, the world of mushrooms seduces with its imperfect aesthetics. It does so through organic forms and natural reliefs that inspire artists and creators. It also connects with a dreamlike and fantastic universe that we carry in the subconscious and that can be revealed in the form of adventures in the forest, as can be seen in books like ‘Alice in Wonderland’ or movies like Disney’s ‘Fantasy’. Mushrooms also refer to the psychedelic fever of the 1960s and 1970s, with their hallucinogenic properties that were transmitted in colourful universes that permeated everything from fashion to music and painting.
Finally, the world of mushrooms also has a sustainable dimension. Thanks to their amazing properties and exceptional versatility, mushrooms have transformed the world of fashion by offering a more conscious and environmentally friendly alternative. We analyze each aspect below:
Rahul Mishra’s design inspired by mushrooms from the collection “The Dawn.” Photo: Facebook.
Imperfect beauty
It’s self-evident: mold, at first glance, can seem repulsive and unsightly. However, fashion designers have found in this unattractive organism a hidden beauty that manifests itself in its pastel colours, its organic reliefs and its unusual textures. These unusual and unique attributes endow you with a certain aesthetic uniqueness and, therefore, a greater ability to challenge traditional canons of beauty. In a world that seeks perfection, the beauty found in the abstraction of mold becomes a bold and liberating statement, instantly captivating because it connects with nature and the processes of life in an organism that questions and explores ideas about what it is beautiful and good, and tries to reconcile us with imperfection.
An architectural design by Iris Van Herpen. Photo: Facebook
In the crosshairs of avant-garde designers
Fashion designers have embraced the innovative aesthetic of fungal materials, creating cutting-edge pieces that push the limits of creativity. Thus, the abstract patterns and irregular, velvety patches of mold have been translated into striking prints and embroidery on garments. Various designers have experimented with dyeing and printing techniques to create mold-like effects in their collections. In addition, the organic shapes of the mold have influenced the silhouettes and cuts of the garments, providing a sensation of fluidity and movement.
For example, Iris van Herpen has explored mold reliefs in her creations on numerous occasions, as well as the underground network and connections of fungi. Her experimental designs often feature three-dimensional structures that mimic the unique shapes and textures of these small, highly regenerative organisms.
For his part, Rahul Mishra also stands out for his sustainable approach and his use of artisan techniques. In his collections, the Indian designer has incorporated embroidery and appliqu茅s that evoke mold relief, creating interesting visual effects and surprising textures. Known for his edgy aesthetic, Alexander McQueen has explored the world of mold in his iconic “Plato’s Atlantis” collection. The organic reliefs of the mold were translated into prints and textures on her garments, providing a sense of mystery and surrealism. Gareth Pugh has also turned to mold for inspiration, creating garments with volumes and textures that evoke his distinctive aesthetic. In addition, the French designer Marine Serre has incorporated mold into patterns and textures in garments with a futuristic and avant-garde aesthetic.
The artist Dasha Plesen works with microbiology. Photo:Facebook
Applications in the beauty industry
In the beauty industry, which is always on the lookout for new trends, mushrooms have also emerged as a powerful source of inspiration and have, in turn, become active elements in beauty products, thanks to their incredible versatility and skin benefits.
Cosmetics has been one of the fields most impacted by the incursion of fungi. These organisms have moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, making them star ingredients in skin care products. Mushrooms, such as reishi, shiitake, and cordyceps, are used in serums, creams, and masks to provide noticeable benefits, including improving skin elasticity, reducing signs of aging, and promoting a radiant complexion.
In addition to their benefits for the skin, mushrooms have also made their mark in the world of perfumery. Some species, such as truffles and mushrooms, have characteristic and sophisticated aromas that have been used to create distinctive notes in perfumes and fragrances. These fungal ingredients bring a unique, earthy dimension to olfactory compositions, adding a sense of mystery and elegance to scented products.
The influence of these tiny living organisms has also extended into the world of creative makeup, where designers and brands have found inspiration in the hues and textures found in nature’s mushrooms. Eyeshadow palettes inspired by warm, earthy tones, nail polishes that mimic the subtle colours of wild variants, and makeup products with velvety textures that resemble mold reliefs are the order of the day.
An artistic creation by the pastry company Frostedhag. Foto: Facebook
A sustainable revolution
Mushrooms offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to animal leather, as they can be grown under controlled conditions and without harming the animals. Being a renewable and biodegradable source, materials of fungal origin reduce the environmental footprint of fashion, without sacrificing luxury or quality. Materials derived from mushrooms possess unique properties that make them ideal for use in clothing. The mycelium, the fungus’ network of filaments, can be grown and manipulated to create a variety of textures, densities, and colours. Additionally, these materials are lightweight, flexible, waterproof, and breathable, making them a versatile and comfortable option for garments, accessories such as bags, and footwear.
One of the pioneers in introducing the fungal world into her creations has been Stella McCartney, who has incorporated a bag made with Mylo, a leather-like material made from mushroom roots. Later, she launched a sports outfit made from this material. But it was not the only one. Firms such as Adidas or Herm猫s have also begun to use biodegradable materials made with fungi that are transformed into sustainable fabrics, standing out for their softness and flexibility, offering a more conscious and environmentally friendly alternative. In addition, the ability of fungi to degrade naturally at the end of their useful life contributes to closing the materials cycle and reducing environmental impact.
For all these reasons, the mushroom revolution has only just begun and these organisms are part of the sustainable change that is taking place throughout the world of fashion. As the sector moves towards a more ethical and environmentally friendly industry, mushrooms are making a lasting mark as an innovative and promising alternative.




