THE SHOP-WINDOW …
An opera singer in a futuristic key plays impassive, vibrant melodies to the stars facing a wall in mauve tones with the golden letters of Gratacós, which recreates that fantastic and radiant universe created by Ibone Sologaistoa. It is accompanied by a blanket of cotton clouds that surround it floating in this musical dream where aesthetics coexist with art. “Fantasy universes inspire me and I always try to convey them in everything I do”, explains the young designer from Bilbao. This “Queen of the Stars”, which stars in the February showcase, impresses by its ostentatious presence. A voluminous dress in vibrant colours occupies much of the space. Violets, reds and roses in contrasting tones and textures. A long layer of mint green gauze with the zodiacal constellations embroidered in gold envelops the cosmic diva’s attire. “I was looking for this contrast between colours, fabrics and brightness. One thing I was clear about was that I wanted to work with materials that radiate a lot of light, “explains Ibone. She adds: “I conceive of the cosmos as something bright, colourful and magical.”
“I conceive of the cosmos as something brilliant and magical”
Finally, a diadem of stars decorates the short hair of the fictitious singer, with a hairstyle that irrevocably reminds one of Ziggy Stardust, the alter ego of the multifaceted and multidisciplinary, David Bowie. “He was always an important figure for me in terms of an icon, not so much for his music that I discovered later,” says Ibone. For this we must go back to the film ‘Inside the Labyrinth’ where the British composer played Jareth, the mysterious King of the Goblins. “I am fascinated by that mystical and extravagant aesthetic that the character has, that despite his being bad, he manages to hook us with his power of persuasion,” she concludes.
ABOUT IBONE SOLOGAISTOA …
Ibone Sologaistoa is a dreamer by nature and quickly spoken. Born in Bilbao, she moved to Barcelona 7 years ago to continue experimenting in the world of illustration and then in fashion design. Another of her passions that she is now perfecting in the Guerrero School. It was precisely in the activities promoted by the centre where she came across the inspiring talks by the Designers Fashion Experiences team in which Gratacós participates. And from there, she got to know the design contest organized by their information initiative. “I had never won anything, but my philosophy is ‘make plenty of noise’ so that they get to know you,” explains the artist who conceives of fashion as an extension of her own essence: “My drawings and my designs always connect with this bizarre and ostentatious universe that I so adore. “
“My designs connect with a bizarre universe that I adore”
The design ‘Queen of the Stars’ was chosen for its originality and colour by the members of the jury formed by the designers Alejandro Resta, Celia Vela and Oscar Léon, participants in some of the presentations of Designers Fashion Experiences. After appearing at Autobeltran, Ibone Sologaistoa’s creation will be located throughout the month at Gratacós. “It is written in the stars”, says the message embroidered on the cosmic diva’s cloak. So be it!
