MODAPIEL interview

When does your career as a designer begin?

My work within Luisa Toledo is creative director, because my university education is not related to design. Everything starts on my return from a stay in Mexico, my express learning began in the field of footwear design and production, training that was developed directly where I begin to learn how shoes are designed and manufactured.
The next step was to surround myself with a great team that would give shape to my ideas, people with extensive professional experience in pattern making and especially in the adjustment of lasts. I am convinced that the adjuster is a key person in the whole process, since it gives me the assurance that my ideas become shoes that adapt perfectly to the shape of each foot.

What led you to opt for shoes design?

All my life I have lived among shoes. I remember playing with empty boxes in the store. My grandparents were the pioneers. They started their activity in the footwear business. Currently I am the third generation of the family that continues to be involved in the production, sale and design shoes. And even though my intention was not to follow in my family's footsteps, my love for beautiful things and fashion has made me feel this whole process as a natural evolution.

How do you remember your beginnings?

Wonderful and exciting, see how little by little ideas went from the head to the sketches on paper, to later become the first samples and prototypes that finally become part of the Luisa Toledo collections. Although I must admit that it was a few frantic months until in September 2017 the first Collection was put on sale.

What have been the most important stages you remember in your career as a designer?

Without a doubt, the visit to the workshops where our collections are made was fascinating. Live in first person all the processes, since some lines are outlined on paper until the first prototypes and samples appear. When you can see, touch, try that which only took place on paper and in your imagination ... It is a feeling of total professional fulfillment.

And what have been the most important projects that you have carried out?

Apart from taking out the first collection, setting up our website luisatoledo.com was a challenge, as well as one of the most important and exciting projects. I remember those first days in the office, when we started receiving emails, calls, consultations ... There were many nerves, but also a great satisfaction when our clients thanked us for the services, the advice and all the information that we gave them.

What has the sector reported professionally and personally?

Almost everything I am. As I mentioned before, I come from a family that has been linked to the world of footwear for almost 40 years, so that, more or less directly, everything that I am, I owe to footwear. On a professional level, I must admit that the reception I received with Luisa Toledo's project has been very good. Possibly due in part to the trajectory of my family in the guild, who have been able to guide me and help me as much as possible.

How would you define the footwear you design?

First of all feminine and timeless. My maxim when I want to give shape to an idea is that some Luisa Toledo can be worn by any woman, not only the fierce followers of fashion, but all those who wish to bring an original and differentiating touch to their outfits. I think that the first collection has been based mainly on a wardrobe background, something very basic but also very necessary. Who does not love to continue enjoying a unique piece in your closet? You look good, you feel comfortable and you keep having fun with it, like the first day. That is, I intend that Luisa Toledo shoes do not have a passenger design, I want that whoever has them in their dressing room can enjoy them both today and in a few years.

What motivates your creation work each season?

First of all, I really like to inspire myself and visualize women that Luisa Toledo could wear. I think about the needs that women have, either on a day-to-day basis or in situations in which we want to bring a different touch without giving up our style, whatever it may be. Belonging to the millennial generation I could not stop mentioning personal hobbies that inspire me a lot, like the series in which the main characters are women: Girlboss, The girls of the cable, Girls, Game of Thrones and, of course, the eternal Sex & the City or Gossip Girl. Each of these series has a very different female cast, but very inspiring and show the diversity that exists. It portrays the large number of different needs and tastes, and although we all need shoes, we are not always worth the same. The truth is that I also find inspiration walking down the street, in trends, in clothes, even in museums. I remember during my stay in Mexico, when I visited different museums and I was fascinated by the treatment of colors. Super vivid and attractive colors, which call attention to sight above all. The truth is that I like very much to recreate myself in colors and materials. It is a great privilege to be able to work with such good quality materials.

How is the person who chooses one of his designs?

I do not dare to define in a concrete way women who wear Luisa Toledo shoes. It would limit creativity and variety, and the fascinating thing about fashion is that it has no limits. All women are unique and that is wonderful.

Where do they carry out the manufacturing process?

We currently have three workshops that manufacture Luisa Toledo shoes, located between Elda, Petrel and Elche. Obviously, the whole process is carried out entirely in Spain, I am very clear that we must give value to the manufacturing processes 100% made in Spain.

What are your future projects?

Mainly my desire and that of my entire team is to strengthen the online sales website and open several physical points of sale. The next challenge is to raise awareness of Luisa Toledo in Europe, and in general internationally, and of course expand the collections, in addition to getting the news to be continuous throughout the year.

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