Jaime ÁlvarezDesigner
Madrid, Spain. January 27th, 2021
“Mans Concept comes from DEMANS, one of the surnames -with a German background- of the creative director. Shortened to ‘Mans’, it means searching for a new, updated and more personal tailoring.”
All the magazines I read as a child in my hometown in Seville, Spain, and people like my maternal grandfather—his surname was the inspiration behind calling the label Mans—helped to enrich my aesthetics and visual culture. And fashion felt like the place where I could express myself openly and carry out my ideas and dreams.
Mans is a ready-to-wear and tailoring studio, influenced by the workshops of Savile Row and Japanese techniques. Both are present in all the collections, mixing this craft with an avant-garde aesthetic, clean cuts and innovation in fabrics.
It’s true that I design for men and inspired by men, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be worn by women. In fact, when it comes to orders, a large percentage of women trust the brand. The garment is simply a product that is given life and personality, depending on who is wearing it.
I am inspired in general by boys I see in the street, who are dedicated to skateboarding, as well as older gentlemen who appreciate tailoring—in short, many people. Overall I believe we are witnessing a return to male elegance, dressing in suits and a taste for quality more than design. You also see that in the designers I love, like Jaime Hayon and Miuccia Prada.
We haven’t been affected too badly by the pandemic. Online orders have increased, and thanks to so much activity, I haven’t stopped creating, even though I have moments of creative downturn.
Every season we travel to a world that is completely opposite to the previous one, and this year it was not going to feel like less. Also, this year is very special because we are launching our first footwear collection.
I believe my professional maturity comes from working with many stylists, art directors and others. I think that when you’re working in a team, you get a more solid and professional result.
That would be among the advice I would give to emerging designers. Also, to work hard and a lot. Fashion is not an office job; it requires you to have your head in gear 24 hours a day, and you have to learn to live with it.
Jaime Álvarez
