For Mans’ fall collection, Jaime Álvarez took us on a trip to rural Britain, interspersed with a country-kitsch personal touch. “That English countryside can also be perfectly Andalusian,” he said with a laugh. “I’m bringing it home.” He fused both themes, while keeping tailoring, the house’s strongest asset, as a common thread. His main intention was updating garments through small details, such as bringing the lining of a jacket from the inside to the outside, or using trompe l’oeil details to re-edit garments from previous collections. The Sevilla-born designer focused on texture, with micro-sequins on ladylike dresses, and jackets and skirts made from alpaca. “It’s a bit of a tribute to women who ride horses, whether they are from Great Britain or from El Rocío in Huelva.”
Recently, Álvarez has expanded the Mans offering, which has reinforced the brand’s customer profile. “We will never give up on menswear because that is our major success, but this show has served to testify that we can make all kinds of clothes, always following the brand’s line,” he said. His menswear and womenswear collections were aimed at an audience of contrasts: the festive side coexisted with everyday pieces, through playful layering, and the strong presence of difficult shades, such as green or “egg yellow,” Álvarez added, “It’s very Mans—a chaos that became harmonious in the look.”