Lydia Delgado
Lydia Delgado presented her newest collection at the Pasarela Gaudi during Barcelona’s Fashion Week. She’s not what you would expect from a world-renowned fashion designer; she’s warm, open, and charming with a beautiful smile. And she smiles often. She’s vibrant, contented, and appears much younger than her years. She has none of the attitude that so often permeates the industry: “I’m a famous fashion designer and who are you?”

How did you begin in fashion and what attracted you to the field?
I had been a professional ballerina here in Barcelona but felt that the dancing world was a closed environment. I needed something more. I was always listening to music, taking photographs, designing jewelry and handbags. I guess there was a creative atmosphere at home. My mother was a professional painter and sometimes sewed clothes. Maybe that has something to do with my interest in fashion.

How did you break into the industry?
I worked for Antonio Miró for about a year and a half and in 1992 presented my first collection of twelve pieces during the Pasarela Gaudi organized by Moda Barcelona. Starting out is complicated and difficult. You don’t have access to the textiles you need because they demand that you buy large quantities. Also, people in the industry don’t take you seriously and at times treat you like a little girl. Designers may be more artistic than business-minded and it takes time to understand that each step in the design process has a domino effect on everything else. This is to say that everything has to be well thought-out and properly done for the piece to actually work. It’s a curious world, fashion… a bit particular, but I love what I do. I have many concepts that get developed in my style but what’s wonderful about fashion is that as a designer you have the “absolute freedom” to explore and create as you wish, without limits.

How has your style evolved over the years?
I think that with time and experience, you have more possibilities and learn to work better. You dare to do more and truly explore what’s in your soul, regardless of whether it’s something simple or complicated.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future depend in part on destiny. I always try to do the best I can in the now. I have a fairly Buddhist philosophy, that one should live in the present and that many times the best things in life come to you when you least expect or seek them out, so I tend to go about life slowly.

What do you think is the most important quality for success in the fashion world?
I think it’s most important to develop your own personal style; you need to have something to say. Those who have a rich personal life tend to succeed. You need to persevere. It’s the only way to go. You clearly need a lot of willpower to get ahead. 

Tell me one thing about yourself that people don’t know.
I’d have to say that I’m quite a rebel. I don’t really care what other people say. I tend to do and think as I please. What others feel is impossible, I feel are possible. 

Would you ever leave Barcelona?
Barcelona is the ideal city to live in. Not only do you live well; the city is inspiring. There’s movement in the air and even though it’s a small city you never seem to see it all. I also feel quite relaxed with all of the people who have come from outside of Spain; in one day you can speak French, German, and English in addition to Spanish and Catalan. The influx of foreigners in the last few years has truly opened up the city and continues to broaden people’s minds.

For more information:

Lydia Delgado
Minerva 21
Barcelona
93.415.99.98