The crowd outside waits for the appointed hour; they talk in small groups or fan themselves because of the day’s intense heat. Young, tall, and good-looking “security guards” with pink passes stand at attention. Anticipation builds. Press filter in.

Inside, the air’s cool. The last preparations to the stage are made: a “real” chandelier goes up, a backdrop of a lovely staircase. Famous people are interviewed – Tamara, a local singer who recently released her latest CD. The “in” models smile coquettishly and offer spontaneous interviews… loving the attention! Finally, the public drifts in. The chandelier is tested and re-tested. The staircase is lit with a soft fuchsia light.  It all begins with soft piano and violin music reminiscent of a different era. Hannibal’s brides display ultra “glamour,” and are ultra feminine. Lace, fabric petals, layers upon layers, different textures, long flowing trains, diamond brooches, shimmering fabric, and satin ties … all so soft and flowy… like air.

After the show, I was able to chat with Hannibal. Some words come to mind to describe him best: young – dynamic – curious – charming. He’s all those things and more. I asked him the history of his name thinking it might have an odd story attached, but it doesn’t. It’s simply his father’s name. Both parents are Spanish, although in the 40’s they immigrated to Caracas, Venezuela where Hannibal grew up until he was 15.  His father owned a sausage factory and his mother a clothing factory. Did your mother’s profession make you want to study fashion? “One of my first memories is playing with fabric. When I was a teenager, I decided I wanted to study architecture but by the time I got to Spain, I knew I wanted to study fashion instead. I was very clear. I decided on tailoring because it’s the most architectonic study in fashion; it’s so precise and I liked that. But little by little, after beginning with a knit collection (when no one was doing knits), I decided on high fashion but one “with no limits.” At the same time, I was very clear that I wanted to do “real fashion” for real people – all artisan made – not pieces to be shown at museums.”

Knowing his background, I was curious whether Latin style and culture, which is inherently different from Spanish, had influenced his style. It did. “I try to define myself by that fusion of cultures. Spanish culture can be so somber and monarchical, while Latin culture, from my youth, epitomizes joy, sun, happiness. It’s different than a Mediterranean “sea and sun culture,” it’s a Latin culture. I try to take the best of both worlds: the best part of Latin sensuality mixed with European flavor. That fusion defines me. I think it’s important that women be beautiful without renouncing their sensuality.”

His latest bridal collection defines his style: nostalgic vaporous shapes and feminine silhouettes. A romantic and sensual collection, in which petal and leaf profiles glide smoothly by, enveloping each one of the pieces. Hannibal looks for movement through light fabrics, such as organza, taffeta, and “gazar.” Suggestive volumes inspired by lilies, camellias, and cinnamon flowers are worked in with the superimposition of bias-cut irregular and asymmetrical layers in highly translucent textures.  Natural colors are filtered and veiled creating depth of “tone on tone” combining brilliant shades such as parchment and bright pearl. To achieve his sophisticated finishes and relief effects, he uses Chantilly lace and net, cut-out, folded, lacquered, and finally embroidered in an artisan process that recovers the charm of traditional sewing and the personalization of each dress.

Hannibal was excited to share his message behind the collection with me. He feels that unfortunately brides today don’t invest in their wedding dress and instead spend that money on the honeymoon. He wants brides to “reinvest in themselves and in that special moment where they shine like no other person in the room.” He feels that brides should discover themselves and enjoy the time spent in having a unique and thoroughly individual dress made. He takes pride and joy in the small and delicate details: the fabric petals, the diamond brooch, the delicate train. He wants his brides to look “romantic” but not “like a wedding cake.”

Although Hannibal works and lives in Madrid, he faithfully presents his collections in Barcelona. Why is that, I asked? “I started presenting in Cibeles but from very early on, I decided to present at Gaudi. I feel quite at home here – “muy a gusto.” I love the city. It reminds me of my childhood Caracas with the influence of the sea. Plus, everyone would agree that Barcelona has become the “first city of Spain” where that fusion of cultures exist; it’s avant-garde, modern… you breathe it. That’s what a city that’s open to the sea offers.”

I was also interested in the fact that Hannibal seems to be involved in many different projects. Not only does he design women’s, men’s and bridal collections, he designs a jewelry line, theatre costumes, has worked in TV and movies, and participated in a variety of international expositions and symposiums. I wanted to find out who the “true” Hannibal was. So I asked. “I’m a restless person. I’m curious and am continuously investigating new fabrics, new ways of sewing, new everything. A lot of projects get offered to me and I have a hard time saying, “no.” If I feel that I have the capacity to participate, I decide to do it, because with each new project you always learn something; it enriches you. For me, all these projects are my way of relaxing, my hobby, and are fundamental because I never want to feel stagnant.”

Finally, I wanted to find out if there was one key moment in his life that changed everything. Fortunately, or unfortunately -- depending on your perspective -- there was. Hannibal shared, for the first time, that three years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. He was only 33 at the time. “That moment changed everything.  It changed my life. You appreciate things in different ways. It gives new meaning to things; it changes your priorities and your scale of values. Up until then, I knew how to deal with things in my life, but I had no idea how to deal with that. Fortunately I had the support of my family and friends and my work. I never stopped working – even when I was going through chemo and I gained 20 kilos and all my hair fell out. Work sustained me. I love my work. I want to keep doing all of this and I never want to loose the illusion.”

For more information:

www.hanniballaguna.com