Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week-Fall 2011: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Angel Schlesser

Moda Olé !!!

Crayola Couture: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011

Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week (Pasarela Cibeles Madrid) is happening as we speak in yes, Madrid, Spain from February 18-23rd, in case you didn't know. Since it basically occurs at the same time as London Fashion Week, many international fashion editors, chose to attend the latter so Madrid gets "left behind". But, in terms of local interest and press, it gets major coverage within Spain.

How Do You Want Your Egg...Dress? Designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

One of the stars of the Spanish Fashion Circles is Designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. A little background on Miss Ruiz de la Prada: She is from Spanish nobility, a 12th Marquise of Castelldosrius, Grandee of Spain, and baroness of Santa Pau. Early in her career, she became part of “movida madrileña”--a cultural and artistic revolution coming out of Madrid and in the late 80's/early 90's, allied forces with one of Spain’s most important department stores, El Corte Inglés and then became known as one of Spain's most visible fashion designers. She is a cross between France's Jean Charles de Castelbajac (Remember THAT Muppet Dress!) and a little bit of Vivienne Westwood irreverence. And add a BIG DASH of Pedro Almodovar color theory and Voila: Welcome to the World of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

My Valentine: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011

For her Fall 2011 Collection, this was her 30Th Anniversary in business and she celebrated with a collection based on Hearts and Love. Lots of red, glitter and voluminous designs. And of course, a quirky dress or two. It wouldn't be an Agatha Ruiz de la Prada show without them. Very few--except the Designer herself actually wears these things. And none of it actually ends up in any of her many stores throughout Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and Milan. BUT what she does sell are TONS of accessories and fun "basic clothing"--from jewelry,motorcycle helmets, umbrellas, coin purses, baby clothing, t-shirts, bicycles and even furniture.

They all have her unique Agatha Ruiz de la Prada stamp. And all the people buying those peripheral items is what allows (Thank Goodness!) for Ruiz de la Prada to keep having these kooky collections that makes us smile! PS: If Lady Gaga hasn't called yet, she might be calling real soon!!!

Highlights of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011:

Wearable...for Agatha: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011

Can I Join You For Tapas: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011

The All-You-Can-Eat Gown: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011 Runway Video--Final Walk:

Angel Schlesser Fall 2011

Spanish Fashion Designer Angel Schlesser (above) is in the opposite fashion design spectrum of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada; Schlesser designs are more rooted in "reality" as opposed to "fantasy" and playfulness. All the top Spanish Society ladies--the likes that always end up on the cover or inside iHOLA! Magazine--wear his elegant "Ladies Who Lunch-and-Dine" clothes. They're very Princess Letizia of Spain; proper yet fashionable. His women ALWAYS end up on Spain's Best Dressed Lists. Think of him like Jason Wu-meets-Oscar de la Renta...but with less "frou-frou". For Fall 2011, Schlesser showed luxurious fur wraps/scarves, superb tailoring and languid crepe gowns. Colors were black, gray, camel, brick red, bubblegum pink and a cheetah print or two. All cut perfectly and all very Luxe.

Highlights from Angel Schlesser Fall 2011.