Emilio & Maria from Etrala
We spoke with Maria from fashion label Etrala this week, on behalf of on-line boutique Not One Of Many, to ask her some questions about her brand.
“For us it all began in 2011 when Emilio (Maria’s co-founder & partner) and I decided to move to London from Spain to start up an ethical fashion business.”
Etrala London
designs high-end limited and ethical womenswear collections. Etrala is the Spanish
word ‘El Arte’ backwards, which translated means ‘For Art.’ Art is exactly what
Maria believes her designs are. Wearing them proudly on a daily basis, Maria
has taken to posting regular photos of herself to twitter, in different parts of the
world in her own clothing. Humbly, Maria tells us the best part of working on
Etrala was the first sale.
Etrala’s style icons are Kate Middleton, Livia
Firth and Emma Watson. Maria would love to see Kate wearing one of her dresses,
or even Olivia Palermo and really pushing the boat out Princess Letizia of
Spain. Etrala have recently been notably mentioned in the blogs of ELE France. Now, if it’s good enough
for them it's good enough or us!
Being outside
helps to motivate the team when working on new designs; however Maria isn't too
keen on the British climate.
“Being
outdoors [enthuses me] But not in this London weather!”
Maria gets her
inspiration for the designs, which are all made of 100% natural fabrics,
from vintage fashion. Etrala above all, takes influence from the 1960’s, back when
London was swinging and Twiggy was an icon for all ages. Maria in particular
likes the mood of this era, and it can be seen clearly through her work (see
below.)
Both
dresses available on Not One of Many
“I
believe we are Ethical, Sustainable, Handmade, Exclusive and Unique. I don't
think I am at the point of making huge contributions to the design world just
yet, but if I had to say something I would say ‘we are coming back to the local hand craft manufacturing with a modern twist.’"
The brand also has a lovely little blog on their site, along with much more beautiful clothes. Take a look here.
ARHighFashion@london.com