Madrid Street Mag Lados Features Eduardo Rivera

Last month, Edu was interviewed for Lados, a glossy Madrid street mag with strong fashion orientation and growing following.  Here’s the translation of the interview.

With his unconditional commitment to the teaming of classical and urban, Madrid designer Eduardo Rivera has gained supporters from the outset. His unmistakable style now has a large number of followers, including [Spanish film director Alejandro] Amenábar who chose one of his creations for the presentation and launch of  [his latest film] “Agora”. Stylish, comfortable, classic but with a modern urban twist; adjectives that define the perfect creations of a promising young madrileño that is beginning to shine as a rising star.

Reading your biography, the first question relates to the most paradoxical aspect, how a graduate of Business Administration came to devote himself to fashion?

The fashion world has always been present in my house. My mother was a pioneer in multi-brand stores over thirty years ago and I’ve always lived close to this world. Because of this, fashion somehow has always been present in my life.

So if fashion has been a daily presence throughout your life, what has it given you, growing up in a family linked to fashion?

The first and most notable is that it has allowed me to learn the craft well; all stages of creation, design, tailoring, ultimately, knowing how to tailor and produce well, and develop a different way of design, combining style and practicality.

You created Ene de Rivera together with your mother, a female brand present in over fifteen countries, including Russia, what is the secret of this success and international expansion?

Well, I suppose the only secret is consistency and work, and not forgetting our customers – sensing what our customers want is fundamental in this business that is so changeable and at certain times that leaves you little room to manoeuvre.

With your work totally seated in the female world of fashion, how and why did you decide to jump to the opposing world of male fashion, creating your own brand “Eduardo Rivera?

It really came about in response to a need, not finding in stores what I liked to wear. There was a gap in the men’s clothing market of men’s clothing that mixed the classical with the urban with a lot of style and that at the same time was practical. I found an opportune moment to start the brand and I threw myself in headfirst.

How would you describe your collection?

Phew, it’s a complicated question, defining yourself, I guess modern designs and comfortable fabrics.  It is a collection for a man with a young and restless spirit and with a special awareness for a fine cut.

What are your sources of inspiration?

The world of art and the street, the daily combination of these two characteristics of life are the two most important sources of inspiration that in some way are always present in my designs. Then as I sift through my designs I always find it necessary to filter these designs to my closest circle of friends and my environment.

How have you and your designs evolved since you started with Ene de Rivera and up until now with the current menswear collection?

In each collection there is an evolution.  Often I start from scratch to avoid falling into repetition and create an expectation with each garment. If we talk of experience, obviously years have passed and my experience is greater and therefore I am better prepared to offer a product every time more successful and closer to the ideal of the man who wears Eduardo Rivera.

What are the main points of differentiation between the women’s collections and those of men’s apart from the obvious differences of design, shape and colors?, Is the inspiration the same?

The main difference is in the target market. The collections are aimed at different audiences not only in gender, but also lifestyle. Eduardo Rivera is more urban and Ene de Rivera is more sophisticated. Although when developing parallel collections there are always meeting points in terms of fabric and colour.

How do you imagine the man who wears “Eduardo Rivera?

Without doubt a man with a strong personality, without fears, that wants to differentiate himself, with a very active life and an awareness of details.

I guess one of the sweetest moments in your new career as a menswear designer, was the premiere of “Agora” .  What crossed your mind when Amenábar decided to wear one of your designs for the premiere of his latest film?

It is an honor that a person like Alexander decided to wear one of my creations for one of the most important moments you can have in your life as a filmmaker, the premiere of your film. My first thought was that Alejandro was going to be the center of attention and had to be dressed in line with the importance of the occasion and so I designed an elegant suit, stylish, and extremely comfortable so that he could enjoy the special night.

Paris, Milan, New York, all have their brands and prestige in the fashion world. Do we have a fashion culture in Spain?

We have a great culture of fashion in Spain. It is a very big country with great designers, but across our society there is fear of what others will say, although this is changing exponentially, every time there are more and more risky looks on the street.

Do you think the world of fashion is too closed and that only very few are able to access this narrow circle, such as Carlos Díez, David Delfin, Agatha Ruiz, Amaya Arzuaga, etc.

It is true that there is a fairly tight circle in Spain which is very difficult to access, but there are many brands that use alternative routes to be make themselves be seen and position themselves to the market. Today through the Internet you can reach the whole world.

¿Why do you think this happens?

I guess the main reason is that all the creative sectors are limited in their capacity to absorb creators ..

How do you see the future of fashion?

With the current economic climate, all sectors are having a lot of difficulty, but it is a time of great opportunity for those who endeavor to innovate because we all want change and new developments. I see the fashion world of the future more fun and less straightjacketed.

To finish up, tell us your favourite Designers.

Internationally, Alber Elbaz, designer at Lanvin and at a nacional level, Amaya Arzuaga.