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From painting to designing, Paloma's dreams got bigger.

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aloma Vazquez De Castro could have been a painter. But success as a painter would have been elusive, and Paloma knew that. She chose to be a designer instead, her foray into the fashion world also being her first step into the house she helped build the cult Spanish fashion label Hoss Intropia, located in Villaggio. It was a chance encounter with Constan Hernndez, at a professional studio where she painted for five years. One encounter led to another, and the brand was born. Hernandez is now the President and Founder of Hoss Intropia, The word Intropia doesnt is not in the dictionary; its a fusion of interior and utopia that gets translated into the brands ethos. The essence of Hoss Intropia is good taste and originality, says Paloma. And the woman I design for has her own inner style. She is feminine, elegant and passionate about life and everything around her. Much like Paloma herself, inspired by almost everything she sees. I get inspired by everyday simple

paloma Vazquez de Castro in an utopian world. by Cassey oliveira

things a bird, a song, a sunset, a poem, art books, paintings (especially that of Spanish painter Diego Velzquez), and architects. Inspiration is found in the most unsuspected things, but we just fail to see it. Sometimes it even surprises me how little things can be so enormously inspiring. Traveling doesnt fail to inspire her either. I love the beautiful colors of India, amazing elegance of Paris and the architecture of Italy. Every country has something special. And fashion is never inspired by a single country; its a concoction of diverse cultures just like her team. My team, all women by the way, comprises a Canadian, a Briton, a French and of course Spanish designers, of different age groups and experience. We try to mingle different nationalities and bring out the best of all worlds. Each of them has a say in the actual design. When it comes down to designing, the team doesnt adhere to rules or restrictions. Its freedom and partnership that dominate in an open concept of design which allow them to create their own fabrics and prints. Every season, Hoss Intropia comes out with a large collection that caters to a wide range of taste; yet is carefully unified through color and shape by the team. Amidst several creative hands, Paloma manages to lend her personal touch to the collection. I like to blend different styles and techniques to create a synthesis, bringing them together in a coherent collection aimed at the ever expanding world of women. SEASONS SPLENDOR Springs giving way to the sizzling summer, and the brand gracefully combines romanticism with minimalism in its spring/summer 2011 collection. Avid customers get to choose from relaxed daywear comprising loose silk blouses, tailored jackets and layered trousers, or chic eveningwear comprising bowed and pleated silks, and embellished fabrics. Anything thats not in this season? I think nothing should be in or out but rather worn with style and personality, says Paloma. The brand has roped in Helena Christensen as the face of its collection who is also the official photographer of the catalogue. Why her? Helena has an incredible

inner self, and a soft and feminine look, while still empowering. She has the Intropia an inner utopia and a dream; a dream of developing her photographic career that came true. She is a true Hoss Intropia woman, says Paloma. The brand is famous for selecting models with artistic inclinations and an inner self that they express through fashion. This year, the brand will also be offering a new line in collaboration with Miguel Palacio. The capsule collection is designed by Miguel and sold exclusively in Hoss Intropia stores. Miguel is the perfect fit for Hoss Intropia. He designs for real women and has elegance and a romantic touch, she says. REGIONAL REIGN The Spanish brand had opened its first store in Qatar in September 2010 at the Villaggio Mall. This was part of Hoss Intropias expansion plan that saw similar openings in Kuwait and Riyadh as well. The brand is expected to mark its presence in Dubai, Jeddah and Beirut soon. Despite the regional expansion, none of the collections are designed exclusively for the Middle East women. I still have to discover more about her in order to design specifically for her, says Paloma. However, we get lot of Middle East clients through our London-based stores; its a brand that fits the regions woman. A trend that has caught up in the region is layering which is a chic way of adapting international fashion to cultural norms. Paloma refuses to comment on this for she feels the Middle East woman has a knack of making layers work well for her. I am not the one who should give advice on that, she says.

MasTersoffashioN

A designer whose work you greatly admire? (Jeanne-marie) lanvin and (cristbal) Balenciaga. what is the one accessory you swear by, and which every woman should have? A beautiful foulard and comfortable flats. if we rummage through your handbag, what will we find? make-up and a notebook to draw and note things down. And in your wardrobe? vintage garments and the rest is a secret. Your style statement? Be yourself! women come in all sizes and shapes. why arent designers tapping into this business? i agree. women are diverse and so should the designs be. we dont do bigger sizes as such, but we do have many garments that can be great for all sizes.

Glimpse of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection from Hoss Intropia

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