“A dream turned into an illusion.” With this simple but significant phrase he defines Inés Fernández de Córdoba her signature Lalacówith which she decided to fully immerse herself in the adventure of her own design within the bridal and guest universe after a lifetime in love with the sector and several years working in it. Today, she can be proud of having created her workshop in the heart of Madrid, which stands as a space where sewing and the purest craftsmanship come together to create unique dresses, loaded with history and meaning, as she herself explains to us when We meet to discover their world. From the meticulous process of design your own wedding dress just a few months ago, to the details that turn each creation into an unforgettable experience for her clients, Inés tells us how she combines tradition, trends and sustainability in her work. Furthermore, it reflects on the evolution of the sector, the trends that are marking bridal fashion and how he makes each bride and each guest find your unique style in Lalacó.
As we say, her interest in fashion and sewing is not something new, but has run through her veins since she can remember and she has always wanted to dedicate herself to it. After studying Fashion Design, he specialized in haute couture and tailoring. “The world of brides is a sector that I had wanted to dedicate myself to, and after working for 3 years in Teresa Palazuelo’s workshop it was clear to me, I wanted to make my dream come true, to set up my own brand.” No sooner said than done.
At her side, her loved ones have supported her and encouraged her to do so, which is why she wanted to wink at them precisely through the name of the firm: “I have felt very supported by the family, especially by my grandparents.thanks to which the idea of Lalacó was born. Since I was little, we called my grandmother ‘lala’ and from her I have inherited my passion for sewing and pattern making. “My grandfather was called ‘Cova’, he used that pseudonym in the newspaper, creating crossword puzzles for more than 50 years.”
When we ask him what are the characteristics that define his project, he is clear: “the care for the client, the finishes, the quality of the materials and the textile experimentation. Craftsmanship permeates all the garments that leave our atelier in Madrid. “The adoration for embroidery, special fabrics and the mixture of different fabrics and textures fascinates me.”
What type of bride is the brand aimed at? How do you define your style?
The bride who comes to the workshop comes looking for something different, a dress in which she does not look disguised and enjoys the process and the changes of each fitting. Something that cannot be missing is the mix of fabrics and the special silhouettes, which make each bride unique and no dress is the same. I like to work with fabrics that are exclusive, and I am a faithful defender of sewing in its purest sense.
What do you think brides who come to your atelier are looking for for their big day?
The brides who come to our atelier are looking for a unique dress, special fabrics and a friendly service with which they feel comfortable.
What do you like most about designing wedding dresses?
Creating the most special dress for them, I love getting to know them and making the wedding dress process unforgettable.
What advice would you give to women who don’t know where to start looking for their dress for the big day?
It is very important that they feel calm and trust the process. For me, that first date is key to getting to know them, I like that we have a close relationship and that they tell me what they want and their tastes. Of course, it is also important that you tell us the details of the wedding so that we can advise you and make sure everything is perfect. After this, everything evolves naturally.
In general terms, do you like to follow trends or do you prefer to approach timeless designs?
I like to follow trends, but also adapt them to each client so that they are faithful to their style and make them feel unique.
Could we say that fashion trends are increasingly influencing the bridal sector?
Yes, I think it is always linked! Brides want to look current, but with something that makes them unique
Which ones do you think are going to hit hard in the coming months?
Some of the most sought after trends this season are pleats, textured fabrics and hip cuts with skirts with a lot of movement.
Do you think there is a difference between brides from different autonomous communities?
Yes, each community identifies with a different bridal style, there are communities in which the brides are more classic, others in which what they are looking for is something more modern, in others creativity is more important, etc. It is important that you tell us what type of wedding you are thinking about and where it will be held so that the dress combines perfectly with the surroundings.
More and more bridal brands are committed to sustainability when creating their designs. Is it one of your goals?
I think that our sector is constantly evolving and that we have more and more options. Apart from the fabrics, we have realized that we have more and more clients who are looking for a second life for their wedding dress, even bringing vintage pieces or dresses that they want to replicate.
You have recently designed, without a doubt, the most special bridal look: yours. Were you clear about what you wanted from the beginning?
I really enjoyed the process and each test with my team. For my wedding I opted for two dresses, it is something that was very clear to me from the beginning. My first dress came from the idea of making a special skirt, with a flare and many cuts. We used a mix of fabrics that I had fallen in love with, I really wanted to use rhinestones, a textured fabric and a rustic organza veil that looked perfect with the surroundings. For the second, I opted for a more relaxed cut, but very me, with some chiffon bows and an embroidered fabric that I kept with great affection, it was a gift from Teresa Palazuelo when I left her workshop to embark on the adventure of creating Lalacó.
Is it more complicated to create a design for yourself than for other clients or knowing yourself so well and knowing what looks good on you did it come easy to you?
I love the experience of designing dresses for myself, because I consider myself a designer and a client at the same time.
You also design for guests. Have you noticed that it is a sector that is especially booming in recent years?
Yes, we also design custom dresses for guests, especially for those closest to the bride, mothers, godmothers, sisters of the bride… It is a part of our sector that is very booming, because each time clients seek to look more specials.
What do you think a look has to have to become the perfect guest at a wedding?
For me, the most important thing is that it is made with a special fabric and a pattern that makes the dress fit like a glove in the end.