“Through small gestures, we can preserve tradition”

When did your relationship with fashion begin?

It was clear to me from an early age that I wanted to do this. I was always around it at home with my grandmother who sewed, and I asked her to teach me how to crochet. I played with her clothes, my mother's clothes... I used to dress up with whatever I could find and saw it as a game. Over the years, I was more and more sure about it, although when I was a student I doubted whether I could do it. But I wasn't planning to do anything else, so I kept going.

During your studies, you had the chance to go to Rome and Porto. What did these experiences give you?

Getting off the island and out of my comfort zone was an important step. It helped me to open my mind and learn about other people and cultures. But it also made me connect more with home. Whenever I come back, I feel like my roots and my culture are here. Mallorca leaves a mark on you, and that’s what I want to protect and express through my work. Going away helped me to grow, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, but I’ll always come back because this is home.

How does Mallorca influence your approach to fashion?

It’s so important. When you go abroad, you realise the value of what we have. We have a strong culture, and I think it’s important to promote it. Although the fashion world is moving fast due to new technology and trends, my idea is to make the island move forward too based on its own identity. To grow without forgetting who we are.

Your collection Relíquies de família (Family Heirlooms) revives antique fabrics. What did you want to express through this?

I wanted to salvage traditional fabrics from Mallorca and give them a contemporary twist. It’s a way of protecting what defines us and bringing it into the present, into everyday life. I used recycled fabrics from my family, and every design is inspired by those roots. The name comes from there: I imagined a chest full of pieces that are like family heirlooms. I couldn't find a better, simpler name for it.

Can fashion help preserve the island's textile heritage?

I think so. If we reuse materials that we sometimes keep without knowing what to do with them—sheets, curtains, old fabrics—and give them a new life, we’ll be keeping that essence alive. Through small gestures, we can preserve tradition and carry a little piece of Mallorca with us, no matter where we are.

Do you notice greater interest in this kind of local fashion based on tradition?

Little by little, yes. Not everyone is aware of it, but at least in the fashion world there’s growing interest. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m confident this approach will gain momentum and become more popular, both here and abroad.

You’re now studying a master's degree in 3D Digital Design. What does this approach bring to your work?

A lot. I got into the 3D world because I think it's a way of combining today's technology with traditional craftsmanship. With digital design you can create collections virtually, and only produce them when you know there’s real demand. This prevents waste and produces only what is to be consumed. It’s more sustainable, more conscious, and makes the best use of fabrics. I think this is the now and the future of fashion.

Do you think tradition can exist alongside technology in fashion?

Absolutely. It takes work and research, but it’s possible. You design digitally, see the product, and if you like it, it’s then made by hand. This ensures quality and the value of craftsmanship, something that fast fashion lacks.

What are the main challenges to making fashion more sustainable?

The biggest challenge is cost. We live in a fast-paced world, where fast fashion is the norm and price is more important than quality. But making clothes with sustainable materials by hand takes more time and resources. Still, I think more and more people are realising that it’s better to consume less, but better.

You’ve worked twice with designer David Catalán and been to Milan Fashion Week. What was that experience like?

It was incredible. The second time around I was working on the summer collection PROBLEMS and I had the chance to go to Milan Fashion Week as part of the team. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Seeing fashion from the inside, in such a demanding environment, is very different. For someone starting from a small island, getting there’s a big step.

How do you see the opportunities for up-and-coming designers in the Balearic Islands?

There’s a lot of talent, but a lack of visibility and support. Some platforms exist, but we still need more. This includes events that connect local design with the global market. Since we're islands, it’s more difficult to gain a foothold, but through trust and collaboration between designers, artisans and companies, we can make progress.

What role do consumers play in all this?

They’re key. It’s not just about selling, it’s also about explaining what we do and why. If consumers understand the meaning behind a product, they’re more supportive. We need that support from locals in order to grow.

Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?

I don’t have a clear answer. I’d like to keep learning and growing with every experience. I want to create a brand of my own, but all in good time. The important thing is to keep moving forward, little by little.