Designing to dream

Alberto Rodríguez, the renowned haute couture designer, opens his heart.

In 1989, she founded a fashion house that bears her name. Since then, countless women from Spain and abroad have worn her designs, including celebrities, models and highly recognized figures.

He is Alberto Rodriguez, a native of Jalisco who has forged a solid career. Faithful to his style and convictions, today he shares more about his passion, vision and opinion of the current panorama of the Mexican fashion industry.

You are one of the most acclaimed designers in our country. How would you describe all this time in the fashion industry?
“It was a great adventure, where I learned to know women better, to read between the lines, to challenge the laws of cut and the gravity of fabrics, to build from an ergonomic and historical base and to evolve the idea of ​​a new form. I got to know a difficult and complicated environment but full of satisfaction. I also learned to work in a team and strengthen my sense of offering and serving others through my hands.”

Who have been your main inspirations?
“Initially Gianfranco Ferré, Dior, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano and Elie Saab in chronological order.”

Your proposal includes evening dresses, beautiful wedding dresses or quinceanera dresses. What do you enjoy designing the most?

“Having the fabric in my hands without any restrictions on the quantity, in front of my modelling mannequin and starting to build with blankets; the idea exists in my mind and evolves little by little. I don’t work with figurines, I am a self-taught designer and I always work like this in my collections for the public. When I design for particular clients, I do put it on paper so that we both see the same idea.”

In your own experience, what does a woman look for and find in Alberto Rodríguez's dresses?
“The opportunity to wear something that makes you look better, that offers you the opportunity to attract attention and stand out from others, and above all the confidence that your dress will be on time and in previously agreed conditions, a product of great value in a trusted space.”

What do you think are the dreams of this type of female market when they come to your boutique?
“It is definitely about standing out, about going out of the way for a common event, which can be done in any department; standing out at a big event is more complicated and they know this and invest time and money to achieve it.”

Do these dreams represent a commitment or responsibility for you and your team?
“That is the basis of our essence for being here, available to whoever needs it, knowing how to understand, listen and offer is the first step. When they find a garment or see on paper what they are looking for, they choose us. Obviously the concept of style in our work defines the profile of our clients, although I design for all women; unintentionally, the style prevails and those who identify with it will come.”

What advice would you give to designers who want to follow in your footsteps in the high fashion market?
“Training thoroughly at the academy, preparing and practicing, learning that a body is an object that moves and that what you design should be comfortable, but beautiful and original. A lot of work in the studio, experimenting and trying until you build your style and way of working.

There is no unique way, everyone builds their own. Today the industry is going through a difficult time with the Internet and China, talent and a good hand will always be recognizable and valued, it is human and sensitive, and global and industrial businesses will not be able to do that, because the origin is human, simply because it is luxury craftsmanship.”

Finally, what's next for Alberto Rodríguez in the rest of 2024?
"We are preparing new proposals and designing the campaign concept and style in detail.

It is also important to tell you that I am still as enthusiastic as the first day, and it is also true that I feel tired because physically my body does not work as it did 35 years ago. I am happy and satisfied with the path I have taken, a healthy reputation with ambitions to do other things other than fashion, more personal and at a more human pace, but for now and whatever remains, enjoy it until the last minute!