MADRID, Oct 22, 2009 / — “Elegance is deeply personal and pertains to individuals who incorporate tolerance, dignity, intelligence and, what is most important, sensitivity,” wrote Juanjo Oliva in his press notes.
That statement traces back to Oliva’s beginnings in fashion which is made-to-measure tailoring service, something he offers discerning customers. Though he mostly works with prêt-a-porter nowadays, Juanjo Oliva still has his select clientele clamoring for made-to-measure clothing, and it shows in his exuberant Spring 2010 collection.
Choosing a bright color palette that consists of orange, red, green and blue, Juanjo Oliva proposed sculpted mini dresses that are cinched at the waist with a wide belt and with a faux crinoline added for volume.
Sleeves and collarless jackets that can actually pass for a coat were perfect compliment for the “woven” minis wherein wide swatches of stiff fabric were woven together to make the dress.
A native of Madrid, Juanjo Oliva studied Fashion Design at IADE (Madrid) and completed a fashion illustration course at the Parsons School of Design in New York,
He initially worked for the designer Isabel Berz in the early 1990s and became an illustrator, a fashion designer and a fashion show coordinator for renowned names such as Helena Rohner, Antonio Pernas, Sybilla and Amaya Arzuaga.
It was not until the 2000s when he decided to strike out on his own. He debuted Cibeles for this first time with the 2004-05 Autumn-Winter Collection “Debut”. Since then, he has been present in all the editions of this Madrid Fashion Show.
[FELICIA PRINCE]
