Rising Spanish Designer Elevates Haute Couture from his Village Home
Nicolas Montenegro, a talented Spanish designer who honed his skills in Milan and has dressed A-list celebrities such as Beyonce and Kylie Minogue, is making waves in the fashion industry with his unique approach. Instead of setting up shop in a cosmopolitan city, Montenegro has returned to his roots in a small village and launched his own brand from the comfort of his home.
At the age of 31, Montenegro resides in Lantejuela, a picturesque village with a population of only 3,800. He firmly believes that with the power of the internet and efficient air links, living in a bustling metropolis is no longer a necessity to thrive in the fashion world. Surrounded by serene asparagus farms, Montenegro works from his atelier, embracing the tranquility and simplicity of rural life.
Having studied at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan and gained valuable experience at Dolce & Gabbana in Italy, Montenegro returned to Spain to work at Yolancris in Barcelona. However, the pandemic and the tragic loss of his father to Covid-19 prompted him to make the decision to move back to Lantejuela. It was his father’s encouragement that inspired Montenegro to launch his own brand and create his debut collection of wedding dresses, aptly named “Abril” or “April”.
With a style that seamlessly blends vintage classics with bold and contemporary elements like intricate cotton lace and statement bows, Montenegro’s wedding dresses are priced at 2,500 euros ($3,000) each and have garnered attention in Spain, Britain, and Greece. Expanding his brand further, he is currently working on an autumn/winter ready-to-wear collection, drawing inspiration from the exotic tapestries collected by his father during his military service in Western Sahara.
Montenegro’s decision to base his operations in Lantejuela has not only brought a fresh perspective to the fashion industry but has also revitalized the local economy. By employing local seamstresses, Montenegro’s atelier has provided a much-needed economic boost to the community during challenging times.
Unlike some of his peers who have achieved success on foreign shores, Montenegro remains dedicated to women’s fashion and draws inspiration from his childhood memories and his love for dressing dolls. Influenced by his friend Alejandro Palomo, another celebrated Spanish designer, Montenegro’s creations beautifully fuse Spanish heritage with contemporary flair.
Montenegro’s journey underscores a growing trend of creative individuals eschewing big city life in favor of intimate settings where talent and innovation can truly blossom. His commitment to preserving his heritage and building his brand from his village home serves as a testament to the fact that geographical location is no barrier to artistic excellence.
To learn more about Nicolas Montenegro and his stunning collections, visit his official website here. For updates on his upcoming showcases and latest creations, follow him on Instagram @nicolasmontenegro.
