An interview with Roberto Piqueras: King of post nu-rave

Barcelona born Roberto Piqueras, 27, has been stinging the edgiest of fashion trends for a few years now. He studied at the Institute of Fashion Felicidad Duce and started his electric brand in 2007. His Spring/Summer 2013 collection recently made a stir as he held the runway show inside the British Museum without permission. The response was positive, and there is no doubt that Piqueras is collecting customers rapidly.

How do you personally feel about fashion, and how do you use it to express yourself?

Since I was a kid I used fashion to show people around me I was “different” and not just talking about sexually; I felt freedom wearing what I wanted and this is one of my important messages with my prints.

Are the designs all your own or are there multiple designers? Do any designs come from outside of the brand?

All my own and I made a little collaboration with Mayo Clothes from Barcelona with two headpieces for S/S 2013.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I made my last fashion show inside the British Museum hall without permission and was very successful, so I think that was one of the most important highlights.

What is your favourite era for design and why?

I think was 40s or 90s, because we are in a similar era right now, after we lived a nice or blinded moment economically and now we are in that moment, our society has to change its mind about society and respect our environment.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I think right now it will be awesome to collaborate with Lonsdale or any sport brand like PUMA, NIKE or Reebok.

Would you say your work is directed at a particular trend or group of people?

Yes, they are very young.

What are a few of your likes and dislikes in terms of design and style aesthetic?

I like sport clothing, digital prints, unisex pieces and street style. I don’t have dislikes because in some moments they will become likeable.

What would you say your own personal style is? Do you have a favourite item in your wardrobe?

My personal style is Netstyle. My favourite item is the Queen top in the A/W 2012 collection.

What is your favourite thing about your job, any negatives?

My favourite thing is that I’m working at home. A negative is that I’m spending lot of time alone.

Have you any plans for the future? When can we expect your next collection? Where do you hope to be in five years?

Yes, I’m preparing the new A/W 2013 collection to launch during LFW. And I hope in five years I’m working on my own brand but with a design team and developed more products.

Please tell me about the creative process that went into your current collection. What techniques were used?

It’s very easy: I start writing about the collection and the idea of the prints, then I research some pictures for inspiration, and I design it. That’s it.

How would you describe your personality, and is this reflected in your work?

I am very calm and easy but funny and Spanish, so yes, I’d say it is reflected in my work.

Do you have a favourite brand or designer?

Jeremy Scott and Lonsdale.

What made you decide to become a fashion designer?

I was always involved in arts, with oil paint, dance, music… So I had a little experience before studying fashion as a shop window dresser and stylist. I knew that was what I needed to express myself.

Elizabeth Finney
Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Piqueras