España (Spain) a country considered strong in its culture, art, music and cuisine. One of the most famous festivals in Spain is La Tomatina festival, which is widely celebrated in Valencia town of Buñol. Held on the last Wednesday of August, it involves participants throwing tomatoes at each other for entertainment. This Tomatina festival let us relive the fashion trends of Spain.

Historia de la Moda: Fashion History

It is common for people to think that the French started fashion culture. But, not many know that Spain influenced the world with its fashion styles back in the 16^th century, thanks to their decorated work and sober designs. Post that, Paris fashion trends took center stage in the fashion world due to the rapid change in fashion styles.

Spanish traditional clothing was influenced by the Moorish culture, which was known for rich embroideries. It introduced the needles, use of jewels, perfumes and heavy girdles and collars.

Clothes in Spain were made of heavy and rich fabrics. Black was widely used for special events, for both men and women. Women adorned their clothes with heavy necklaces made of gold with precious stones.

Traditionally, women wore a hooped petticoat under their flared skirts and a fan-shaped wired collar called a whisk. Men wore a copotain, a high, inverted bell-shaped hat, with loose breeches called venetians.

Traje de Luces (Suits of Lights)

Getting dressed to kill constitutes a ceremonious ritual. Traje de Luces is the traditional costume that a Torero (bullfighter) wears in the bullring. It has sequins, reflective threads of gold or silver, a montera hat and decorative accessories.

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Traje de Flamenca

Popularly known as the Flamenco outfit, it is traditionally worn by women at ferias (festivals) in Andalusia, Spain. There are two forms: one worn by dancers and the other as a day dress. Both are body hugging until the mid-thigh with multiple layers of ruffles till the ankle. The dress is brightly coloured, usually in black and red. It is either plain or patterned with the famous polka dots. The outfit is completed with a Mantón de Manila (shawl) draped over the shoulders. A Flamenco dancer keeps her hair tied in a bun adorned with flowers.

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Ultima Moda: Latest Fashion Trends in Spain

Spanish fashion is diverse, ranging from its traditional costumes to its contemporary fashion styles. The Spanish fashion industry is not only innovative but also creative. A great example would be the youth’s favourite brand ZARA that popularized the concept of dressing up well and paying less. Other famous companies like MANGO, Desigual, among others, have an important stand in the fashion world. Modern Spain follows the latest fashion trends, while still wearing traditional costumes on special occasions. The most common pieces still worn are:

• Mantilla: The traditional Spanish veil worn during religious celebrations. A light lace or silk scarf, it is worn over the head or shoulders.
• Peineta: A large decorated comb placed in hair to hold up the mantilla.
• Gilet: A sleeveless coat that forms an important part of traditional Spanish fashion styles. It is a waistcoat, fitted and embroidered to the man’s body. Contemporary gilets are used as additional warmers in cold weather.

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Influence of Spanish Fashion on Bollywood

Spanish fashion trends have had an influence on Bollywood since Aishwariya Rai Bachchan wore a beautiful Flamenco dress in the song Udi from the movie Guzarish.

The IIFA Awards 2016 held in Madrid saw Bollywood actors don trendy clothes inspired by traditional Spanish fashion. The most popular of them were:

Deepika Padukone wore a black gown designed by Swapnil Shinde which was inspired by the silhouettes of Traje de Flamenca. Sonakshi Sinha donned a white lace dress with silver embroidery by Abu Jaani & Sandeep Khosla. The delicate dress threw flashbacks of a traditional Spanish Bride.

Neha Dhupia reminded us of a petite peasant girl with a flared maxi skirt and a button-down collared shirt by H&M.

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