The Unstoppable Glamour Of Palomo Spain's Alejandro Gomez Palomo
Shaggy, floor‐sweeping, candy‐coloured faux fur coats. A tuxedo suit with exaggerated proportions that’s a nod to Marlene Dietrich. Bondage‐inspired evening gowns. One would think that a collaboration fronted by a contemporary label would mean tempering down on the drama, but the Bimba Y Palomo collection, a tie‐up between the fun‐loving Bimba Y Lola and the red‐carpet provocateur Palomo Spain, more than doubles down on it. Here, the latter’s creative director Alejandro Gomez Palomo gives an exclusive interview on keeping the dream of dressing up alive.
If there’s someone who can be counted on to bring on the fantasy and drama in fashion, it’s Alejandro Gomez Palomo, the creative director of the LVMH Prize‐recognised Palomo Spain (it was a semi‐finalist for the award in 2022). Since founding his label Palomo Spain eight years ago, the Cordoba‐born, London College of Fashion‐trained designer has steadily risen as something of a new‐gen John Galliano with his flamboyant, gender‐fluid designs that are equally rich in historical references, glamour and subversiveness.
An oversized tuxedo suit with an ultra‐high waist and what Palomo calls “Brutalist shoulder pads” has whiffs of Marlene Dietrich, while leopard prints turn up on lapels and bags as well as all over coats and 1930s‐esque coats and gowns.
It’s a formula that earned the brand an invitation from the Council of Fashion Designers of America to join the New York Fashion Week calendar in 2017, and a guest designer spot for Jean Paul Gaultier four years after. Many of pop’s greatest showwomen – Madonna, Beyonce, Rosalia – have been clients, while partners for creative projects have ranged from Paris Opera to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
A collaboration with a contemporary – or accessible luxury – label might seem lacklustre in comparison, but Bimba Y Lola is anything but lacklustre. Started in 2005 by sisters Maria and Uxia Dominguez, the brand has garnered a following worldwide for its youthful print‐ and colour‐rich wardrobe staples and accessories. It’s also proudly from Spain, making it a kindred spirit to Palomo Spain, if you will.
Juxtapositions abound in the second Bimba Y Palomo collaboration – expect contrasting materials such as transparent plastic with leather on both clothes and accessories.
Last month – as part of Palomo Spain’s show at New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025 – the second edition of Bimba Y Palomo, a tie‐up between the two that debuted last year, was revealed. With a riot of influences, including Marlene Dietrich, biker girls and bondage, the result is a madcap crossover among partywear, power dressing and Met Gala extravaganza. Highlights include bold‐shouldered animal‐print coats and evening dresses; red‐carpet‐worthy bustier gowns with sweetheart necklines made edgy in full black leather; and handbags, pumps and knee‐high boots blooming with oversized plastic chrysanthemums.
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“After the first collaboration (in 2023), which was incredibly successful, it didn’t feel like the journey had to end there,” says Palomo of this collaboration, which is already available at Bimba Y Lola boutiques here. “Both teams developed a real connection and fell in love with the process of working together, so there was this strong desire to keep going and create even more – and that’s exactly what we did.” Here, he tells us what has fuelled the collection and him as a designer.
Bags and shoes are in fact unapologetically vibrant, embellished with exaggerated motifs of chrysanthemums.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TODAY AS A DESIGNER, AND HOW MIGHT THESE BE REFLECTED IN THIS NEW BIMBA Y PALOMO COLLECTION?
“Seeing the kind of society we live in these days, I think the only real response we as designers can offer is to try and create something beautiful. What we do should give people a momentary escape from the harsh realities that we face. In a way, fashion should provide a bit of fantasy – a chance to step away and live in a different world even if it’s just for a moment ... I believe that fashion has the power to inspire, and make people feel free and comfortable. I’ve witnessed a new generation finding its references and confidence through fashion, and this is what I aim to bring to Bimba Y Lola – an expression of fashion that speaks to others and connects with people on a personal level.”
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS BIMBA Y PALOMO COLLECTION INCLUDE A MARLENE DIETRICH‐INSPIRED TUXEDO SUIT AND UNEXPECTED VARIATIONS OF EVENING DRESSES. DO YOU THINK PEOPLE DRESS UP ENOUGH TODAY?
“I believe there are definitely still people who dress up and make a statement through what they wear. Without this crowd – these people who inspire us – designers like me wouldn’t be doing what we do ... What I work towards is celebrating and supporting such personal expression.”
DO YOU THINK THE IDEA OF GLAMOUR HAS CHANGED?
“I think there’s something truly glamorous about how real people interpret fashion. I appreciate how people draw inspiration from the past and how people used to dress. I also love seeing how those in the younger generation – especially men – now express themselves with much more freedom and glamour than older generations. It’s exciting to see this kind of evolution in style.”
BESIDES GLAMOUR, PALOMO SPAIN IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH OPULENCE, EXUBERANCE AND FANTASY – VALUES SOME MIGHT SAY HAVE WANED IN FASHION RECENTLY. AGREE OR DISAGREE?
“Well, I completely disagree with the idea of tempering things down. Fashion should be about expression, technique, glamour and embellishments – it should push the boundaries of creativity. I’m really against making fashion that doesn’t make a statement. When you develop a relationship with a piece of clothing, it should make you feel special and be something you want to keep in your closet forever so you can appreciate the design and craftsmanship for years to come.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FASHION WORLD NEEDS MORE OF NOW, ESPECIALLY WITH THE MULTIPLE CHALLENGES IT FACES TODAY – FROM THE LUXURY SLOWDOWN TO WORSENING CLIMATE CHANGE AND OTHER TROUBLING GLOBAL AFFAIRS?
“Fashion should be driven by a dream and a passion for creativity. It’s important for the industry to slow down and concentrate on creating beautiful, meaningful designs. We need to shift towards making fashion something that is highly coveted and exclusive, rather than purely focusing on commercial interests.”
The chrysanthemum motifs adorning the ready-to-wear and accessories of the Bimba Y Palomo Fall Winter 2024 collection symbolise good fortune and passion.
GIVE US A TIP ON HOW TO INSTANTLY LOOK FIERCE/ FABULOUS/POWERFUL!
“Just head to your closet, pick out your best outfit and add some funky makeup. Throw on some bold accessories – big necklaces, statement earrings, a standout ring – and just have fun!”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT GEN Z AND ITS IMPACT ON FASHION?
“I think the way fashion is being communicated now is incredibly accessible and inspiring. Seeing kids on Instagram or TikTok sharing their outfits and creating a community of inspiration is amazing. For my generation, we had to search for sources of inspiration, but now, it’s much more common to see well‐dressed people out and about because those with influential styles are out there, sharing their looks and setting trends.”
THIS INTERVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY.
This article first appeared in the October 2024 Unusual Edition of FEMALE