Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Custo Barcelona Runway Show

In the early ’80s, two Spaniards, Custo and David Dalmau, returned from a motorcycle trip around the world. Little did they know that this adventure would be the beginning of a new life. They originally set out to design men’s T-shirts that were inspired by the laid-back surfer style of SoCal and the psychedelic style of NorCal, neither of which were seen in Spain at the time. Thirty years later, their signature line, Custo Barcelona, has evolved into the expressive, risk-taking couture that we know today.

Custo Barcelona is known for its bold use of color and prints, unafraid to go above and beyond “the norm.” Their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 runway show, which was entitled “Fiction and Reality,” was certainly no exception. The show featured both men’s and women’s fashions with inspiration that stemmed from music festivals. The designers explain, “The collection is an ode to pure geometry, where the pieces are created by the surprising mix among forms, empty space and color…This is quintessential CUSTO.”

During the show, models seemed to speed walk down the runway in crazy patterns and bright color combinations, giving onlookers only milliseconds to admire the more than 60 looks that also featured interesting feathered and fringed details. Patterned leggings were prominent throughout the show offset by long, effortless, flowing tops.

Admittedly, some of the looks were a little wild for our taste, however they were also paired with some of the most wearable pieces we’ve seen on the runway this week. We can see ourselves wearing several of the jackets that were featured, but instead of a wildly printed dress underneath, perhaps a more neutral piece. Or, we could picture the colorful dresses paired along with a black blazer.

So although we may not as fashionably brave as Carrie Bradshaw to wear the clashing patterns together as were displayed on the runway, separately we see a closet full of fantastic new pieces! Like the tan jacket with a hint of gold lining, yes please!

To view more photos from the Custo Barcelona Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Show, visit Haute Living’s Events Gallery.