She's a What!? He's a Who? #4

She's a What!? He's a Who?

Name(s): Brothers David & Custo Dalmau. Bka, Custo Barcelona.

Origin: Barcelona, Spain.

*Triumphant Discovery's: California lifestyle and it's bold and sometimes psychedelic surf wear.
Top 5 Creativity Essentials: 1.) Be fearless. 2.) Be bold. 3.) Love Cali. 4.) Love Color. 5.) Accept the non-conventional.

Influence: California

Interview by: Afrika Brown.

When ever I sit down to watch a Custo Barcelona fashion show I prepare myself to view a collection of Matisses – an array of colorful masterpieces. The fashion of Custo Barcelona is perfect for any fearless fashionista. Their clothes are bold, in vivid multi-hues and are not for the fashion timid. Women and men who wear Custo ooze confidence and announce to the world that, “I am here.”
Custo Dalmau was raised in Barcelona and first studied architecture. After taking a motorcycle trip around the world and being influenced by the colorful psychedelic clothes by California surfers, Custo and his brother David created Custo Barcelona. Initially beginning with a line of t-shirts, the brand has become a major force in fashion, and has won many design awards, including Marie Claire's Designer of the Year Award, and the GQ fashion award.
The newest venture for Custo Barcelona is a line of accessories, released in spring ‘09. Below, Custo Barcelona Spring 2010, RTW collection.

The new accessory's line includes sunglasses, sneakers, watches and cologne. Recently I got a chance to ask head designer Custo Dalmau a few questions about the economy, their new accessory line and the future of Custo Barcelona.

AB: Why did you decide to launch an accessories line, especially during this dismal global economy?
CB: The project to launch accessories for CB is something that has been in the works for years. We work with long, mid and short term plans in the company of which our long term plans include product launches. All of our products are a result of years of creativity, planning and the ability to express ourselves. We do not believe we need to stop expressing ourselves in these economic times.

AB: My favorite of the new accessories line is the shoes. Each of them is as bold and unique as your clothes. What made you choose to add athletic footwear under the Custo Barcelona brand?
CB: Custo Barcelona designs for a lifestyle which includes a wide range of needs. We feel sneakers are a basic necessity in today's lifestyle so we created our interpretation of that sneaker.

AB: Did you and David decide on all the pieces of the accessories line?
CB: We work with a large team of talented designers that understand our philosophy; however I am more involved in the final design of each product. My brother, David, oversees the area of production.

AB: It has been said that, “It is difficult to come up with a word that would define Custo Barcelona's clothing.” How would you describe Custo Barcelona to a fashion novice?
CB: To describe the brand in one word is a little difficult, but some words that come to mind are: graphic, colorful, fresh, unique, Mediterranean [and] non-conventional.

AB: You have received numerous awards and worldwide recognition, what motivates you to keep creating?
CB: Creating is a way of expression. We are motivated by the opportunity to reinvent ourselves every six months through a new collection each season. We are committed to this project and that is all the motivation we need.

AB: You have conquered the fashion world and soon will have people lining up to buy your accessories, what is next for the Custo Barcelona brand?

CB: We will continue to add categories to the line, open stores around the globe and cater to our fans while the product is in demand.

Right: Afrika Brown styles an NYC local in Custo Barcelona.

Interview conducted especially for: www.custobarcelona.com. Special thanks to ASI Marketing Group: www.asi-mkt.com.