Roberto Torretta: "I prefer style over luxury, by far" 2 Comments

Today at the Coché Echarren Press Conference we bring one of the most important designers in our country. This is Roberto Torretta. And to ask you questions we have a writer, Manuel Vilas; a model, Cristina Tosio; a photographer, Ángel López Soto; and a financial director, Arturo Ballester.

This native of Buenos Aires, who began in Design when he settled in Madrid in 1972, was awarded the National Fashion Award in 2016. The same person who presented him with the award, Queen Letizia, had dressed and wears his creations on many occasions. Torretta made his debut at the Pasarela Cibeles (today Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid) in the 1990s, shortly before opening his first store in Madrid.

His designs have always been distinguished by transmitting a simple elegance but with a halo of sophistication. Torretta's fashion often resorts to the eternal feminine to draw garments of impeccable fabrics, but in the final result there is never an exaggeration. Difficult to label who you saw with his signature, beyond those two words that we have used: elegant simplicity. His daughter María works hand in hand with the designer, now officially, although in reality she has been doing it all her life, as he has recounted on numerous occasions: “When she was 7 years old she already lent a hand on the catwalks: she helped dress Karolina Kurkova and Claudia Schiffer…among others”. And his son Carlos is the husband of Marta Ortega. Fashion runs through the veins of the whole family.

Manuel Vilas (writer, columnist and Planeta 2019 finalist):

Spring/summer 2022 collection Roberto Torretta. Fashion show MBFW Madrid

What is the difference between being naked and being clothed?

Naked we are with the intimacies in the air (which is not bad at all) and dressed... we cover them.

What do you prefer, luxury or style?

The style, with a lot of difference.

Cristina Tosio (model and DJ):

What do you look for in your models: that they interpret your clothes or that they become invisible so that only your designs are seen?

The protagonist on the catwalk is the clothes, therefore, what a good mannequin does is make the clothes look prettier in movement.

When you work alone, do you play music? How is the space in which you do it?

Music yes, from classical to rock. Lately I'm obsessed with Poli and Prietto's boleros, especially one called Palmeras. I work in a space designed by Patricia Urquiola. She has created a magical environment that she has been able to personalize, full of good memories and beautiful objects. My workspace is a real luxury!

Ángel López Soto (photographer, Sony Awards 2019):

What is your opinion about the work of former model Bibi Russell? (I had the pleasure of meeting her in India).

For me, she is an example of a woman because of her serious and sincere commitment to different social and cultural needs.

In what way does she believe that fashion can improve the situation of people and countries in a situation of social vulnerability or poverty?

Without a doubt, creating quality jobs in favorable conditions. Betting on sustainability and ethics.

Arturo Ballester (financial director of Decision Radio):

She has dressed important personalities, she has won the National Award, her career is full of success and recognition. Despite everything, does it still give you a feeling to find people dressed in your designs on the street?

Absolutely. It generates an important feeling of complicity in me because that person has chosen us among the many options on the market. And in addition to feeling that complicity, the feeling is very gratifying.

Is it more difficult to be an artist or an entrepreneur?

In my case, it is much more difficult to be an entrepreneur. But this year coincides with the 40th anniversary of the company and that means that we have done a good job from a business point of view.

Car Echarren (myself):

I always get emotional at fashion shows and I perceive poetry in them. Is there poetry in your designs?

We try to create an atmosphere (lights, lighting, models, makeup, etc.) that becomes a message that excites the people who are present. I don't know if I would always talk about poetry, certainly, sometimes yes. And in others, simply, of emotion.

All fashion collections reflect a changing society. What social changes are present in your latest proposal?

In this latest collection we wanted to convey optimism through a cheerful and friendly collection. I don't know if we reflect a change as much as a desire and a need. After recent difficult times, society needs an injection of joy, positivity, hope and optimism.

important details

The app you use the most. WhatsApp.

One person especially liked to dress up. Claudia Schiffer, Karolina Kurkova, Stella Tennant, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Her fetish garment. Jacket suit.

Her scent. Eau Savage.

The corner of her house. Sit down to read in my Eames chair.

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Torretta