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Spanish Designer Robert Verino Celebrates 25 Years

Spanish designers don't generally get much ink in the U.S., and Madrid's fashion week doesn't have quite the same clout as Milan, London or Paris, yet.

But Spanish designer Robert Verino landed in New York this month with a traveling retrospective of his work, putting fashion from Spain, and Verino, squarely on the radar this month.

"I wanted to come here to show my work so that people would know what my trajectory has been for the past 25 years," said Verino via a translator on Tuesday, March 4 at a reception for the designer at the Gabarron Foundation Carriage House Center for the Arts, the site of his his exhibit, "Robert Verino: 25 Years in Fashion."

The exhibit consists of one look for each year he's been in business, representing the full spectrum of the many stylistic innovations of his career. What stands out is the enduring quality that many of his pieces have, looking as current as much of what is on the runways now.

"I try to establish a mood, and also create products that are very functional and also very timeless," said Verino about his design philosophy.

Many of the pieces were culled from the closets of women who have purchased his designs over the years.

"I never thought I'd have this opportunity," said Verino.

This week, Verino will meet with buyers in New York in order to establish a retail presence in the U.S., which he doesn't have at the moment. He's hoping that this exhibit will help.

"We're hoping to get more well known here, and to find people who will help us do that," he said. "I take into consideration the criteria of the American woman with my designs."

"25 Years in Fashion," which first opened in Madrid's Costume Museum, Museo Del Traje, will be on display in New York through March 10.

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