The first time that she participated in Madrid Fashion Week she was only 25 years old; that was a year after Salma Hayek appeared at the Oscars Ceremony wearing one of her dresses. Now, that she has been mother for the second time and she has a remarkable career, she tells us about her favourite places in Madrid to enjoy with children and about her last fashion collection.

After participating in 23 editions of the renamed Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, having success in New York, Paris or Moscow, and being recognised by THASCHEN Editions as one of the 50 more representative young designers of the world, Alma has decided to slow down to have a little more time for her daughter. She is spending this great time in Madrid, the city where she was born and where she has her own fashion store Espacio Alma Aguilar.

My style grows up with me

Turismo Madrid: How would you describe your style?

Alma Aguilar: It is not easy to answer that question, because my style grows up and change at the same time as I do. It is definitely me, my development, and that’s not easy to explain. I hear descriptions about my work and I feel sometimes like this: feminine, sophisticated, bohemian, romantic… somewhere between haute couture and prêt-à-porter…

TM: And what about your last collection?

AA: Every new collection begins where the last one ended; therefore it follows a logical evolution of my work and creativity. My couture is bohemian, closer to the street than ever before. To dress real women.

TM: 12 years ago the actress Salma Hayek appeared at the Oscars Ceremony wearing a dress designed by you. What about that moment? Did it change the way you work?

AA: Yes! The Oscars! Well, it didn’t change anything, really. It only proved that everything can be possible. And it brought optimism to me and my team; it was a really nice experience!

TM: Espacio Alma Aguilar is located at Salamanca District, a Madrid area that has change considerably in the last few years. What atmosphere can you feel at this district?

AA: It is a wonderful area, especially for working. It is very lively, we all know each other… It’s a great district that I really love.

TM: Which are your favourite bars/restaurants in Madrid?

AA: There are four essential places for me. To have a snack, Txirimiri. It is a modest place, with high cuisine in miniature, surprising! To have a snack or a drink, I like the new Lateral at Paseo de la Castellana. The atmosphere there is fantastic, and has also a great decoration. To have dinner on a Saturday night and listen to good music, I like going to En Bandeja, in Alcobendas (a small town very close to Madrid). And to enjoy gastronomy with passion, the restaurant Diverxo (2 Michelin Stars).

TM: Your favourite corner in town is…

AA: I don’t remember the name of this street; it’s very close to Arenal Street, near Puerta del Sol. There is a small antique bookshop in the street; you know, sometimes I forget about it, and when I find it by chance, the place looks magical for me. I also love the small streets surrounding Plaza Mayor. Speaking in general, I like all the corners that remind us about History. There are a lot…

TM: And what about the Region of Madrid, where do you like to go?

AA: To the restaurant of my friend Paco in Patones de Arriba, El Poleo. Patones de Arriba is a lovely village; it reminds me a cinema set. I like the Sierra (Madrid Mountains) in general: Navacerrada, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Cercedilla…

TM: You are a mother, how is Madrid for children? Any recommendation?

AA: I think Madrid is a nice city for children. There are a lot of parks, getting better everyday. Where I live, El Encinar de los Reyes, is a wonderful place to have a walk and play with children, but also in every district there are green spaces to enjoy. My daughter has a great time when we go to Micropolix, in San Sebastian de los Reyes: it’s a city in miniature with a thousand activities for children. In spring you can ride a bike around Monasterio de El Paular, children adore this excursions into Nature.

TM: Where would you like to organise a fashion show?

AA: At one of the most important Metro stations of Madrid, that could be a good idea. Also in Gran Vía… There are many places where it would be wonderful to see a fashion show with my creations!

TM: In which project are you working right now?

AA: We are focused in wedding dresses and couture, cause prêt-à-porter is not in a good moment these days. And we are thinking about opening a shop outside Spain.

TM: Then we wish you luck for your new projects and enjoy this special time that you are living.