In a career that blends theater, cinema and high style, Antonio Alvarado emerged as a pivotal designer who dressed iconic figures from Alaska to Tino Casal, Mecano and Luz Casal. He earned recognition as the main designer for Pedro Almodóvar’s films, shaping on-screen wardrobes that became synonymous with a bold, colorful Spain. His influence extended beyond red carpets and screens into the streets, where his distinctive silhouettes and finishing touches helped define a generation of fashion that was both daring and deeply expressive. The narrative of his work includes a strong emphasis on dramatic high heels, striking textures, and a disciplined approach to tailoring that could transform any character into a memorable screen persona. The trajectory of his career was rooted in a practical yet fearless design philosophy that connected the glamour of Spanish cinema with the everyday life of Madrid and beyond.
All these clothes, distributed across 130 mannequins, mark a forty-year summary of creativity recently showcased at the Madrid Costume Museum. The collection presents a chronology of his life in fashion, culminating in a revelation of the identity he forged through fabric and form. The series bears the title Baja Sewing, a nod to his second collection which made waves in the 1980s and helped anchor the rock wave movement at the core of the local design scene. The show invites visitors to see how a single designer could become the epicenter of a local cultural wave while influencing broader trends in fashion, cinema, and art.
Exhibition details reveal a curated voyage through decades of design. Until 26 March 2023, the display includes more than 500 pieces, with around fifty on loan from those who wore them in real life. It features the glamour of Alaska or Casal Light as well as intimate accessories such as earrings that resemble coffee pots. The display also highlights key garments like a printed shirt that evokes the law of desire, creating a dialogue between wardrobe and narrative. The interplay of clothing with cinematic moments is central to the experience, inviting viewers to consider how costume can drive storytelling and character formation.
The exhibition, curated to honor a long and deliberate selection process, showcases the most significant works of the designer. It was organized through a collaborative effort with notable contributors who appreciate the blend of imagination and craft. The show presents creations designed by the artist’s imagination across multiple disciplines, including clothing, jewelry, drawings, and various accessories. It also draws connections with archival footage from parades, television broadcasts, and movie trailers, emphasizing how different media converge in fashion storytelling. The fusion of fashion with film and media underscores the universal language of style and its power to convey mood, era, and personality in a single frame.