Roberto Verino, born in Verín, Ourense in 1945, marks four decades in fashion with a photography exhibition titled “#estiloverino,” a recent project led by his daughter Cristina Mariño. Although he was poised to become the family heir and lead the company, Verino passed away last summer at the age of 52. He remains composed when speaking about his legacy. This week, Verino unveiled a collection of portraits curated by his daughter, pairing his designs with elegant models and everyday women. The public can view the exhibition in the Auditorium until November 2.
Forty years in fashion, no doubt about it.
More than four decades with his own brand. He recalls traveling to Paris to study Fine Arts at seventeen, as the third of seven siblings, and choosing to work to support his family. He began in traditional crafts until a turning point when a fashion company offered him a role. Haute couture was shifting toward ready-to-wear, and graduates from art schools found growing opportunities. A world that captivated him drew him in, and he stayed engaged. The French company he joined urged him to return to Spain and establish a Verín delegation.
What elements shaped the brand?
His goal has always been to offer pieces that feel like investments rather than expenses, items that reinforce personal identity. Dressing is a fundamental act, looking in the mirror and recognizing oneself, as if the garment were a means to reveal the inner self. When that alignment is missing, style can feel artificial, and the image may betray reality.
Do you notice many people dressed in the street?
Indeed. A lot of people equate looking good with blindly following fashion. Verino rejects that tyranny. He advises wearing garments that serve multiple purposes at work and on special occasions, crafting an emotional wardrobe that reads like a personal diary.
There are plenty of inexpensive outfits that young people buy and discard.
That happens because cheaper goods save on cleaning. The same young buyers who demand ecological and recyclable products still flock to stores offering 20 euro bags. When prices lack justification, something discordant occurs. A low social conscience often fails to grasp that less can be used more wisely when it comes to quality and consistency.
What is the oldest piece kept in the closet?
There is a jacket from his father that has endured. It’s worn from time to time and is probably more than 50 years old. Clothes made well stand the test of time, and Verino strives for a timeless style. Each garment gains significance as its owner breathes life into it, and small details bring happiness. Everyday life should be enjoyed, and what you wear should make you feel alive. Life is short—make it Verino.
Roberto Verino commemorates four decades in fashion with a photography exhibition titled “#estiloverino,” a project created with the help of his daughter Cristina Mariño and a notable addition to the brand. He was set to assume leadership of the company, and his passing last summer at age 52 left a lasting impression. The exhibition, presented to royalty and their families this week, features portraits that pair his designs with a diverse cast of models and ordinary women. For the general public, the show runs in the Auditorium through November 2.
Forty years in fashion, without a doubt.
Over forty years with his own label. He left home at seventeen to study Fine Arts in Paris, the third of seven children, determined to contribute to the family’s finances. His early work was traditional, until a fashion opportunity opened a door. Haute couture pivoted to ready-to-wear, and demand surged for art-school graduates. A world he hadn’t anticipated drew him in, and he stayed deeply involved. The French firm eventually suggested he set up a Verín delegation in Spain.
What elements built the brand?
The aim has always been to offer customers outfits that act as investments, not mere expenses, while enhancing personal identity. Dressing is essential, the act of seeing oneself in the mirror, of unveiling the inner self through the clothes. When that connection is missing, the wearer appears masked and the image and reality misalign.
Do you see many people on the street dressed well?
Yes, a lot. People often mistake looking stylish with simply following fashion. Verino resists that trend. He promotes clothes that can be worn in many settings, at work or on special occasions, creating an emotional wardrobe that reads like a personal diary.
So many cheap garments lead to waste among the youth.
Because cheaper options are easier to wash and discard. The same young audiences who demand eco-friendly and recyclable products often buy a bag full of items for 20 euros. When prices are not justified, something feels off. The public conscience hasn’t fully grasped that using less can still mean higher quality and longer life.
What is the oldest garment kept in the closet?
There is a jacket from his father that has been worn for many years, kept and worn again from time to time. It might be over 50 years old. Clothes that endure are worth keeping. Verino believes in timeless style. Each piece carries a story as the wearer shapes it, and small details bring happiness. Enjoy the day-to-day, be content with what you wear—life is one. Don’t waste the moment; that’s Verino style.