Journal 77: Interview with Irene Aparicio
IPA Brand embraces deadstock fabrics. How did you discover this way of producing, and what does it mean to you?
"We discovered deadstock fabrics almost by chance, through a conversation with someone in the industry who told us about them. We started researching these materials further and quickly realized they aligned perfectly with our way of understanding production and consumption.
For me, working with deadstock fabrics is a more responsible way of creating, making use of exceptionally high-quality resources that already exist instead of generating demand for new materials. It’s a way of designing with awareness, reducing waste, and giving a second life to fabrics that already have a story of their own. In addition, every fabric we find brings a unique character to our capsule collections, making each production run more special and exclusive."
What qualities do you look for in the collections you create?
"I aim to create pieces with a strong identity, produced responsibly and reflecting the value of making things locally and with care. For me, it is essential to work with Spanish workshops, maintain a direct relationship with the people who manufacture each product, and pay attention to every stage of the process.
In fact, one of the parts I enjoy most is closely following the journey each piece takes, from the initial idea to the final result, although I must admit it often requires a great deal of patience because unexpected challenges and delays always arise."
Are you concerned that some traditional crafts may disappear in the coming years?
"Yes, especially because they are part of our heritage and our identity as a country. Supporting Made in Spain is not only a question of origin; it is a way of ensuring quality, preserving artisanal know-how, and supporting an industry with an extraordinary tradition.
I am particularly concerned that many trades and crafts that are part of our culture and history are gradually being lost. I believe we have a responsibility to value them and continue supporting them so that future generations can keep this knowledge alive—knowledge that makes our productions truly unique."
What place in the world would you love to explore wearing your friulane shoes?
"I would love to travel across Latin America. I have always felt a special connection with those countries because, despite the distance, we share many ways of seeing life, relating to one another, and appreciating things that are well made.
As a brand, one of my goals is to continue crossing borders and bringing Made in Spain to new markets, showcasing the talent, craftsmanship, and quality that exist in our country.
I believe there is a very similar appreciation for products with history, identity, and soul. Being able to introduce IPA Brand to those countries and build a community on the other side of the Atlantic would undoubtedly be one of the most meaningful journeys."
How would you design your perfect Cayumas?
"The perfect Cayumas would combine tradition and modernity. I would love to reinterpret them using some of the leftover pieces from our deadstock fabrics, giving a second life to materials that are already part of IPA Brand’s story.
It would be a way of extending our philosophy beyond clothing and applying it to another equally special and artisanal product.
Ultimately, the perfect Cayumas would be those capable of telling a story: the story of the materials, the people who crafted them, and a more conscious and local way of producing."