With an unparalleled trajectory, Margarita has a PhD in Business Administration and is an expert in museology, she is the visionary director of the Zuloaga Foundation. Founder of projects such as ES Fascinante and Soy Fascinante. With a clear commitment to sustainability and local talent, she is a benchmark of authenticity and style.
Margarita, you’ve dedicated much of your life to culture in its broadest sense—from creating two Spanish slow-fashion brands (Es Fascinante and Soy Fascinante) to curating art exhibitions. When did your passion for craftsmanship begin?
“My passion for craftsmanship began through my work around museums and their museum shops. I was struck by the poor quality of those shops in museums across Spain. Having lived in New York, I was amazed by the quality and originality of the museum reproductions there.
My fight for crafts has been ongoing. Through the platform España Fascinante, whenever I visited a town, the first thing I did was ask about the local artisan shop or product often I was disappointed by the disappearance of artisans and their workshops. Craftsmanship in Spain is poorly celebrated and marketed. At Es Fascinante, we deeply value brands with that artisanal and unique stamp. Now, with the foundation, we’ve also produced an exhibition titled ‘Elogio de lo manual’ (A Praise of the Manual), which honors handmade work through artworks made by hand.”
In a world dominated by industrial production and immediacy, why do you believe craftsmanship remains relevant? How do you envision its future in Spain?
“Craftsmanship in Spain is currently enjoying an excellent moment: several professional associations are systematically and organizedly promoting Spanish craftsmanship. I’m optimistic because I see from the ‘Legacy of Castilla–La Mancha’ to a recent exhibition on sacred art in Seville created by young artisans that new generations are interested in preserving manual labor.”
How does your artistic training influence your designs?
“I created the brand Soy Fascinante based on what I’ve seen throughout my life and my personal taste in fabric, colors, and patterns. To me, simplicity and elegance are captured through timeless designs: instinctive, made in Spain 100%.”
Some designers prioritize functionality; others prioritize expression. Where do you place yourself? How does your creative process begin?
“I prioritize functionality. For the first Soy Fascinante collection, I thought about moments where each piece would be worn for example, how a skirt could be paired with five different tops.”
Which artists and designers have influenced you most?
“Artists of the classic Spanish Baroque: El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Goya. Also Spanish and French painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries—particularly from 1890 to 1920 during a crucial 30‑year period when Paris was the mundial art center and artistic movements changed drastically.
As for designers, I love Cristóbal Balenciaga 20th‑century legend who influenced everything that followed. YSL and Jacquemus also interest me a great deal. I have keen interest in the future of Balenciaga and Jonathan Anderson at Dior. The living designer who intrigues me most is Miuccia Prada; I simply adore her.”
How important are shoes in your daily life?
“Very important. Since I move around a lot, I choose comfortable shoes that work for many occasions morning and afternoon. I no longer wear high heels. Shoes lend personality to a look.”
Do you have a favorite book?
“I’m currently reading Nada por lo que pedir perdón. I read many Ibero‑American authors writing about the Black Legend of Spain in America. From there, they are uncovering the truth of our history. There’s now a movement as in the films of José Luis López‑Linares examining Spain’s legacy in America and clarifying even the mistakes we were taught in Spain.”
How would your perfect Cayumas shoes be?
“I like them to have relief, to feel extremely handmade, with lots of texture. The Casa Lopez friulanes capture that artisanal essence.”
