In this new design blog, we want to show you how we make the illustrations for our collections . We start working on each season at least 12 months in advance, exploring trends, materials, developments and fashions that are pertinent to incorporate into our aesthetics and line.

In our design research, we create a color palette through exact color extraction from some visual image. This comes from an extensive trend analysis, we always look for our color palettes to be timeless and combinable. For Spring Summer 2020 , we have chosen a palette of more earthy, warm and pink tones. Terracotta, Mustard, Quartz, Brown, Beige, Cement and Black were our main colors.

The next thing we do is make sketches , which are line drawings that bring model and design ideas to life. In this first phase we draw around 200 proposals . From there, we select and modify drawings until we obtain the final designs. In general, each of our collections consists of about 50 models that will be produced for samples.

When the silhouettes are defined, we begin with the exploration of the color and material proposal. On many occasions we have the material first and then we combine it, and many others, the designs are proposed in some color or material , and then we look with our furriers for the most similar option to be able to achieve them.

Our shoes are made of 100% leather , the most common textures we use are leather, suede, and patent leather . In order to achieve the effect of these skins in illustration, we rely on techniques of light and shadow, opacity and saturation , just as the shape of the brushstrokes gives a different effect to the skin. In the images above we present the design of our Teodora moccasin, and in the images below, our Imelda low-heeled sandal.

When we want to incorporate some print or exotic texture in alter-leather , we use strokes and small details . In the image below, we can see how the platform and heel are covered in snake -like leather, in a mix of mustard and black .
Stroke details in texture plus an irregular application of color create a textured effect on the drawing. The illustration presents our Rita platform.

SEE RITA MODEL

When illustrating details such as fringes, buckles, hardware, tassels, or pom poms , it is very important to light and shade each of the pieces so that you can really appreciate each individual piece, and the total look of the design. For the stitching , it is equally important to indicate with color if they go to the tone or if they are contrasted . These details must always be kept in mind when drawing designs. All of them go to the factory and have to be precise so that the sampler is made correctly .