What was the inspiration for this collection and how would you define the style it is made of?

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The inspiration for this collection comes from my clients. "Lady Punk" is a project I created for the O-I 17-18 campaign, but at the time it didn’t have much commercial success, even though people liked it. This shows the paradox that what is liked most is not always what sells the most. However, in the following season, my clients began asking for those pieces, and little by little, they started buying them and placing orders for new ones. Since then, it’s been a line I’ve continued to develop, especially as custom pieces.
The new version of "Lady Punk" is a tribute to all those women I love and admire.

These are unique pieces, just like them irreplaceable. There are no two women alike, just as there are no two pieces alike. Each piece is special, like them; each piece tells a story and reflects their courage and authenticity.​

-Carmen

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This collection is inspired by my muse and friend, “Cristina Macaya” who although no longer with us, remains the foundation of my inspiration. It centers around an empowered woman who elevates comfortable looks with a sophisticated touch, using bold accessories (Lady Punk) to enhance the collection's overall style.​

-Santiago

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What type of woman wears a piece from Carmen Ramil / Santiago Bandrés?​

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There isn’t a specific type of woman, in every collection, I try to create for the granddaughter, the mother, and the grandmother. I design pieces that satisfy both the aesthetic and functional needs of these three generations and meet their different economic expectations.
The common denominator among all three is the desire for differentiation, exclusivity, the value of owning something unique, and the feeling that it was created just for them. This is truly the DNA of our brand, although I must admit, it’s the least commercial approach, but it’s what makes me happy. I worked for many years as a fashion designer in the industry, creating mass-produced collections, and I am very grateful for that experience. But when I became independent in 2008 and transitioned into freelancing, I decided to create individual pieces with my own hands, starting from scratch. One piece for each woman.

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-Carmen Ramil​​

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The woman who wears pieces from our collection feels powerful and reaffirms her personal style. She is typically an executive or professional, with interests in art, science, music, and finance.

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-Santiago Bandrés

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This is your second joint presentation. What makes working together so special?

Working with someone you’ve loved and admired for years is fantastic. Santiago Bandres and I studied together, we are trained the same way, so we share similar concepts and fundamental methods. Then, each of us took our own individual path and developed professionally in different ways, but there’s something that unites us, besides our great friendship: our passion for fashion, design, craftsmanship, painting, and so many other things, and the best part is being able to share it with someone you truly care about. We’ve known each other for over 30 years. We’ve shared many important moments together, and our affection has extended to our partners and families. I hope to grow very old alongside Santiago, tormenting my grandchildren with our stories.​

 

-Carmen Ramil

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What makes our collaboration special, between Carmen and me, is the mutual understanding and shared vision we have of a strong woman. We've known each other since university, and that connection is reflected in our collections, which complement and elevate each other's work.

 

-Santiago Bandrés

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Do you hold your collection presentations at your own Atelier? What do you see as the advantages of this kind of pop-up event?

When I finished my degree, I was fortunate to start working as a fashion designer in the industry for over 15 years. But when I moved from Madrid to the city of Murcia, I saw the need to create my own workspace, and in 2008, I started my first Atelier.
I discovered the satisfaction of working individually for people, listening to my clients' needs, understanding their style, and interpreting their wishes. This close interaction is something I really enjoy. Generally, I create three major collections a year, which I present at my Atelier in Murcia through opening events, where clients gather, socialize, have a good time, and purchase pieces from the collection. Afterward, I continue creating new designs that gradually add to the collection throughout the season.
When Santiago kindly invited me to his Atelier to present my collection alongside his, I was very grateful. Our lines coordinate very well, and it’s wonderful to get to know his clients. This type of event is for clients, an exclusive shopping experience that fosters the relationship between creator and buyer. Another thing I love, with this sales format, is being able to explain the story behind the pieces: how they are made, highlighting the careful craftsmanship, sharing the inspiration, and the creative process. Clients feel special, and what they are going to wear is special too. A very beautiful emotional connection is created. I truly believe that design and fashion make people a little happier.

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-Carmen Ramil

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These types of presentation events are more dynamic. Since both the designer and the invited designer are present, it allows us to offer more personalized guidance to clients about the products, creating a more tailored experience.

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-Santiago Bandrés

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