The Rise of Tíscar Espadas: A Designer Making Waves in the Fashion World
It seems that the world is finally catching up to the talent of Tíscar Espadas. The Madrid-based designer has been making waves in the fashion industry, with her eponymous label being shortlisted for the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2026. However, Espadas’ unique and characterful designs have been gaining momentum for quite some time.
After graduating from the Royal College of Art, the 32-year-old Spaniard honed her skills working under renowned designer Henrik Vibskov before launching her own label in 2019. Her talent was quickly recognized when she won the Vogue Fashion Fund in Spain in 2024.
Recently, Espadas and her partner Kevin Kohler held an intimate showroom in Paris, showcasing their brand’s delightful and unique designs that are intended to be unisex. Working primarily with limited quantities of natural and organic fabrics, the duo has transitioned from releasing yearly collections to a seasonal model. Espadas explained, “We were so excited finding fabrics that it started to open, open, open! And eventually it became a real collection.”
The inspiration for their latest collection came from the snowy landscapes of rural Switzerland, where Kohler hails from. Drawing on characters and festivals, the brand’s signature sense of fantasy was evident in the bold silhouettes and earthy palette. Soft muslins, cross-stitched cottons, and crisp denim were used to create practical yet whimsical pieces, such as scarves with pockets and knitted gaiters to insulate wrists and ankles from the cold.
The intricate pattern making was a standout feature of the collection. Wide shorts and scoop-necked sweaters were creatively slit at the sides, while hooded shirts could be transformed into ruffs with drawstrings. Ballooning pants, voluptuous corduroy suits, and unique accessories like chaperon-style hats added to the brand’s anachronistic aesthetic.
Despite the avant-garde nature of Espadas’ designs, the brand’s pieces can be styled in a way that transcends costume-like interpretations. Kohler mentioned the importance of imagining the clothes away from their initial image and embracing a more casual approach, like pairing them with a hoodie. In a time when commercial trends dominate the fashion landscape, Espadas’ uncompromisingly trendless approach feels refreshing and liberating.
Ultimately, Espadas sums up her design philosophy as a “dialogue between human and fantasy,” emphasizing the importance of playfulness in fashion. Her ability to infuse joy and creativity into fabric sets her apart in an industry driven by commerciality.
