Diving Deep: Marine-Inspired DOMINNICO at 080 Barcelona Fashion

In this special RED-EYE coverage of 080 Barcelona Fashion, we bring you exclusive interviews with distinguished designers, while our photographer, Rosario Rex Di Salvo, ventures backstage to capture the essence of models and looks. Additionally, we've employed AI co-creation to produce a series of images that offer an oniric interpretation of the event, creating a unique visual experience. Enjoy!

Welcome to our exclusive interview with Domingo Rodríguez Lázaro, the creative force behind the avant-garde fashion label DOMINNICO. We caught up with Domingo in occasion of 080 Barcelona Fashion, where he unveiled his latest collection for Fall Winter 2024, a vibrant homage to the marine world seen through the lens of DOMINNICO's signature aesthetic.

Since founding DOMINNICO in Barcelona in 2016, Domingo has continuously pushed the boundaries of fashion with his commitment to slow fashion principles, innovative use of materials, and an unyielding dedication to inclusivity and sustainability. His collections, characterized by intricate pattern-making and a keen eye for emerging trends, have consistently captured the imagination of the fashion world.

The Fall Winter 2024 collection is no exception. Domingo's approach is eclectic and richly detailed, using best-selling silhouettes of the house and infusing them with marine elements like lace, denim, recycled leather, and fur, alongside rivets and metallic pieces. This collection is framed within the balletcore aesthetic, which is celebrated for its elegance and expressive freedom. In terms of color, the collection features a palette of classic pastels, punctuated by the boldness of lime green, oxygenated denim, and rich browns, all intricately detailed with rhinestone inlays.

DOMINNICO's journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and global recognition. From presenting its first collection, "UNUSUAL DICHOTOMY," in Budapest to winning the prestigious WHO’S ON NEXT award from VOGUE Spain, DOMINNICO has established itself as a powerhouse on the international fashion stage. The brand's commitment to merging futuristic vision with traditional fashion values has attracted the attention of global icons such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Rosalía, who have all graced the red carpet in DOMINNICO’s daring designs.

In this interview, we delve deep into Domingo’s creative process, exploring how his background and the dynamic cultural influences of his upbringing between Alicante, Madrid, and London have shaped his design philosophy. We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a brand that is as committed to ethical production as it is to aesthetic innovation. Join us as we uncover the layers of thought, care, and creativity that make DOMINNICO a beacon of modern fashion.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired Dominnico and how you think it will influence the future of fashion and innovation?

I am the creative director of DOMINNICO, I was born and raised in a humble environment but I knew from the beginning what I wanted to do in life; to work in the world of fashion and to create my own brand, despite not knowing everything that this implied. I think we are step by step bringing a way of understanding fashion to a new generation, creating community and advocating for values such as inclusion, sustainability and fashion that seeks an experience rather than just following trends.

Can you explain the innovative idea behind your latest collection and how it combines fashion and technology to set new trends?

Our latest collection is inspired by the sea, sexy pirates and sailors, contemporary and pictorial art that is inspired by the sea. At Dominnico every garment is produced in our studio by our small team, this ensures that production and craftsmanship is made in a traditional way. We create graphic visuals that illustrate the imaginary of each collection, and a selection of these are taken into garments as prints.

Where do you find your groundbreaking ideas, and how do they help you mix traditional fashion with futuristic innovation?

My inspiration comes mostly from what I experience as an individual, but aesthetically is always influenced by pop culture, contemporary art, Japanese culture.. all of that under the lenses of pop and my own designer vision.

Describe your brand in three words that capture its essence.

Inclusive, fresh & future.

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who want to bring innovation to the industry? How can they blend fashion and technology effectively to create wearable designs for the future?

My honest advice is always to be yourself and be curious! There is a lot of new tools out there, as well as some very interesting fashion technology courses available. I’m a bit of an old school person here, so I’m always captivated by those who are curious and try new things.

At Dominnico we are experts in doing things the traditional way; we sketch our looks, pattern make and sew everything in our studio because we value the craftsmanship behind it, but we are keen on exploring new ways of introducing technology in our process, such as laser cut for denim - which is something we are starting to try out.

Dominnico has a futuristic and edgy design aesthetic. What was the inspiration behind one of your most daring collections, and how do you envision the future of fashion?

Even though we make everything in a traditional way, our designs always have this retro futuristic look and feel. Apart from being a designer, I consider myself to be an observant person. I believe the future of fashion is for those who are creating, who challenge the standards and celebrate it each day.