Martín Across presented a collection about “movement” during 080 Barcelona Fashion. Centered on this notion and inspired by the force of nature, Martín Across’s collection investigates how fashion is intrinsically linked to these two. The models present a variety of utilitarian garments complimented by accessories, that like strong waves, their textures and materials emulate the sensations of water breaking and ebbing away from their bodies and clothes.

We spoke with the designer and here’s what he told us:

Who is Martín Across?

I’m not great at talking about myself, I like to let my work do the talking for me. I think it is difficult to do so because I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to answer that same question: “Who is Martin Across?”. Navigating my identity both in my home country of Ecuador, as well as in Spain where I’ve spent the majority of my adult life, not quite fitting in either place. This constant seeking led me to design as an outlet of exploration both in fashion and set design. Through those mediums, I continue to move and grow in this comedic journey I call my life.

What’s the inspiration behind your new collection?

This collection is about movement: from situations, emotions, and experiences that move us as individuals and as a collective; to the movement of wind and sea currents. Nothing is static, we are currently moving and being moved. Centered on this notion and inspired by the force of nature, the collection investigates how fashion is intrinsically linked to these two. The models present a variety of utilitarian garments complemented by accessories, that like strong waves, their textures and materials emulate the sensations of water breaking and ebbing away from their bodies and clothes. Movement is also in play in the garments themselves through cleverly designed patterns printed in different materials that allude to the fluidity of sediments, color, water and other natural motifs and techniques. Designs inspired by the sediments, layers and minerals are meant for fellow travelers, explorers of higher consciousness. Curious voyagers moved by color and transformation. Every piece is exquisitely handcrafted in Ecuador and Spain with local materials, reconciling our relationship with our planet, with how we produce and consume modern clothing.

In which way is “movement” and “nature” present in your collection?

Both aspects are present in a variety of ways. First and foremost, through print. The visuals in this collection were based on an exploration of movement. Waves, water, wind and earth were some of the investigations we used when trying to emulate nature into motifs. The accessories were inspired by the power of nature, and how vulnerable we are in relationship to that undeniable force. Umbrellas, torn apart by the force of the wind. Earrings showcase a frozen ecosystem of textures and materials which represent both nature and destruction. Some of the silhouettes move freely with the wind, some are stiffer but crafted from natural materials such as cotton canvas, which relate to the way we consume. The color palette in this collection is inspired by the different stages that nature can offer us. It mutates from gentle greens to soft earthy tones and evolve to stronger hues like violet, lavender and Indigo.

Your pieces are handcrafted in Ecuador with local materials. What does this brings to your collection?

It adds a big value to each piece. Not only do we create everything with local materials, but we also work through the pre-order method, which allows us to work on each piece individually and focus on quality. It also allows us to work with small ateliers in which we see growth. This adds a lot of purpose to what we do and how we produce. Ecuador is an amazing place to create and produce work. The industry is small but expanding.

What advice would you give to the consumer who is more and more conscious about environmental issues?

Well, the first thing that comes to my mind is patience. I say this because I believe that consumers who prefer to invest in sustainable brands sometimes don’t realize that through this approach, products usually take much longer to be produced and delivered. Using that consciousness as a reflection of everyday choices is important as well. Thankfully there is a lot of people with interest in these aspects. What we need is for awareness to be spread, and as an effect, consumption patterns to be altered. This can only happen if the consumer really identifies with the brand, and connects with the story behind it.

 

Take a look at the collection below: