Carmen Vega

Traditional dressmaker

©Carmen Vega

Ruffles on the catwalk

Carmen’s atelier was declared a Point of Artisan Interest
The flamenco dress evolves with contemporary fashion trends
She was recognised with an Andalusian Award of Crafts by the Regional Government of Andalusia

Carmen Vega works tirelessly to model the ruffled textiles that give her dresses their characteristic volume and flair. As the sole seamstress of her atelier since 2020, her diary keeps busy all year long, especially during the fall and winter season when she prepares the year’s collection for SIMOF, the International Flamenco Fashion Show taking place every February in Seville. Carmen has positioned her artistic fusion designs as the year’s trend by winning top distinctions at the world’s top venue for flamenco fashion. It has been an exciting and laborious career since she opened her shop in 2004, after roaming the country for years as a military spouse. She settled with her family in the border town of Ayamonte in 2000 and decided to follow her passion for dressmaking, translated in the flamenco costume tradition she grew up with. Her dresses are thematic inspirations drawn from her travels and connections with other cultures, graciously fused with Andalusian tradition and its humble origins in a daring style.

Interview

©Carmen Vega

©Carmen Vega

How do you innovate in a craft as traditional as yours?: Flamenco is profoundly rooted in Andalusian culture, and it is within families since childhood. I love translating the tradition of our folklore into beautiful dresses and I innovate by creating thematic designs inspired by other cultures. Travelling is another passion of mine and it helps me create differentiated traditional dresses with elements such as ruffles.
Was there a meaningful experience in your career?: I was awarded the “Made in Andalusia” seal as Master Artisan by the Regional Government of Andalusia in 2021. It is a recognition for 15 years of self-trained work that proves how my craft sets the benchmark as an example of flamenco tradition not only of past, but of contemporary settings as well.
How has resilience been a part of your journey as an artisan?: The Covid pandemic was definitely a lesson on resilience and a pause for reflection. Flamenco fashion is continuously evolving with the fashion landscape and the pandemic struck in March, just as I was about to market Summer Solstice, my 2020 collection. I was forced to slow down and cut back my production, while preserving my commitment to customers. Because Life Goes On marked my return to the catwalk in 2022.
What is the most memorable catwalk you have experienced?: It was called 'Madame, Madame', for SIMOF 2016. It was inspired by the ambiance of an autumn stroll at sunset in 19th and early 20th-century Paris. In an extravagant stage design, we showcased detailed shirts, vintage collars and sleeves, high-waisted skirts and diverse necklines. The presentation of the collection was quite a show.

Carmen Vega is a master artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2012