Francisco Carrera Iglesias (Paquili)

Embroidering faith and fashion

• Francisco is inspired by his hometown Seville
• He is always in pursuit of excellence in his creations
• He collaborated with several institutions, bullfighters and fashion houses

Francisco grew up in the humble neighborhood of Cerro del Aguila, Seville. A devout Catholic, during a service he realised the Virgin never changed her clothes, and this is when he decided he would embroider some for her. Since those days Paquili, as everyone calls him, has become a beacon in the art of embroidery, both for religious and secular communities. The religious side of his work mainly focuses on respecting tradition and faith, creating trousseaux for the brotherhood processions in Seville, Andalucía and the rest of Spain. His non-religious work has included collaborations with institutions, bullfighters and several fashion houses throughout the years.

Where

Interview

©Javier Comas

©Javier Comas

Why is Seville so crucial to your work?

Seville is truly baroque and once you are imbued in such a flamboyant scenario you cannot help but be inspired by it. This is what happened to me. Its art and architecture are infectious and through my embroidery I want to convey all the beauty that has always surrounded me.

Are there any tools in your work that mean something special?

Passion is what drives me, always. And then there is my needle, the gold and silk threads, the leather, raffia, pearls and beads. My first work was an embroidered vestment and since then I have had the opportunity of exploring all different embroidering techniques.

How would you define your relationship with fashion?

It started several years ago when designers were looking for artisans who could turn their creations into masterpieces through craftsmanship. Fashion allows me to experiment and let others know how you can shape a piece of clothing through embroidery.

What does well made mean to you?

This is the concept of 'bien hecho', which has a different hue in each language, but for me its meaning is excellence. Something bien hecho simply has to be perfect, must score the highest. And for the artisan this is a challenge, to always improve. To me my work is my life and I could not do it in other way than this.

Francisco Carrera Iglesias (Paquili) is a master artisan: he began his career in 1984 and he started teaching in 1989

Works

©Taller Paquili

©Taller Paquili

©Taller Paquili

©Taller Paquili

Experiences

Embroidery workshop tour in Seville

45 Mins

7 EUR per person