Johanna Calderón, the buttons return to Feria de Abril
The Feria de Abril is back and flamenco fashion designers like Johanna Calderon are celebrating
We are all in luck because they have announced that the Feria de Abril is back. Everything seems to indicate that the Real will once again be filled with colour, fashion and design, something we have been looking forward to. That's why we at ALL FLAMENCO have decided to take the pulse of this sector from its designers to find out how they have received this news. Today we talk to Johanna Calderón, a young designer who burst onto the flamenco fashion scene with a lot of strength and style.
Born in Madrid and Andalusian at heart, she has been training since she was a child to make her dream come true and dedicate herself 100% to fashion with a lot of hard work and discipline. Nowadays she dares to make bridal gowns, pret a porter and even swimwear, as well as, of course, flamenco fashion.
They say she is a great fighter, daring and innovative. In fact, she has had to reinvent herself in these difficult times for flamenco fashion.
A.F.- Johanna Calderón, how are you?
J.C.- Fine! Coming back with a lot of strength after a break that we all need from time to time.
A.F.- Before we go into the good news, we wanted to know how you have lived through the pandemic.
J.C.- The truth is that from the day we knew we were staying at home, I started to think, I drew up a list of projects I had in mind and began to develop them.
A.F.- What is the state of the flamenco fashion sector after the COVID stoppage?
J.C.- Well, it's in a tough spot. There are many collections waiting for a fair. Now with the news of the confirmation of the fair for 2022, everything is moving: clients asking for appointments, new clients...
A.F.- Do you think that everything will go back to exactly the way it used to be with regard to multitudinous events such as the Feria, El Rocío, etc.?
J.C.- I think it will take at least a few years for everything to be 100% like before. Until then, we just have to adapt and be able to enjoy it with a sense of security and safety.
A.F.- Even if flamenco fashion returns, will you continue to innovate and create different garments?
J.C.- Of course! I'm already working on it. We are working on new lines for the brand and continue with the ones we already have. I can't leave behind what I have achieved in this hard time.
A.F.- How have you received the great news that the Fair is coming back?
J.C.- With tears of emotion! I can't deny that I got a lump in my throat although I also thought: is it true? I'm afraid of the now yes, now no, now yes. But hopefully it will be yes and we will be able to enjoy the flounces between lanterns.
A.F.- Did you already have something in mind for the new collection or did you have to start working on it now?
J.C.- Yes, during the confinement I designed an entire flamenco collection, but I will wait until 2023 as a new idea is here to stay.
A.F.- What has inspired you or what do you want to be inspired by?
J.C.- Are we waiting for January 2022 (laughs), I can only say that it's going to be more JC than ever.
A.F.- What will be the trends this year that all flamenco lovers have been waiting for?
J.C.- I think all of them and none of them. We designers are really looking forward to flounces, to create and dream. Ruffles, polka dots and happiness.
A.F.- It looks like the fashion shows are coming back, will we see your designs on any catwalk?
J.C.- Of course, it's the final push. We Love Flamenco is the platform where I will participate for the third time.
A.F.- If you had to highlight something about your designs, what would it be?
J.C.- Volume, design, trend, elegance and, of course, my beloved buttons that are impossible to eliminate from the designs because the clients get angry.