There is a story behind every brand. In our category 'Behind the brand' the designers share their candid insight about their inspiration, their atelier, and the people behind the brand. Who are they, where do they get their inspiration from and what are the future plans? We sat down with twin brothers Iñaki Muñoz and Aitor Muñoz, founders of the design company Ailanto.

What was the initial idea behind Alainto? How did it all begin in 1995?
“We both studied Fine Arts in Barcelona followed by Iñaki studying Fashion Design and Landscape Design. Ailanto started with a Fashion Design competition; we presented a male collection, and we were augured € 6000. With this price, we designed our first women’s collection which we started selling at two shops in Barcelona. The idea was to share our passion for art and nature and to represent this on fabrics and volumes.”

How would you describe the aesthetic identity of 
Alainto?
“Our aesthetic is defined by our handmade prints for which we use a range of pictorial techniques as watercolors, gouache, collage, etc. Our identity is bohemian and a little retro, we find that craftsmanship and nature are always our starting points when designing a collection.”

“Our identity is bohemian and a little retro, we find that craftsmanship and nature are always our starting points when designing a collection.”

Ailanto is known for the use of unique color combinations and artistic prints. How are the prints developed? Where do you find inspiration?
“All collections are inspired by botanic and art. Each print is designed by using the pictorial technique more adequate to the result we want to accomplish.

This Spring/Summer collection is inspired by the work of the jeweller, René Lalique. The prints started with drawings of his iconic pieces to which we add botanical elements that references to the Art Nouveau.”

Who is your ultimate style icon of all time?
“As design references, we look at Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. Our ultimate style icons are Veruscka for her versatility and the Women of the Bauhaus for their creativity and vision.”

What does a day at the Ailanto atelier look like?
“It really depends on the day, month and season. We have a very versatile workspace, so it transforms as the collections evolve. The studio has an office, a design department and a prototype workshop with a pattern cutting and sewing department.”

What is your favorite part about being a designer?
“We are interested in the creative process of the collection and in every single detail that we showcase on the catwalk. We enjoy sharing our idea to the audience. Our favorite moment is just before the fashion show starts, when all the models are lining up backstage.”

How do you want women to feel when they wear Ailanto?
“We like that our customers feel unique and special, and that they are wearing a one of a kind piece.”

What is your favorite Ailanto item?
“In the current collection, our favorite piece is the coat dress, which is so versatile, that you can wear it for all occasions.”

“Our greatest accomplishment is that we created a brand identity. We feel very proud of doing collaborations with many artists and institutions such as Guggenheim Museum, Sargadelos and Dac Rugs.”

What does Ailanto contribute to sustainability?
“We produce locally and we only buy materials produced in Europe. We believe in durable pieces and we take care on contributing to slow fashion.”

In what kind of item(s) should everyone invest?
“A blouse, as it is a season less piece that you can add to all outfits.”

What Instagram account should we all follow?
“British artist and photographer: Jonathan Myles-Lea.” 

What is your greatest accomplishment with Ailanto?
“Our greatest accomplishment is that we created a brand identity. We feel very proud of doing collaborations with many artists and institutions such as Guggenheim Museum, Sargadelos and Dac Rugs.”

Any future plans you would like to share with us?
“We are just about to launch a new collaboration with the Thyssen Bornemisa Museum Shop. This collection will be out by the end of this month.”