080 Barcelona Unveiled: The Woven Visions of Martin Across

In this special RED-EYE coverage of 080 Barcelona Fashion, we bring you exclusive interviews with distinguished designers, while our photographer, Rosario Rex Di Salvo, ventures backstage to capture the essence of models and looks. Additionally, we've employed AI co-creation to produce a series of images that offer an oniric interpretation of the event, creating a unique visual experience. Enjoy!

Welcome to our exclusive interview with Martin Across, a visionary in the fashion industry whose latest Fall 24 collection was unveiled at the 080 Barcelona Fashion. Nestled in a realm that intertwines the nostalgic essence of childhood memories with the majestic Andean landscapes of Ecuador and the soothing coastal breezes of Spain, Martin presents a narrative woven from the vivid tapestry of his experiences. Each design serves as a conduit to a world right before the veil of sleep lifts, where the ethereal meets the technological, and the natural hues of dusk are captured in fabric and thread.

Martin Across is a label and a journey—a journey that beckons the curious and the adventurous. Inspired by the natural layering of earth’s sediments and the vibrant minerals beneath, his creations cater to those who seek to embark on a fashion voyage of higher consciousness. Each piece, lovingly handcrafted in Ecuador using local materials, is a tribute to sustainable practices and ethical fashion, echoing Martin's deep-rooted belief in the respectful coexistence of tradition and modernity.

Raised in Ecuador by a mother who was a florist, Martin was imbued from an early age with a deep appreciation for color and form, a foundation that he has elegantly fused with the serene vastness of Spain's coastlines. His work transcends mere fashion; it is a manifesto of change, a rhythmic dance with time itself, reflecting the dynamic narrative of life through the medium of attire.

Join us as Martin Across delves into the philosophy behind his designs, his commitment to sustainability, and the intricate dance of innovation and tradition that defines his work. Explore with us the unique vision of a designer who blurs the lines between technology and art, creating garments that are gateways to new realms where craftsmanship and consciousness are inextricably linked. Read on to discover the world of Martin Across, where every garment tells a story of reverence and revolution.

Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired Martin Across, and how do you believe it will influence the future of fashion and innovation?

Born in Ecuador, where my mother, a florist, cultivated in me a profound appreciation for volume and color from my earliest days, I've straddled the threshold between Ecuador's Andean heights and Spain's coastal serenity, shaping my perspective with a blend of cultures and landscapes.

Drawing from the pulsating vitality of urban life and the perpetual dance of change, I find in fashion a profound means of self-expression—a reflection of the world's ever-unfolding narrative. Martin Across endeavors to blur the line between technology and art, bridging realms to offer a unique vision.

Our journey is one of perpetual discovery, echoing the diverse landscapes and experiences that have sculpted my essence. Crafted with meticulous care, each piece bears witness to the synthesis of tradition and innovation, inviting exploration beyond the surface.

Guided by a commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion, every garment is a testament to our reverence for the earth and the rich tapestry of culture that defines our homeland. Martin Across stands as a testament to the harmonious union of tradition and progress, offering a portal to realms where craftsmanship and consciousness converge.

Can you explain the innovative idea behind your latest collection and how it combines fashion and technology to set new trends?

Our latest collection draws inspiration from Raphael Ortíz Montañez's artwork, "Ring Ring Rag-Time," transcending conventional perspectives to encapsulate moments frozen in time. Through a mosaic of fragments, we embark on a cathartic journey, birthing new views teeming with untold stories and hidden dimensions.

Central to our concept is the eternal nature of the point, celebrated through the infinite fragments reminiscent of the enigmatic number pi. This fusion of art and fashion is exemplified through visuals transformed into jacquard sweaters, each thread meticulously interwoven to create a tactile and visual composition that resonates with thought-provoking elegance. We took cues from Tokyo's busy metro scene and used scanning and 3D printing to capture the sensation of being surrounded by a sea of faces. The flattened faces in our designs represent the complexities of crowded cities and the diversity of people within them.

Where do you find your groundbreaking ideas, and how do they help you mix traditional fashion with futuristic innovation?

Ideas often emerge from the exploration of diverse influences and a curiosity that knows no bounds. My aim is to blend contemporary design with a visionary perspective that resonates deeply with the essence of our era. Each collection becomes a cathartic journey, offering glimpses into the shifting landscapes of our world. Our creations invite observers to embark on a narrative voyage, delving into hidden beauty within fragmented realities. It's an ode to the boundless potentiality within each of us—a testament to the evolving tapestry of existence.

Describe your brand in three words that capture its essence.

Ethereal, Technological, Transformational.

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who want to bring innovation to the industry? How can they blend fashion and technology effectively to create wearable designs for the future?

In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, where trends shift as swiftly as the winds of change, adaptation is key. For aspiring designers seeking to pioneer innovation in the industry, I offer this counsel: Embrace curiosity as your compass, navigating the diverse influences that shape our world.

Blend the realms of fashion and technology with a deft hand, weaving together threads of tradition and contemporary ingenuity. Embracing the ethos of our times, each creation should serve as a reflection of the zeitgeist— a tapestry woven with the threads of modernity. Inviting wearers into a narrative journey of profound significance lies at the heart of innovation. It's about more than mere aesthetics; it's about crafting experiences that resonate deeply with the soul.

By marrying craftsmanship with cutting-edge design and technology, aspiring designers can pave the way for wearable designs that not only captivate the eye but also stir the imagination. In this fusion lies the promise of fashion's future—a future where innovation and creativity converge to shape the world anew.

Martin Across blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Can you discuss a specific collection that exemplifies this fusion and the inspiration behind it?

Absolutely. Our latest collection epitomizes the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Drawing inspiration from the crowded and bustling streets of Tokyo's metro, we've utilized scanning and 3D printing techniques to recreate the feeling of being engulfed by swarms of people. The smooshed faces depicted in our designs symbolize the complexities of overpopulation and the multitude of identities within a crowded space.

This concept was also translated to traditional glass blowing in collaboration with artist Viviana Alarcon, were the idea of trapping a face into glass emerged as a collaboration between both of us.

Furthermore, we've employed AI as a tool to translate these intricate designs into prints, adding an additional layer of technological sophistication to our pieces. This collection not only showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion but also serves as a commentary on the modern human experience in densely populated urban environments.

Photos and AI Artworks by Rosario Rex Di Salvo

Editor in Chief Gloria Maria Cappelletti

Fashion Director Giorgia Imbrenda

Features Editor Eleonora Pirisi

Special Thanks to 080 Barcelona Fashion and MM Studio

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