THE SPANISH FLAIR

MEET the DESIGNER BEHIND CUSTOM BEYONCÉ, LOOKS for ARTURO OBEGERO. HIS AMAZING JOURNEY has SEEN HIM MOVE FROM a FISHING VILLAGE TO the CENTRE OF FASHION ITSELF: PARIS

- JAMIE LEE

Like many, 30-year-old designer Arturo Obegero had a love for fashion that sprung from a dream. But making his way to achieve this dream has not been easy. Born in a small fishing village called Tapia de Casariego in Asturias, northern Spain, he grew up in a family which was into a specific sport — Obegero’s parents owned a surfing shop while his brother was a competitive surfer. “I am fortunate to call Tapia my home,” he says.

“One day you have the most colourful and saturated sunsets, and the next you have these grey storms with huge waves crashing against the cliffs. Growing up in such a small town gives you all the freedom of the world, and a lot of time to think and dream.”

None of his other family members worked in the creative field, much less in fashion but it didn’t deter Obegero, who had an innate passion for music, art, dance and fashion. His remote village finally gained access to the Internet when he was 14 and he first discovered fashion giants like Alexander McQueen, Riccardo Tisci, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Ann Demeulemeester. What sealed his dream to work in fashion one day was a gift from an aunt — a book on the late, great French designer Yves Saint Laurent.

The Spaniard made up his mind to attend the prestigious Central Saint Martins, because that was where all of his heroes had attended school. His family were unable to afford the fees but Obegero was determined, slowly saving up enough money to eventually take a graduate diploma, before progressing to a master’s in fashion. “I felt a bit like a ‘Spanish Harry Potter’ going to Hogwarts every morning. It was an incredible experience, of course with its pros and cons,” he shares.