About María Lafuente
A Bit About María Lafuente
María Lafuente is a multidisciplinary designer and creative with a background in art and fashion. She is known for her commitment to sustainability and her innovative approach to fashion. A member of ACME (Association of Fashion Creators of Spain), she has been presenting her creative proposals worldwide for fifteen years. Her work is widely recognized for integrating elements of architecture, art, culture, nature, and music in an ecological way, giving life to new forms and concepts. María, a restless and optimistic artist, is dedicated to the continuous search for original and sustainable solutions, creating strategic alliances to generate productive synergies and authentic social values.
Her contributions to fashion have been recognized globally at fashion shows and exhibitions in Spain, Europe, Asia, and America. She was the first Spanish designer to exhibit her work and give a speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. A regular at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid since 2006, María has left an indelible mark on sustainable fashion.
María Lafuente's Philosophy
For María, art and culture are intense expressions of the soul that connect people with their emotions and those of others. Her collections are distinguished by sustainably fusing architecture, art, innovation, poetry, nature, and music, promoting a lifestyle committed to values that harmonize with Mother Earth. Each collection is born from a dialogue between the individual and the universal, expressing her passion and respect for life, inspiring others to make wise decisions to create lasting changes.
Pioneering Productions
Kokoro S/S 24
María Lafuente teamed up with Corc Yoga to present 100% organic cork fabric, symbolizing sustainability and regeneration. Corc Yoga is the first yoga mat in the world made from 100% organic and rubber-free cork.
Sustainable Architecture
María dressed the façade of the Ministry of the Environment of the Community of Madrid with banners from Real Madrid, El Corte Inglés, plastic waste from Canal de Isabel II, and SIGNUS tires, creating the first building intervened with sustainable architecture.
Cocoon Collection
In collaboration with Lowpoly and SIGNUS, María designed innovative pieces with TIRE-X, a material made from recycled tires.
Causalidad Collection
María used banners from the bicentennial of the Prado Museum, made by El Corte Inglés, at MBFWMadrid, transforming them into fashion.
PetSilk
In collaboration with AEG, she developed PetSilk, a 3D fabric made from recycled PET bottles.
Corporate Identity for the Spanish Olympic Committee
She designed and directed the execution of the uniforms for the first corporate identity for the Spanish Olympic Committee in the Madrid 2020 Olympic Bid, produced by El Corte Inglés.
Innovation in Sports and Fashion
Since 2017, María has been working on creating innovative products with a high fashion component for Paralympic athletes.
Project: Art and Culture for Human Rights
In 2020, María Lafuente's Alquimia S/S 2020 collection was included in the audiovisual project "Art and Culture for Human Rights" by the Master's Degree in Human Rights and Public Policies of the UNED University and the association LA CULTORA. This educational project analyzes good practices and their social impact, contributing to real and sustainable change. The series was broadcast on La 2 of RTVE and the UNED digital channel.
Social Synergies and Recognitions
Recent Recognitions
- Spring Colors, Madrid 2023: Recognition for her career.
- Designer of the Year, Nebrija University 2023.
- Pasarela Española, Madrid 2022: Recognition.
- PEFC Fashions Change, Forests Stay 2021: First ambassador of the project.
- Climate Reality Project Europe 2021: Invited to the forum and wardrobe for Laura Ferrer, TVE.
- Member of WAS (Women Action Sustainability) 2019.
- UN High-Level Political Forum, New York 2017: First designer to speak and show her work with PEFC-certified sustainable fabrics.
- Member of the Mad Woman Artistic Committee since 2016.
- Support for International Women's Day, ADYMO, Oviedo 2015.
- Hogar Don Orione Foundation 2015: "Help for Intellectually Disabled" campaign and MBFWMadrid show.
- Woman’s Week Foundation 2015: "Social Values" campaign and MBFWMadrid show.
- Oscar Pre-nomination 2016: Costume design for "Paranoid Girls".
Social Commitments
María Lafuente has been a godmother and supporter of numerous causes, including Sonrisas KCNQ2, ONG Harem Alde, campaigns against female genital mutilation and cancer, and the Red Cross. She has also participated in educational and awareness projects, working with organizations such as the Sandra Ibarra Foundation and Magia Abracadabra.
Collection lines
"DHARMA"
Dharma: A Tribute to the Purpose of Life
“Dharma” is a Sanskrit word meaning” purpose in life.” Inspired by this philosophy, Maria Lafuente's collection is a tribute to the search for personal purpose and the unique expression of each individual. Each “Dharma” design is a dialogue between fashion and the deep essence of our inner being, inviting viewers to reflect on their true purpose in life.
An Invitation to Life Purpose
“Dharma” is an invitation to discover our true purpose, celebrating the individuality and unique contribution of each person. Maria Lafuente weaves a narrative where each texture and silhouette is a hymn to authenticity and connection to our deepest purpose. This collection highlights the importance of aligning our unique talents with service to others, creating a positive impact on society.
Collection Philosophy
In a global scenario of continuous challenges, Maria Lafuente embraces the concept of “Dharma” to remind us that each person has a unique talent and a special way of expressing it. With an approach that honors integrity and constancy of spirit, “Dharma” rises at Fashion Week Madrid as a collection that closes the event with a message of introspection and hope.
Line of the Collection
The essence of “Dharma” comes to life through innovative and sustainable materials, shaping femininity in ethereal silhouettes that flow like nature itself. Adorned with handcrafted flowers and butterflies, architectural structures that play with depth and volume make up the soul of this collection.
Color Palette
The shades of “Dharma” blend into a palette that ranges from ecru, beige, makeup, white, peach, gold, pink and green. Each color has been selected to evoke a connection to nature and spirituality, creating a deep and meaningful visual experience.
Textures that Tell Stories
The carefully selected fabrics speak of sustainability and art. Textil Santanderina's tencel, with PEFC certification, joins linen, lace, delicate tulle and embroidery enriched with stones and ornaments. Each piece is a work of art, some of them intervened with María Lafuente's personal brushstroke. Ursula Garcia Lafuente, director of makeup and hairdressing, highlights in each creation the fusion between nature and our true essence. Through the beauty of flowers, their vibrant colors and delicate textures, she evokes the Dharma, that immutable and eternal core of our being. Her art invites us to reconnect with our soul.
Alliances to Create Value
Cement Design: María Lafuente presents “Dharma”, the first collection with Cement Design, a pioneer and world leader in eco-friendly decorative cement coatings. Its products, which use recycled materials such as glass, textile fibers or wood particles, stand out for their sustainability and respect for the environment. With materials such as Bioclay, Biocal and Cement Roll, Cement Design not only offers an exceptional aesthetic appearance, but also reflects its commitment to a more sustainable future.
SIGNUS: Reinventing Wheels: The collaboration with SIGNUS, a pioneer in tire reuse in Spain, underscores an innovative and eco-friendly approach to fashion. Each design by María Lafuente is accessorized with recycled tires, a story of transformation and environmental responsibility.
PEFC: Guardians of the Forest: María Lafuente, as ambassador of “Forest for Fashion”, weaves sustainability into every thread, collaborating with PEFC to dress the world with respect for our forests.
Conclusion
“Dharma” is not just a fashion collection; it is a statement of principles and a call to action. Maria Lafuente reminds us that true beauty lies in the deep connection between our roots and a more conscious and responsible future. The “Dharma” collection is a celebration of authenticity, sustainability and the search for purpose in life, setting a new standard in ethical and responsible fashion.