– Between flashes, fashion and something more than design –
Sometimes you go to cover an event with a clear idea of what photos you want to take home. But there are nights -like the Mallorca Design Day at the Fàbrica Ramis– that throw you a bit off your game. In a good way.
I arrived in Inca with my backpack loaded and my camera ready. I knew there would be parades, awards and a lot of posturing. But I didn’t expect to find such an authentic and dynamic atmosphere.
As soon as you entered, you were greeted by the staff who directed you to your seat, where I met the colleagues we usually meet at these events. From where we were, we could see a futuristic ‘Lola’, the event’s virtual assistant, greeting us from a screen. A few minutes later, Isabel Jiménez, with the fluency of someone who has been on stage for many years, took the reins of the gala. A tribute to design in all its forms.
The first part of the evening was for food design. The video they showed – a kind of gastronomic journey – surprised me quite a lot. People were staring at the screen with a ‘wow’ look on their faces.
Moments of the presentation of the honorary awards by Raquel Arañón and Roberto Verino’s speech.
Then came the honorary awards, with names such as Roberto Verino, Lázaro Rosa-Violán and Tomás Alía. Although I’m not much of a follower of fashion or interior design, listening to them thank them for their recognition in that friendly tone, without pomposity, made me think that sometimes long careers also have something poetic about them. Or maybe it was the warm light on the stage that had me in nostalgic mode.
And then, the catwalk.
Aina Bennasar’s collection, with its transparencies and lichen-inspired fabrics, forced me to change my angle. Not only because of the aesthetics, but also because of the way the clothes moved: fluid, but with intention. I like it when fashion not only looks, but forces you to look twice.
The collections of Milla Kaplan, Aida Quetglas and Gemma Sintes followed. Each with their own universe, but all sharing something very local: that mix of tradition and a look to the future. As a photographer, I appreciate it when there is a narrative behind the visual, because you can see it in every detail, from the pose to the texture of the fabric.
The winner, Verónica Lagares, closed with a dystopian collection where the robotic and the emotional went hand in hand. Curious how something as cold as technology can be used to talk about empathy. I took several photos trying to capture those small gestures that give dynamism to each show.
Prizes were also awarded for interior design and landscaping projects. I was particularly struck by Belén Sánchez López, with her concept of woven nets as a meeting place. Something very visual, very organic, which reminded me of certain installations I photographed a few years ago in Amsterdam. The landscape design, signed by Belén Martínez Balagué, was more sober but just as beautiful, above all for its respect for the environment.
The gala was closed by Raquel Arañón, founder of the festival, who spoke proudly (but without boasting) about the growth of Mallorca Design Day. It was clear that this was not just her job, but something that is close to her heart.
For my part I don’t have much more to say, I always try not to miss this event. It is an event that I am very fond of and I appreciate the effort that everyone puts into making it stand out in terms of quality and originality, always bearing in mind and respecting the local product and talent.
Text and Images: Villegas Photo
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