Flamenco Dresses

The capital of Andalucia, Sevilla, was one of the first to house a 'flamenco school'. Andalucia itself is considered the birthplace of original flamenco. Today, the 'Feria de abril de Sevilla', the spring fair, remains strong in popularity.

Probably the most infamous bull fighting festival on earth! Six days of fiesta, from Tuesday to Sunday, around the second week of April. However, for most, the party really starts on the Saturday, and Monday does not exist! Daily parades are held, ending at the "Plaza de Toro", that's the bull ring to you and me! Everyone, who's anyone in Sevilla, will be a part of that parade. The 'Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla', is the most ancient bull ring in Spain. Then from nine in the evening, until the early ours, it's wine, food, dancing and song. Traditional dress is still favoured by many. For the women, flamenco dresses, for the men, a suit. Known as the 'traje de corto', the valero style short jacket and tight trousers with boots.

The flamenco dress is actually the accepted, regional and traditional, dress of Sevilla. Originating from the nineteenth century, around 1847, at the 'Feria de abril de Sevilla'. Worn by the women who accompanied their men to the fair. Like most things in Spain, the party often becomes more important than business, the livestock were ousted, but the dress code remained! At the same time, flamenco was beginning to gain recognition worldwide, accepted as an art for, executed by professionals. The flamenco dress became a frequent sight on stage, later becoming more and more diverse. Elaborate embroidery, jewellery, lace and shawls were added, making the flamenco style complete. Traditionally, the dress was 'polko dot'(translated, small spots) and had a tight fitting bodice with lots of layers around the hemline. Like any other attire, the flamenco dress is also subject to trends! In the sixties even a mini skirt version was designed! By the eighties, the style became more 'baroque', lots of lace and satin. During the nineties, it became more simplified. Lighter materials, more wrapped around than cut. The polko dots replaced by plain colours, and modesty became less of an issue.

Now, the more traditional styles are coming back. Black, white or red 'polko dot' still being firm favourites. Although today, more and more diverse variations are being created by some extremely talented designers. A two piece set is becoming a more popular choice, and the spots aren't so polko anymore! The shawl, the elaborate jewellery and the hair, are all important 'accessories'. Flamenco is now an industry, as well as an art. A multi million dollar industry at that, and a specialist category. In Sevilla, Lucchino and Vittorio design some of the most exclusive flamenco dresses in the world. Twenty designers, ten thousand people and eighteen cat walks make up Sevilla's international 'flamenco fashion show'. The 'Salón Internacional de Moda Flamenca'.