Hours before the premiere of “La verbena de la Paloma” at the old Apolo Theater, its composer, Tomás Bretón, doubted its success. He had taken on the commission reluctantly and out of commitment, crafting the score in bars and taverns in just nineteen days. Critics did not believe that Bretón, known for his seriousness and operatic compositions like “Los amantes de Teruel,” could capture the lively and festive spirit of a verbena. However, when the curtain rose, the zarzuela not only met but exceeded expectations, combining tenderness and delicacy in an unprecedented masterpiece.
This same approach to folklore, with respect and provocation, defines the trajectory of Palomo Spain, the brand led by designer Alejandro Gómez Palomo. Inspired by the famous zarzuela, Zalando has teamed up with Palomo Spain to create “La Verbena del Palomo,” an exclusive capsule collection that captures the carefree, summery spirit of popular festivals. This genderless proposal is infused with vivid colors and 70s inspiration. “Our goal was to create a collection that combines the mastery, craftsmanship, and dramatic spirit of Palomo Spain with an urban and modern design that connects with Zalando,” says Riccardo Vola, General Manager of Italy and Spain for the fashion and lifestyle platform.
With the made in Spain label at its core, the collection is a refreshing and urban reinterpretation of Palomo Spain’s most iconic pieces and the Andalusian imagery at the heart of the brand. Singer Amaia Romero and actor Hugo Arbues star in this irreverent skit, crafted with warm colors, floral prints, embroidery, and raffia fabrics. Iconic pieces include the daring Ass-Air pants, which expose even more leg, and the Mini Castellana bag, which with a simple fabric twist, transitions from the office to embrace summer.
Alejandro Gómez Palomo explains: “We want the customer, when wearing these garments, to feel transported to those warm summer nights filled with music and celebration, surrounded by friends and community.” Exactly the atmosphere of Zalando’s traditional Verbenas.
The collection was unveiled at the Zalando Verbena, the traditional party where the fashion platform kicks off the summer. Available exclusively on Zalando starting Monday, June 10, this third edition of the summer verbena was one of the most anticipated events of the year. Artists such as Julieta, Israel Fernández, and Paula Cendejas were part of the groundbreaking orchestra, while the festival grounds were filled with the most interesting personalities from the Spanish scene.
The collection includes must-haves like the escapist Mini Castellana bag, a tank top with a twist, a multiposition scarf to brighten any look, the short and washed version of the iconic Mick jeans, and a “Berber” set for summer’s sleepless nights. Additionally, it features an all-terrain basket bag that transports us to summer, the coveted Parker set from the Cruising in the Rose Garden collection in a Mediterranean key, a bucket hat that can withstand the elements, and a colorful and practical wallet.
Thus, “La Verbena del Palomo” not only pays homage to Tomás Bretón’s famous zarzuela but also celebrates Spanish summer culture through vibrant and modern fashion, capturing the democratic and romantic spirit of popular festivals.