October 2008

Spanish Fashion plays an important role in international catwalks and Paris, London, Milan and New York are witness to the work of our great designers. Philately, for second year running launches a four stamp issue depicting haute couture outfits by the well known designer Pedro Rodriguez.

Spanish fashion

Considered to be a sculptor of fashion and one of the most famous couturiers of the XX century, Pedro Rodriguez (Valencia 1895- Barcelona 1990) devoted his long life to the art of dressing. As a boy he learned to make his first stitches in the best tailor’s shop in Barcelona and later on went on to work in Rabaseda’s atelier where he learnt all about women’s couture. In 1919 he set up his own atelier with his wife Ana María, a professional couturier and began his career in the world of haute couture setting up in 1924 his atelier in the Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona. In 1929 he showed his collections in the Palacio Nacional de Montjuich, coinciding with the Feria Internacional de Muestras and became the most important couturier of his time. In 1937 he opened a showroom in San Sebastián and two years later in Madrid. His collections were showed in the most important catwalks in Europe and America obtaining international recognition and his showrooms were visited by the high bourgeoisie, the aristocracy and famous American film stars. The arrival of the industrial quality clothing industry in the late 60’s began to slowly displace haute couture and forced Pedro Rodriguez, as well as other couturiers, to close down his atelier.

The souvenir sheet depicts, from left to right and from top to bottom, a ball dress (1968-1970) with bodice, belt and a silk chiffon skirt hand painted in orange, pink and red degraded tones. The bodice is fitted and has cord shoulder straps. Next, there features a strapless dress (around 1947) with a full skirt in satin with jet and sequin embroideries reproducing floral motifs. At the hem there’s a flounce in silk tulle. From the 60’s there’s a chiffon dress with dots and flowers with a V-neck and a bow at the nape. Finally, there features a dress and coat in pink crepe. The coat has an embroidered strip with geometric motifs at the neck and cuffs. The images have been provided by the Museo del Traje (Dress Museum) in Madrid.