Interview with Nicolás Montenegro: the designer redefining bridal fashion with modern elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.
Nicolás Montenegro, a name that shines bright in the bridal fashion world today, launched his eponymous brand during the pandemic. Known for his exquisite craftsmanship and modern elegance, Montenegro’s bridal and eveningwear collections are quickly gaining the spotlight. In this exclusive interview, we will delve into his journey, his inspirations and the vision behind his designs.
After more than a decade in haute couture, what inspired Nicolás Montenegro to launch his own label, and how did his past experiences shape this decision?
As you’ve rightly pointed out, over a decade working in international fashion, with brands like Dolce & Gabbana, and studying at the Istituto Marangoni fashion school in Milan, have been instrumental in enabling me, personally as Nicolás Montenegro, to establish a brand that in just three years has become recognised as part of Marca España, Spain’s national branding initiative.
But to be completely honest, more than inspiration, it was about fulfilling my father’s last wish. My father, Juan Montenegro, passed away from Covid in 2020, and he made me promise to launch a namesake collection. So, on 11 April 2021, I launched my first collection, dedicated to my dad. And here we are today.
How does Nicolás Montenegro want his clients to feel when wearing his designs?
It’s not about what I want; it’s just what happens: my clients always tell me they feel empowered, confident and ready to take on the world. When I hear that, it moves me, because I never ask for feedback. It’s something they choose to tell me, and that’s the greatest reward I could receive.
Nicolás Montenegro has become the newest brand to be showcased at the Balenciaga Museum. How did this opportunity come about, and what was the experience like for the brand and the designer?
All the credit—and I mean all of it—goes to Laura Chamorro. She was the one who reached out to me, and she’s one of the most professional people I have ever worked with. It was a dream, and she made sure it became a reality.
I am extremely grateful to everyone in the Basque Country and across Spain who came all the way to Getaria to support me on such a big day. It was fascinating.
What is the creative process behind developing a new collection, and how does the brand’s approach to bridal gown design compare to other haute couture garments?
There’s no difference at all. The creative and production process is exactly the same—it’s all driven by heart and emotion. I always say that each of my designs is like a child to me. It may be an exaggerated metaphor, but that’s truly how I feel.
Is there a specific market or audience that the brand has found difficult to reach?
To be honest, there are still many markets to reach. I always say that Nicolás Montenegro is just at 1% of its potential, so you can imagine how much work there is still to do.
How does Nicolás Montenegro see the future of the haute couture industry, and what role does he envision for the brand in this specialised sphere in the near future?
Haute couture is a grand concept. Even though my dresses are crafted with haute couture techniques, I don’t like to label them as haute couture. I feel a little uncomfortable comparing myself to greats like Elie Saab, Valli or Valentino. Not showing in Paris doesn’t keep me up at night. I understand that Spain operates in a different, parallel reality when it comes to couture. I’m well aware of this and I’m very proud of Spanish couture.
