DALLAS, Dec 1, 2004/ FW/ --- Last June 23, designer Custo Dalmau of Custo Barcelona unveiled a one of a kind “art exhibit” in Milan entitled “Fashion Paint.”

Created in collaboration with Andy of the Bluvertigo, “Fashion Paint” is composed of 12 paintings measuring 1 meter by 1 meter each.

Each individual painting is part of a giant jigsaw puzzle wherein each piece can be moved around and have different subjects depending on the position. Call it, “Rubik’s Cube ala Fashion,” if you want.

Last September in New York, when Custo Barcelona presented its Spring 2004 collection, designer Custo Dalmau raised the bar on fashion as an art form when he used the clothes as the canvas for art.

Known for its innovative prints, the Custo Barcelona label changed the concept of what a T-shirt is from the day it was launched.

The Dalmau brothers, Custo and David “mixed images and impressions,” silk-screened on shirts in a juxtaposition that made the shirt a canvas for art instead of just clothing.

Two decades had passed since then, and the two brothers had not only perfected their art, they have also raised the levels of their creativity.

The Spring 2004 collection is a case in point. It’s not just the print anymore. It also involves cut and tailoring.

From the midriff top and A-line skirt worn by Carmen Kass to the long-sleeved mini-skirt with a jewel top adorned with an impressionistic print of a woman’s face, worn by Karolina Kurkova, Custo Barcelona’s art includes the human form in its execution.

Designer Custo Dalmau has extended it to accessories too with the oddly shaped handbags, which surprisingly are also functional and conversation pieces at the same time.

With this level of creativity, it is not surprising that Custo Dalmau received Italy’s Fashion Oscar Award for Creativity last July 4, the first ever Spanish designer to get the award.

Back home in Spain, “T de Telva,” one of Spain’s most prestigious woman’s magazine gave Custo Dalmau the “Best Spanish Designer Award” last October 20th.

With all the kudos that Custo Dalmau has been receiving, the best comes from Custo Barcelona’s fans and clients. They have continued to support the label.

Custo Barcelona flagship stores are being opened all over the world. The two latest are the Custo Barcelona boutique in Manhattan, located at 47 Broome St at SoHo.

Last October 3, Custo Barcelona opened its doors in Tokyo, at the prestigious Kita-Aoyama shopping district.

Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona