EMMA ROWEN ROSE: Elegance as a Principle

EMMA ROWEN ROSE: Elegance as a Principle

By Laura Martínez

The Parisian designer with Valencian and Polish roots is redefining the concept of elegance through Rowen Rose, her brand that explores new ways of standing out through fashion. Color, timelessness, and sophistication intertwine in her designs, which clearly reference icons like Prada and Chanel — two of her favorite labels. We spoke with Emma about her dreams and goals, the influence of family, and the cultural blend that shapes her personal and creative world.

Tell me, how did your journey in fashion begin?

ER: This might sound a bit strange, but I never actually wanted to start my own brand. What I really wanted — from the moment I started studying fashion at Marangoni in Milan, right through to the end — was to design for Chanel. I’ve always been fascinated by Karl [Lagerfeld] as a person: incredibly disciplined and hardworking, which is something that defines me as well. After graduating, I worked for different brands and published an open portfolio to showcase my work. Out of the blue, Lady Gaga contacted me to dress her, and then a major U.S. buyer reached out too. That’s when I thought, “Wow, maybe what I’m doing is resonating with people,” and I decided to go for it. That’s how it all started—completely by chance and not my initial plan. Although, I have to admit, the dream of becoming creative director at Chanel has never really left me (laughs).

Chanel is timeless, so you never know. I read that you love filmmaker Luis Buñuel and even drew inspiration from him for your latest collection. You’re also passionate about Lorca’s work, clearly a nod to your Spanish heritage. But what do you draw from French culture as a source of inspiration?

ER: I’m obsessed with French poetry—Paul Verlaine, for example. It’s probably the form of French art that inspires me most because it’s my native language. I absolutely love Buñuel’s films, as you mentioned, and also Almodóvar, who amazes me. I think that strong presence of color in my collections might come from there. Spanish music also inspires me a lot—for instance, I love flamenco. Even though that influence isn’t really visible in my collections (laughs), I still love it. I even danced flamenco when I was little.

What part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?

ER: The journey itself. In the end, I pour my soul and my life into this project, and I’m lucky to have a team that pushes things as far as I do. It’s similar to when you’re creating a hotel—you think about everything, down to the smallest detail: the story behind it, the audience you’re targeting... We do the same. Creating that atmosphere that surrounds everything is what motivates and excites me the most about the creative process.

Who has been the person you've been most excited to dress?

ER: That’s an easy one: Beyoncé. The Queen (laughs). She’s also a very loyal client who’s bought many of our pieces, and I’m incredibly proud to have made that kind of impact on someone I admire so much.

Tell me something you still want to do.

ER: So many things! I’d love to focus on an interior design line or collaborate on the design of a space. I think it would blend really well with the Rowen Rose universe, and it’s something I’ve always been interested in. I find the idea of translating my creative vision—something I’ve been developing for so long—into a physical space really exciting.

Last year, I spoke with Pepa Salazar about runway shows, and she told me how much anxiety they give her. How do you handle that aspect?

ER: I completely understand that feeling, even though I haven’t done a show with Rowen Rose yet. Any artist who puts their inner world on display is bound to feel that emotional crash after the high—and the massive pressure—that comes with preparing a show. It’s funny you ask me that now because I was recently given the opportunity to do my first runway show. Nothing is confirmed yet, but I’m really excited because it would take place in an incredible historical location in Milan. I’m very hopeful it will happen. So maybe next time we talk, I’ll be able to tell you all about it.