CELEBRITIES FETE DESIGUAL'S 40TH YEAR
words by FELICITY CARTER
Irina Shayk, Demi Lovato, Zara Larsson, Ester Expósito, Vivian Jenna Wilson and Nicki Nicole joined Desigual in Ibiza as the Spanish fashion brand celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first store and launched Desigual Vintage, a limited-edition collection revisiting some of its most recognisable archive designs.
Held on the island where Desigual opened its first store in 1986, the event served as both a look back at the brand's history and a statement about its future. While much of the fashion industry spent years embracing minimalism, Desigual's remained committed to colour, individuality and self-expression. Today, as Y2K aesthetics, maximalism and nostalgic fashion continue to dominate trends, the brand finds itself perfectly aligned with the current cultural moment.
The evening centred on the theme "Love Is the Answer," a message that's long reflected Desigual's values of creativity, authenticity and optimism. Guests gathered for a performance by creative collective People Watching, followed by dinner and fun festivities, complete with partying at Pacha into the early hours, all to celebrate the brand's distinctive identity and enduring connection to Ibiza.
A particularly symbolic moment came with the return of Irina Shayk, who worked with Desigual early in her career more than a decade ago, and her appearance underscored the event's theme of coming full circle, mirroring the renewed interest in Desigual's archive among younger generations.
And that resurgence has inspired Desigual Vintage, a collection that reimagines some of the brand's most recognisable prints, silhouettes and artistic codes. Drawing from original archive graphics while updating proportions and construction for today's consumer, the collection channels the spirit that first made Desigual a standout name in fashion.
Desigual Vintage was developed in collaboration with one of the brand's longest-standing manufacturing partners in India, where hand embroidery, yarn-dyeing techniques and positional prints remain central to the production process; it's those details that give the collection a direct link to the craftsmanship behind many of Desigual's original designs.
As you'd expect, fashion took centre stage throughout the evening, with guests showcasing key pieces from both the new collection and current Desigual designs. Irina Shayk wore one of the night's standout looks, an oriental-inspired ensemble pairing a sleeveless floral knit top with a glossy mini skirt in rich brown, black, orange and gold tones. Demi Lovato opted for a sophisticated midi dress combining a black knit bodice with a geometric-print sarong-style skirt, while Zara Larsson embraced a festival-ready aesthetic in a halter mini dress featuring a vibrant floral print in electric blue, violet and pink.
Other guests highlighted the breadth of the collection's aesthetic. Ester Expósito chose a white Desigual Vintage dress featuring handwritten illustrations and the phrase "Love Is the Answer", while Vivian Jenna Wilson paired a floral top with a handcrafted mirror-embellished sarong skirt that brought a bohemian edge to the evening. Nicki Nicole opted for a flowing asymmetrical dress in warm Mediterranean tones inspired by Ibiza's sunsets and landscapes, rounding out a night that reflected the brand's colourful and expressive spirit.
