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Alejandra Valero x Antiqua

Alejandra Valero x Antiqüa

In the world of bridal fashion, where every detail tells a story, there are designers who go beyond aesthetics to connect with the emotional, the symbolic, and the deeply personal. In this interview, we speak with Alejandra Valero , whose career is woven from family legacy, a passion for craftsmanship, and a contemporary vision that transforms each garment into a unique piece. Her approach combines tradition and modernity with sensitivity, giving life to dresses that not only adorn but also tell a story.

Join us to discover the soul behind her designs, her inspirations, creative processes and that intimate connection she establishes with each bride, in one of the most significant moments of their lives.

What was your first approach to the world of fashion?

Fashion has always been a part of my life; it's part of my history and my family. My grandmother was an exceptional seamstress; she made clothes and costumes for me that, to me, were like little dreams, full of detail and dedication. She also owned a multi-brand store, and I fondly remember those days I spent with her, surrounded by fabrics, colors, and silhouettes, playing without knowing that this world would become my calling.

My mother has also always been involved in fashion, working in different areas such as styling, visual merchandising, sales, and design. Thanks to her, I grew up surrounded by creativity, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the craft.

That family legacy has undoubtedly been the origin of what is now my way of understanding fashion: a balance between tradition, craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Do you remember any image, story, or experience that marked the beginning of this journey?

From a very young age, I was passionate about transforming clothes; I remember always drawing, imagining, and giving them a new life. I loved searching for unique pieces that could last in my wardrobe, but I soon realized how difficult it was to find them… So I started transforming them or creating them from scratch. That need to create something unique, timeless, and special is exactly what I continue to do today in each of my designs.

Photos @teoricadelcaos @elhilodorado_wedding


How would you describe the balance between tradition and contemporary style in your designs?

In my designs, I seek an organic balance between tradition and contemporary style. I draw deep inspiration from cultural roots, artisanal crafts, and classic techniques, because I believe that fashion should pay homage to history and the know-how that comes before us. However, at the same time, I interpret these traditions from a contemporary perspective, incorporating modern silhouettes, innovative materials, and a fresh aesthetic that resonates with contemporary needs and lifestyles.

For me, this balance isn't simply a combination, but a conversation between the past and the present, where cultural identity is transformed into contemporary offerings without losing its essence. Thus, each garment I design carries a fragment of history, yet speaks the language of the present.


Photos @teoricadelcaos @elhilodorado_wedding

What elements do you feel should remain and which ones do you like to reinvent?

I feel that the essence, values, and identity conveyed by traditional crafts must remain: the handcrafted work, the details that reflect dedication, and the authenticity of the fine materials. I believe these elements connect garments to history and to something much deeper than just a passing trend.

On the other hand, I love reinventing silhouettes, combining textures, and exploring new forms of expression within fashion, always conveying beauty. I'm passionate about taking a vintage piece, like embroidery or a structure, and reinterpreting it with a fresh perspective, so that the design feels current, versatile, and connected to the present.

For me, fashion is constant evolution, but without forgetting the roots that define us.

In a moment as symbolic as a wedding, the dress becomes an extension of the intimate and the ritual.


How do you interpret that emotional dimension in your creative process?

For us, designing a wedding dress is much more than creating a garment; it's shaping a symbol imbued with emotion, history, and personal meaning. We understand that this dress represents one of the most intimate and transcendent moments in someone's life, which is why the creative process begins with listening to the bride: understanding the person, her essence, her story, and her vision for that day.

From there, we interpret their preferences in detail: the fabric, the silhouette, the embroidery, and the fluidity of the materials speak to the delicacy, strength, and authenticity of the wearer. Every stitch and every choice has an emotional purpose. We strive for the dress not only to beautify but also to embody that ritualistic significance, that symbolic "before and after" of the wedding.

My intention is that, when they look in the mirror, they fully recognize themselves and feel great.


Where do you find inspiration? Are there visual, literary, historical, or even sensory references that feed your imagination?

I find inspiration in many areas: in art, in architecture, in the details of nature, and above all, in the stories of the people I design for. I draw inspiration from historical references, the delicacy of artisanal crafts, and contemporary contrasts. Sometimes it's a fabric, a memory, or a reinterpreted classic silhouette that ignites my imagination. All of this translates into shapes, textures, and lines that seek a balance between the timeless and the contemporary.


What role does conversation with the bride play in the construction of a design?
How does her story or personality translate into the material and formal decisions of the dress?

Conversation is the essential starting point. Through it, we discover her personality, her essence, and how she dreams of looking on that day. Listening to her allows us to transform her preferences into concrete decisions: the choice of fabric, the silhouette... the details reflect her identity. Every element of the dress is born from this dialogue, so that when she wears it, she not only looks spectacular but also fully recognizes herself.

Photos @teoricadelcaos @elhilodorado_wedding


Could you tell us about a dress that has been particularly meaningful to you as a designer? Whether it's because of its technical complexity, its history, or its emotional significance.

The truth is, every dress is deeply meaningful. The simple fact that someone trusts our team to be with them on such an important day is, for us and the entire team, an honor and a great responsibility. Each design represents a unique challenge: interpreting their story, their essence, and their emotions through technique, materials, and details. That's why, more than just a dress, what we value most is the bond of trust that develops in each creative process.


What role do jewels play in bridal design and styling?
Do you see them as complementary, narrative, or even structural elements in the final look?

Jewelry plays a fundamental role in bridal design and styling, far beyond being mere accessories. From our perspective, we consider it a narrative piece that completes the bride's story, her essence, and her style. Each piece adds meaning, connects with the wearer's personality, and brings balance to the overall look. In some cases, it can even have a structural role, highlighting strategic points of light or accentuating lines in the dress design.

That's why, before designing the dress, we always ask if the bride will be wearing any family heirlooms that day, as these pieces often hold great sentimental value and we want to integrate them harmoniously into the design. If she doesn't have a specific piece of jewelry in mind, we offer guidance in its selection, ensuring that every detail—from earrings to rings, bracelets, or brooches—complements the overall look and enhances the design, always respecting the bride's personality and style.

Do you have a particular story that you remember with special fondness? A dress, a bride, an unexpected detail… something that has left a mark.

I have a very special affection for my own wedding dress, because without knowing it, it marked the beginning of what is now our company.

I've always been very close to my mother, and creating this together was an unforgettable moment, full of emotion and meaning. That process not only allowed me to experience firsthand what it means to design a unique dress for a once-in-a-lifetime day, but it also shaped our understanding of bridal haute couture: a design born from bonds, dedication, and shared dreams. Today, we bring that same experience to each of our brides, accompanying them on their own journey to create something unique and truly personal.

Photos @teoricadelcaos @elhilodorado_wedding
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