1. Please introduce who you are and what you do in 2 sentences.
My name is Pedro Palmas, I design female prêt-à-couture, and swimwear for men and women.
2. How would you describe your current mood?
Quite positive, optimistic, and wishing for a solution to this worldwide problem soon, that is the most worrisome thing at the moment.
3. What effect has Covid 19 had on you and your business?
A) At first, it has been a shocking heavy blow at a personal level, which has made me reconsider many things short- and long-term at a vital level.
B) My business has been affected just as that of the rest of fashion entrepreneurs, due to a halt in projects - which will be reactivated of course -, a suspension of the showcasing of collections at fashion shows, besides a delay in manufacturing and sales. Even though all has been postponed, we haven’t suffered any cancellation, on the contrary, we have had new appointments for different sales.
4. What effect had Covid 19 had on your supply chain (if relevant)?
On temporary pause.
5. What has been the biggest challenge during this period of lockdown?
Basically, to get up to speed with pending work-related issues, to design new projects, and to reinvent ourselves.
6. What have you done during lockdown to innovate?
We have taken the challenge of the fabrication of medical equipment for different institutions upon request.
7. What small act of kindness has someone shown you or that you have shown someone during the lockdown?
The fabrication and donation of face masks for different centers in need of them.
8. How do you think this crisis will affect the fashion industry?
Like everybody, I think there will be a setback in the economy, but I think it will all get soon back to normal.
9. How do you think you will need to do things differently in your business post lock down?
Opting for a more sustainable fashion, although in my last swimwear collection 2020, the swimwear materials are made with recycled bottles gathered from the sea floor. Also I have started using eco gauze for some of the wedding and ceremony dresses. Also re organising our on line sales.
10. What would you advise our/your followers to keep their spirits up during lockdown?
A lot of high spirits and serenity. To invest this time in creativity as an escape valve, and most of all, to rethink a healthier kind of life and with a more responsible attitude of consumption.
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