Arquímedes Llorens: A celebration of upcycling, luxury and sustainability
There is something refreshingly exciting about stumbling across an emerging designer. When I met Venezuelan-born designer Arquimedes Llorens, many years ago, I was instantly drawn to his collections centred around sustainability and craftsmanship. With over 15 years of experience, he has become a true visionary in the Spanish fashion scene, blending classic silhouettes with cutting-edge techniques. Today, his passion for sustainable fashion shines through in a brilliant collaboration with Fashion Space, where he's breathed new life into dress shirts by upcycling them for a fresh, modern look.
Future Classics: Reworking Pre-Loved Garments
When mending and making clothes seems like an act of rebellion, upcycling is the epitome of creativity and conscious consumption. It transforms discarded pieces into unique, statement-making garments, challenging fast fashion and celebrating sustainable style.
The concept of upcycling combines three core concepts that I am deeply passionate about. Empowerment, the reinvention of existing pieces, and the bold creativity that defines emerging designers.
When the idea for an upcycled collection popped into my head, there was only one designer who could kickstart this initiative with the pizazz and spark it deserved. Arquímedes Llorens. From the initial briefs and rough sketches to the finished re-designed garments, Arquímedes has fused notions of tailoring with sporty, contemporary styles to create must-have pieces with timeless appeal.
A dress shirt for every occasion
The shirt dress has long been a key piece in business attire (and continues to be in some professions), typically paired with a dark suit, whether a two-piece or a three-piece with a waistcoat. Traditionally, these shirts come in classic white, light blue, or soft pastel hues, often with subtle stripes or delicate patterns. The dress shirt has also become a hero of androgynous fashion, effortlessly styled with loose-fit jeans for a laid-back, chic look. And of course, it’s iconic as the ultimate "morning after" outfit—perfectly embodying that effortlessly stylish, “about last night” vibe.
As you can see, it is a wardrobe staple and the ideal blank canvas for Arquímedes’ creative vision. Over the years as a vintage fashion collector, I have also amassed a significant collection of men’s shirts and suits, most of which I offer for sale through my vintage shop.
Some of my vintage dress shirts have found their way into the hands of Arquímedes. While always respecting the original collar and cuff details, classic designs get upgraded with details like fluorescent ribbon tape webbing, pocket square test samples from his Scissorhandz SS2020 collection and alterations to the silhouette. The result? A statement piece that’s as versatile as it is innovative. Whether dressed up or down, his designs elevate the everyday wardrobe to something truly special. All while reducing clothing waste.
“Made In Spain” A Design Philosophy
Aside from our upcycled collaboration, Arquímedes Llorens prides himself on his local outlook on fashion while removing traditional gender barriers and focussing on creating bespoke designs made accessible to all.
From Caracas to the Spanish capital
After graduating in fashion design from the Colegio Universitario Monseñor de Talavera in Caracas, he launched his eponymous brand, specialising in made-to-measure designs for those seeking exclusive and unique pieces. In 2010, he opened his first Atelier in Madrid, showcasing his expertise and bringing his artistic vision to life through capsule collections. His designs have graced the pages of renowned magazines like OXXO, Cosmopolitan, Yodona, MIA, VIM, Cool Korea, and more, with his pieces being worn by public figures at high-profile events like the Goya Awards, and celebrities such as Paris Hilton.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a sustainable story
His hand-painted ties, which quickly garnered attention for their artistry and craftsmanship, became a standout feature of his collections. However, in 2017, his career took a turn when relocated his design studio to Santa Cruz de Tenerife where he counted on the support of the EMPRENDE MODA TENERIFE collective. 2018, saw the launch of his first collection at the Feria Internacional de la Moda Tenerife, featuring an innovative upcycling technique in collaboration with the recycled jewellery brand ARTAPS. This marked the beginning of a more sustainable and forward-thinking approach to his designs.
A return to Madrid, the Arquímedes Llorens Fashion and Art Atelier
After many happy years designing in the Canary Islands, Madrid became the home of the Arquímedes Llorens brand once again. But, this time with a fashion and art atelier that doubles as the ALL Sustainable Fashion Space. This space, a collaboration between Arquímedes and myself, unites national and international brands that produce sustainable collections that create a greener future for fashino. In this cooperative space, you can explore one-of-a-kind collections that celebrate creativity and sustainability. And, if you are a designer, you can rent a part of this showcase space and benefit from help with logistics, exposure, sales and social media marketing.
A design philosophy that combines style, storytelling and sustainability
For Arquímedes, creating goes beyond simply designing garments—it’s about telling stories, exploring subtlety and seduction, and creating fashion that resonates with the essence of individuality. He designs with strong, independent individuals in mind creating garments that emphasise simplicity with structure, playing with layers, intricate cuts, and complex patterns. When I think of Arquímedes, I see a designer of change, trailblazing a concept where he is creating not just garments, but works of art that challenge and inspire.
