Zara: modern clothing for women everywhere.
In just half a century, the Spanish label Zara has risen up the ranking of the most successful clothing brands on the planet in terms of sales. The concept: to propose pieces inspired by leading fashion houses at prices everyone can afford. It is a tactic that has won over young women in the four corners of the globe.
From a family workshop in Galicia to global triumph.
Legend has it that at 14 years of age, Amancio Ortega made a negligee for his girlfriend, not having enough money to buy her the one she had set her sights on. It was apparently during a providential trip to Zadar, in Croatia, that the idea for the name "Zara" came to him. The first store opened in Spain in 1975. The brand then went international: in 1988 a store opened in Porto and the following year one opened in New York. In the space of a decade, the label created collections for men and children. A line of Zara perfumes was also launched, as was Zara Home, a range devoted to interior decoration.
In 2011, Amancio Ortega left his position as CEO. The baton was passed to Pablo Isla, the former Assistant CEO. The new CEO really wanted to convey the spirit of simplicity that characterises the House via Zara blousons, tops and dresses. He instigated a new way of living fashion, with new collections coming out almost every month instead of every season, in order to follow the latest trends more closely. Far from being a discount brand, Zara is popular amongst celebrities, who regularly show up wearing outfits by the label. Like Kate Middleton the day after her wedding to Prince William. To date, the label has over 2,500 stores, spread over 80 or so countries.
Pieces graced with all-round simplicity.
Although Zara established its reputation with good-quality basics sold at affordable prices, the brand's offering today includes virtually anything to be found in a woman's wardrobe, from blouses and skirts to lingerie and swimwear. Mono colour basics have given way to colourful and original pieces, inlaid with sparkles, for example.
Making a choice among the vast range of Zara clothing is very hard. The brand's aim is to allow fashionistas to pick up a piece here and a piece there to put together an amazing outfit, but without endangering their bank balance. If we absolutely had to prioritise, however, Zara's little dresses would come first. Mono colour, with more or less fitted cuts, dazzling motifs... they are well-designed and easy to wear. The simplicity of Zara sweaters, which soon reveal themselves to be indispensable, also goes down very well. The oversized cardigans give outfits a lovely casual feel.