Get to Know Gala Gonzalez's Eco-Responsible (and Sexy) Label Amlul
Figurehead of the Made in Spain influence with a community of over 1 million followers, Gala Gonzalez explains how her label Amlul gained a fashion following from the likes of Clara Berry, Iris Law, and Suki Waterhouse.
A logical extension of the blog that propelled it, Amlul brings together the expertise, sense of style, and the eco-responsible commitment of its founder, the influencer turned entrepreneur Gala Gonzalez. Aware of the current challenges, the she defines herself as "the best ambassador of the brand and at the same time her best intern." Here, Gonzalez talks with L'OFFICIEL and reflects on the beginnings of Amlul, the lessons learned during the pandemic, and the importance of Spanish know-how.
L'OFFICIEL: As a fashion and style expert, how did the idea of launching your own brand come about?
Gala Gonzalez: Fashion has always been part of my DNA because my family has been working in it since the '80s. The day I was admitted to Central Saint Martins in London, I knew that fashion was going to follow me forever. It took me over 10 years to explore and study the market to transform my Amlul blog into my own seasonless fashion label.
L'O: Your label was born in 2019—what have you learned since and how have these lessons impacted your business?
GG: Amlul was born before the pandemic, long before the concept of "seasonless" became a fashion concern. For us, it was about creating comfortable and eclectic pieces, so 2020 has been a very successful year for us. We passed our first year of life as a company during a difficult period and have grown steadily since.
L'O: Your label is based on sustainability, with 100 percent of your production based in Spain. What motivated this aspect of your business?
GG: I lived abroad for 17 years. I have always been considered a foreigner and over time I have learned to what extent the Made in Spain concept is a real guarantee of know-how and quality. When I decided to launch Amlul, it was a key principle of the project: to share and export what we Spanish do best. If you care about what you eat, then you should also care about how your clothes are made and where they come from.
L'O: How do you explain the growing interest of the fashion sphere for Spanish brands like yours? In other words, what do Spanish designers have that no one else has, in your opinion?
GG: For years our country lacked unity among Spanish citizens. For the first time, we are beginning to feel this spirit of union, solidarity and pride under our flag. There has always been growth in Spain but the difference today is that we are expressing it in a stronger way to an audience ready to hear it.
L'O: What inspires your style?
GG: Strong women, who don't do too much. The kind to wear timeless loafers.
L'O: What's your favorite piece from Amlul's current collection and how would you wear it?
GG: I love our Fento dress, which I first designed last summer but just now released. I've always wanted a dress like this: sexy yet elegant, ready to adapt to everyday needs. Exactly like me.
L'O: What are the upcoming projects for Amlul?
GG: Since our beginnings, we have always worked with other artisans to create new things and give a platform to these artists. For summer 2021, we are launching our first line of upcycled shoes in collaboration with Pedro García as well as an exclusive capsule collection with French embroidery artist Sarah Espeute. And that's only the beginning!
