Iraia Oiartzabal DESIGNER

In December of 2017, Casa Ciriza of Pasaia was home to one of the most eye-catching and exciting haute couture fashion shows that have been organized in recent years in the Basque Country: designer Iraia Oiartzabal presented a complete collection of delicate and elegant wedding dresses against an industrial backdrop transformed by the painter Juan Luis Goenaga. This fashion show was part of Pasaia Rabanne, an exhibition that was, in reality, a spiritual and emotional journey through time which connected the life and background of the people of Pasaia with that of one of its prodigal sons: Paco Rabanne.

Both having been born in the same village but some generations apart, Paco Rabanne and Iraia Oiartzabal have developed their careers in the world of fashion, both with relentless passion for haute couture. Specializing in wedding dresses and party gowns, Oiartzabal has her atelier in the center of San Sebastian. High-quality fabrics, attention to the detail, and meticulous finishing touches are what make her dresses true high-fashion creations at a time when the demand for exclusive, custom-tailored dresses is on the rise in the Basque Country. Her talent brings back the tradition of seamstresses from years gone by, but with a modern twist. In the end, as Paco Rabanne himself said, “fashion is not a game or a question of a couturier’s willingness: it is a moment in civilization.”