Teresa Helbig
The Helbig universe turns 30
Teresa Helbig has reasons to celebrate: she has been in business for three decades and has become one of the most admired designers in the country. A journey that, for several years now, has been supported by Iberia. To mark this anniversary, the winner of the 2023 National Fashion Design Award looks back on the most iconic moments of her brand. She does so with her usual coolness and good vibes.
The Teresa Helbig brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style. And with good reason. A quick glance at her career, which we’ll take alongside the designer herself throughout this article, is enough to confirm this. She has chosen the five most significant milestones of her journey and, in her own words, takes us back to those moments to better understand what happened, what she thought, how she felt… Some of these milestones involved the collaboration of Iberia through its Talento a bordo initiative. “What’s unbelievable is that three of these five iconic moments also came about thanks to Iberia. It has been, is, and will be our great travel companion,” she acknowledges. This designer from Barcelona has been an ambassador for the airline since 2019, when she was chosen to design its new uniforms, becoming the first woman to do so. And no celebration is complete without a proper party… Organised in collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar, it will take place on the 29th of April in an iconic mansion on Calle Serrano in Madrid. Alongside more than 120 guests, Teresa will make a toast and blow out the candles.
“What’s unbelievable is that three of these five iconic moments also came about thanks to Iberia. It has been, is, and will be our great travel companion”
1. Opening 080 Barcelona Fashion
“In 2007, we opened the first edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion with a collection called Capri. It turned out beautifully, but was extremely short because, since we didn’t have a model, I was wearing the clothes myself. The funny thing is that, in the end, they attracted a lot of attention precisely because of that. It was our first time walking the runway, our first time opening ourselves up to the outside world. Until then, we had been rehearsing. It was a massive production, and I have incredible memories. Our collection was entirely different from the others because, in that edition, the trend was towards an Antwerp style, and ours was more Parisian. We were chosen because there were French people among the jury, and they were thrilled with it. The staging was done by some Japanese designers and was very simple —with sheer, billowing white curtains— but it looked absolutely gorgeous. The garments were very intricate… I remember we assembled metal spikes and sewed them on one by one. We were already imprinting what would become our DNA. I was blown away by the number of people who came to the show, including all our customers. Chema [Paré] led the whole thing. It was magical. I have incredible memories, and I still love those clothes so much.”
2. Off to Los Angeles, off to Hollywood!
“The first time we launched a collection in Los Angeles was in 2019, and it was a hit. Imagine! We’d already been working with clients there for a while… We’d dressed Gwen Stefani, Halle Berry and Zendaya. Spanish talent is highly valued in that city, and we felt like they were calling us. If someone calls us, we’re there (laughs). We launched the collection at a cutting-edge store —with actress Maggie Q in attendance— and we did interviews and photo shoots at Chateau Marmont. In fact, something really funny happened at Chateau Marmont: since we had issues with our room, we were given the villa, a place where big Hollywood actors stay. We had two floors, several rooms, a kitchen… We also arranged a dinner at an Italian restaurant with top stylists. It was our first trip to Los Angeles, and we really made a strong impression. By the way, the second time we went, we ran into two actors we adore, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe.”
The new Iberia uniforms were launched at the 71st edition of MBFWMadrid, in January 2020. © Iberia
Teresa Helbig confesses that her designs seek comfort without sacrificing style. © Iberia
Iberia employees enthusiastically received the different styles created by Teresa Helbig. © Iberia
From paper to reality: Teresa Helbig’s sketches of Iberia’s new uniforms. © Teresa Helbig
3. Creating Iberia’s Uniforms
“I think it’s the most incredible thing that’s happened to us in these 30 years… Truly. When the competition was announced, I told the team: “We’re going to win.” I was certain that we were going to work so hard and do so well that they would love it, that we were going to create the most fashionable, most comfortable, most timeless uniform. The idea was for it to be professional, excellent, meticulous… But also very chic, aesthetically stunning. There was a reason behind everything, from the colours to the pattern design. Imagine the moment when they announced we had won. The process of creating the uniforms was so much fun: we spent time with all the different Iberia staff, understanding their needs. We wanted the uniforms to adapt to all body types and be as comfortable as possible. On the day of the show at MBFWMadrid, I was a bag of nerves. I felt a mixture of excitement and pride. The Iberia employees loved it and were utterly committed. They smiled, clapped and cheered. To mark our 30th anniversary, we’re recovering footage for a documentary, and looking back at the show, you’d be amazed by the number of looks we created. We still love it now, that’s the key.”
4. A Dream Come True in Paris
“Every designer dreams of walking the runway in Paris, the most challenging and demanding market. Iberia stood by us, and I have nothing but words of gratitude. Everything that has happened with them is incredible. I feel really proud to belong to this family and to see how they nurture talent, which is an admirable goal. The project was wonderful, and with their collaboration, we were able to capture a very significant moment for our brand. The presentation of the 1832 Sur Mer collection took place at the former Pierre Cardin Museum, located in the Parisian district of Le Marais, and we had numerous models. It was one of the longest shows of our career. We felt we hadn’t done enough; we wanted to give it our all and poured everything into it. It wasn’t enough for us to simply fulfil our commitment; we wanted to go the extra mile because they were betting on us and valuing our work.”
One of the moments from Teresa Helbig’s spectacular fashion show in Paris, where she presented the ‘1832 Sur Mer’ collection. © Gaspar Ruiz Lindberg
Inspired by 'Les Misérables', it was presented at the former Pierre Cardin Museum, located in the iconic Parisian district of Le Marais. © Teresa Helbig
Designer Teresa Helbig thanks the audience for their applause at the end of her first fashion show in the French capital. © Gaspar Ruiz Lindberg
Many well-known figures, such as actress Macarena Gómez, singer Luz Casal and writer Elvira Lindo, supported Teresa Helbig. © Gaspar Ruiz Lindberg
Teresa Helbig climbs the boarding stairs of the Iberia aircraft, an A350, which has been named after her. © Iberia
5. A Plane Called Teresa Helbig
“A plane with my name on it… It blows my mind. My father would have been amazed… and you wouldn’t believe how my mother feels about it (laughs). When Iberia told us they were going to name one of their A350s after me, I couldn’t believe it. I think I came across a bit flat —they must have thought I was unimpressed— but I just couldn’t grasp something of that calibre. It’s unbelievable! Leading up to the fashion show in Paris, the plane took off from Madrid with all those we love and admire on board. Important women such as Leonor Watling, Macarena Gómez, Luz Casal, Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, and Elvira Lindo. What’s more, the captain gave a beautiful speech. It was the perfect gesture. What a shame I didn’t get to experience it myself, thank goodness it’s on video! We were already in Paris working on the show. We experienced it through the people who were on that plane because they were telling us what was happening. Even today, when a client sends me photos from that trip, I’m still in shock.”
Many happy returns! Congratulations, Teresa.
