Not many can point to a luxuriously chic summer spent across the mountains in Spain, the Mediterranean, Brittany, and a pop-up in the Hamptons—though not many are natural tastemakers like Maria de la Orden and Blanca Miró, co-founders of independent Spanish label La Veste. By the time they officially joined forces to found their shared brand in 2018, a collaborative project felt like the natural next step in their half-decade-long friendship.
The pair initially met six years prior—when de la Orden was working on her line Mau Loa, which she founded in 2014. As time went on, the two also became increasingly prominent fixtures at Paris Fashion Week, and the synergy between them was clear.
Both Spanish-born entrepreneurs—Miró is a stylist and influencer, and de la Orden, an influencer and designer—were inspired by local textiles, colorful mid-century patterns, and a deep appreciation for the vintage and designer clothing that they grew up with. “We love getting lost in vintage shops and exploring the treasures hidden in our grandmothers’ wardrobes,” both tell ELLE. “But above all, we’re inspired by the everyday—by proactive women and the rhythm of our daily lives.”
When it came to establishing the foundations of La Veste, self-expression, craftsmanship, sustainability and “nostalgia reimagined” were the core tenets. Adds the pair, “What fills us with the greatest pride, however, is our strong commitment to local production. We spend time getting to know each maker. It’s not just about production, it’s a creative collaboration. Often they suggest better ways of doing things, or even inspire tweaks in the designs.”
Across each of their projects—and there are many—their keen sense of style is undoubtedly the guiding hand behind the fresh and appealing designs. In addition to La Veste, de la Orden is a co-founder of her own namesake brand with Laura de La Révélière. She also works on an independent headwear and accessories label, Maison Ola, which de la Orden describes as a “side project,” with co-founder Gregory Mizele. “I feel both of my brands—Maria de la Orden and La Veste—truly reflect my personal style,” she says. “I love classic pieces, but I always like to add a twist. That’s why I enjoy mixing the timeless elegance of Maria de la Orden with the playful, more daring spirit of La Veste.”
In tandem with La Veste in 2018, Miró and Rafa Blanc co-founded Vasquiat, an e-commerce platform dedicated to independent designers reflective of her own style. (The platform has since shuttered, but Miró’s ethos as a businesswoman and designer remains the same.) Now, she also operates a Greece-based sunglasses brand with Olivia Álvarez, which she describes as “inspired by architecture,” and runs an Instagram page “À table! by Blanca” that shows off her casual curatorial abilities. The page provides apt inspiration for La Veste’s home line, which includes placemats, napkins, and tablecloths.
Since La Veste’s inception, the indie label has steadily amassed a following, transforming the duo’s shared seedling of creativity from a digitally exclusive cult favorite to a breakout star of the burgeoning market for Spanish contemporary brands. Over seven years, the two have sold in Galeries Lafayette, collaborated with Gucci for Gucci Vault, and opened a brightly decorated boutique in Paris.
One glance at their personal Instagrams, and it’s clear how the pair’s naturally eclectic tastes shape both their companies and their day-to-day lives, drawing fans to their infectious authenticity. Travel, scouring vintage markets, and gathering family and friends all form the stepping stones of inspiration that lead to their designs.
The key to hosting the perfect party? It’s much like building a brand, and Miró and de la Orden take a similar approach. For the former, theme and ambience are everything: “It helps me set the tone. I love mixing vintage tableware with fresh flowers and homemade dishes. If it’s a nighttime gathering, lighting becomes everything: candles everywhere, always. I’ll have good music playing in the background and make sure there’s something sweet to end the evening.” De la Orden echoes this: “It’s all about setting the tone — thoughtful details make the biggest difference. I like to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere with beautiful lighting, seasonal food, and good music. It should feel effortless, even if it’s been planned with intention.”
Unsurprisingly, it’s the quirky little personal touches that bring it all together.
