Esteban Cortázar is no longer a rookie, he’s started a new label Donde Esteban, he is exploring new approaches to making clothes, approaches that more accurately represent his real life. “This is an idea that’s been brewing in my mind for a long time,” the designer explained on a recent Zoom. “Donde Esteban is truly a reflection of my personal life, my upbringing, my culture, my roots, my family, my friends, my community. It has turned my life into a brand and into a project that feels very authentic and personal. It really blends things together.” Cortázar was born in Colombia, grew up in South Beach in the ’90s, and has since split his time between Paris and Ibiza.
The first Donde Esteban collection launches today. Chez Esteban “Esteban’s House” in French, or “Esteban’s House” in English, has a lot of essentials for resort wear. Crisp cotton voile button-down shirts, silk slip dresses, cotton jersey hoodies, and cashmere blend knits are all made with bold landscape prints in collaboration with her father, painter Valentino. “He always said to me, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we made a plate together?’ Or a collection of scarves? Now my dad is older and I don’t think he’s really able to give credit to my dad. I felt like I wanted to do something that I could do,” Cortázar added. “Every time I go to his studio, I always look through his paintings, drawings, sketchbooks. Putting it all together and making it into something like a permanent collaboration with him honestly fills my life with joy.”
