To anyone who thinks of fashion as a frivolous pursuit, a single conversation with Diana Saldaña, creator of the Madrid-based sustainable design label Royal Caballito, would likely change your mind. “With a fashion label, decisions have important consequences for others, and small actions can add up to real change,” Diana says. “When I started Royal Caballito, it felt natural to me to pursue sustainability and to try to create something I felt good about and proud of, something that would reflect what I stand for. I also believe that making items in a sustainable way creates community and inspires others to do the same—and that producing and consuming mindfully is a huge step. We definitely all have a part to play.”
Diana’s designs use only natural-fiber yarns sourced from a traditional Italian mill that meets European fair-trade and wage-regulation standards, and she works side by side with artisans in a family-run workshop just a few miles from her studio to produce the garments she sells. “My aim is to create a product that is as beautiful as it is functional and ethical, that you can wear and keep in your closet forever.”
With each choice she makes, Diana is living her ideals through her work—and the world is taking notice. Just this year, Royal Caballito received the Sustainable Fashion award from the British Council. “I am truly thrilled that my project has been recognized, along with all the hard work I’ve done in the past four years to make Royal Caballito happen,” Diana says.
Read on to learn what—and who—inspires Diana most, and shop the Royal Caballito collection.
Did you always want to be a designer? How did you get your start in fashion?
All my life, I was on a search to find my best-suited creative medium. I attended drama school while also studying art history, my other passion. It was not until much later, when I was in my thirties, that I realized it was textiles—both surface design and fashion—that truly made me feel giddy, and that let me find my purest creative voice.
I don’t have any formal training in fashion, except for one six-month intensive master course. However, I feel that my experience as an art historian and curator prepared me well for what I do now. It helped me develop an eye for shapes, color, and harmony, and that has definitely had a major influence on my patterns, color palettes, and designs.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Minimal but bold, playful and dreamy, effortless, delicate, fresh, timeless, graphic, and uplifting. Clothes that make you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful.
How often do you produce a new collection, and what is that process like?
I like to begin with a feeling, and then to choose a color palette that reflects that state of mind. This always leads me to find other images in my head, and from there on it feels like building a character. I enjoy this part immensely!
In the past, I have produced two collections per year, but as I’m drawn more and more to the idea of creating seasonless pieces, I have begun to reconsider my collections. It feels like this could be an exciting new period for the brand.
Where and when do you feel most inspired?
I’m most inspired in the midst of nature—especially near the sea—or when I’m surrounded by objects or events that move me, whether that is art, architecture, crafts, music, traveling, or a simple found object from my walks.
I was very lucky to grow up surrounded by creative people, from adults who had turned their passions into their full-time jobs, to my friends who were already starting indie bands, fanzines, and music labels in their late teens. All of these different examples were influential for me, and an important push to go find my own creativity and to always be open to inspiration.
Do you ever do any creative collaborations, and if so, what was one of your favorites to date? Who would you love to work with on a project that you haven’t already?
I think creative collaborations are one of the most fun things to do when you have a label, and even more so if you have the opportunity to collaborate with your creative friends. One of my favorite experiences has been to partner with some of my female musician friends—including Britta Phillips (from Luna), Josephine Ayling (from Boat Beam), or Ana Naranjo (from Linda Mirada)—who are true muses to me. Through them, I have been able to express the type of woman I identify with, while at the same time showing examples of real and inspiring women.
A dream collaboration could involve Miranda July or Susie Bubble: They’re both amazing and free-spirited in their own way.
Who are some of your creative heroes or design role models?
I have many, but one of my very favorites is Sonia Delaunay. Her use of color and geometric shapes is out of this world. I love how she was an artist whose production extended not only to painting, but also to clothing, textile design, furniture, and stage set design, and how her work broke down traditional distinctions between the fine and applied arts.
What have been some of the most exciting moments or proudest achievements of your creative career thus far?
Among the things that make me most proud is to have managed to grow a loyal clientele—I think that is probably the best indicator that things are being done well. To know that there are women building their wardrobes with my pieces, and that Royal Caballito’s purpose, ethos, and aesthetic corresponds with their own, is very gratifying.
Another special moment was when I started to realize that what I do interested people who I admire. This includes the retail stores that carry Royal Caballito—I am a big fan of all of them—and it still makes me excited to know that my garments are there, being sold next to some of the labels that I admire most. And, of course, the British Council award has also been an incredible source of pride!
What are some of your goals for the future of your business or your creative work?
I would like to continue putting my heart and soul into what I do and to keep growing organically, with no hurry, making products that I feel good about. It feels like a real luxury to be in a place where I can continue to explore and expand our sustainable practices and my knowledge of craftsmanship, as well as ways of empowering more women within the fashion industry. Finally, it has always been a fantasy of mine to find the time to grow our line into other textile surfaces and products.
Follow Royal Caballito on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
All photographs courtesy of Royal Caballito.
45 comments
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 3 years ago
LOVE the Miau and XO pieces in your line, Diana! Congratulations on receiving the Sustainable Fashion award from the British Council....such an honor to be recognized for the elements you value so highly in creating your line. Many blessings for your continued success! :D
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 3 years ago
Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop. I wish you much success :)
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 3 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 3 years ago
Gorgeous designs, congratulations and continued success to you!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 3 years ago
I love your designs, especially your twilight dress! Congrats on the feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 3 years ago
Unique style, congrats on the feature!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 3 years ago
I really like the simple, unique design. Six-month intensive master course can get you to this point is really amazing.
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 3 years ago
I like the simple lines and yet remarkable designs. Congratulations Diana of shop Royal Caballito!
DeUno from DeUno said 3 years ago
Beautiful design! Congratulations on the feature!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 3 years ago
Gorgeous patterns!! Beautiful line of wear!! Congrats on the fashion award and on such a lovely feature!!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 3 years ago
I like your Twilight Dress! All cotton and so feminine! I wish you much success and enjoyed reading about your shop.
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Anna from bellecaprice said 3 years ago
Sonia Delaunay is also my longtime favorite. Love your Lluvia top and skirt. Congratulations on the feature.
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 3 years ago
Beautiful designs! Congratulations on the feature.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 3 years ago
Great work! Congrats!
massaira from massaira said 3 years ago
You have nailed a mix of simplicity, geometry and also playfulness, not an easy task and quite unique, congratulations!
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 3 years ago
I'm so impressed with your commitment to sustainability, and organic growth. I also love that you are seeing the benefits of a season-less line of clothing - in San Diego, California, we are practically season-less, too! ; ) Congrats on all of the success and sustainability. You are inspiring!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 3 years ago
All around interesting ~ Beautiful designs Cheers to much continued success ~!~
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 3 years ago
I can always tell how a person feels about their work by the way they talk. Diana you are an inspiration and I wish you much success with your lovely clothing line!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 3 years ago
Very unique line of designs! Congratulations on the feature!
iomiss from iomiss said 3 years ago
Diana guapa!! Que bien ver verte aquí. Lo mereces. Tu marca es preciosa y tu más. 😘
Renee from RandMhandmade said 3 years ago
I can see all the care you put into each item..beautiful! Love your shop!!
Isabell from isabellpony said 3 years ago
I have bought from Royal Caballito before, and it makes me so happy to see the brand featured here! Diana is one of the most inspiring women, and love love the aesthetic of RC and the amazing quality of the materials she uses. No wonder she won the British Council Award! Mmm, I think I need a new piece now :)
M B from BeachStudio7 said 3 years ago
You were definitely meant to do this. Beautiful designs. Congrats!
Liene from SilkArtbyLiene said 3 years ago
very cool designs
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop and pieces! Congratulations on the feature!
Gladys Stradella from Thosojewelry said 3 years ago
Beautiful designs! Congratulations on the feature.
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle said 3 years ago
Beautiful designs!!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 3 years ago
Love your work. It is beautiful!
Sadia Khan from Gemsandjewells said 3 years ago
Nice Collections.
R. Anne from LnRworks said 3 years ago
Great shop! Congrats <3
Helen from Gem2theiVintage said 3 years ago
Amazing Fashion designs. Congratulations!!!!!
Jenni said 3 years ago
Querida Diana, You are knowledgeable, brilliant, marvelous, powerful, heartwarming, gracious, immensely talented, true to your convictions, and an inspiration to all. Now the world gets to adore you (almost) as much as I do! :) Endless congratulations--may Royal Caballito continue to soar to new heights! Con todo el cariño, Jenni
Etrennes from Etrennes said 3 years ago
Beautiful designs! Wishing you all the best to continued success!
Eleni from PlexisArt said 3 years ago
Sooo beautiful design! Congratulations on the feature!
Cat Encio Dolls from CatEncioDolls said 3 years ago
Congratulations ! Cat ><
Mar Alcazar from Onamaiart said 3 years ago
Good job! I like your shop, congrats on your featured :)
Ольга Мелехина from MagicflowerDesign said 3 years ago
.Good job! I like your shop, congrats on your featured !!!
Eleni from PlexisArt said 3 years ago
Lovely shop. Congratulations on the feature!
Roxanne Vigil from RLBabyDesigns said 3 years ago
Love your designs! Beautiful feature.
Emma Youth said 3 years ago
Oh, wow, Royal Caballito, I love the name and your designs are so exciting!! What a good interview, felt very inspired by it and you definitely have a new fan here! Congrats
merav gitelzon from PapersStuffCom said 3 years ago
love it
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 3 years ago
Love your cat pattern !
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 346 days ago
Great feature. Congratulations!