The most cane sweaters and scarves this winter are created by this Bilbao and their mother sells them in their store

Hay hijos que cultivan desde niños las pasiones de sus padres y luego mantienen vivo su legado, pero este no es el caso de Alberto Eguíluz, bilbaíno de 29 años. De vez en cuando, echa una mano a su madre, Begoña Echevarría, en su boutique de moda, arte y decoración, Galería 8360, que regenta desde hace dos años, en el número 23 de la calle Fernández del Campo de Bilbao. Pero nunca se involucró en el negocio, ya que decidió labrarse su propio camino en el mundo de la comunicación audiovisual y en el panorama musical, ya que es bajista del grupo vizcaíno Vulk. «Pero gracias a la música y a la estética de las bandas punk rock, empecé a sentirme atraído por la moda», confiesa. Aportaba sus ideas en las camisetas del grupo, pero no fue hasta que el coronavirus le obligó a quedarse en casa y canceló muchos de los proyectos que se traía entre manos cuando este joven inquieto se dispuso a diseñar su propio jersey. «Llevaba tiempo fantaseando con dar forma a un modelo, ya que los de las tiendas no me gustaban y no cumplían mis requisitos, así que como me sobraba el tiempo, aproveché la oportunidad», indica. Pero lo que nunca se imaginó es que terminaría fundando su propia firma, bajo el nombre 'Toca Toca', y que sus jerseys y accesorios se harían un hueco entre las especiales prendas que ofrece Begoña en su comercio.

During the first weeks of confinement, Alberto began designing the sweater through graphic design, so that a sewage would then make it.But in that creative process, he conceived many models and noticed that he could launch his own firm."I was specifying different aspects, from his logo to the name," he says.And since the quarantine did nothing but lengthen, Alberto also had time to find a factory specialized in wool, located in Sabadell (Barcelona), to produce his designs.«This is a workshop that allows small orders for small firms.When I could leave Bizkaia, I went to visit her.They explained how the garments and point types that existed.After the visit, I decided to carry out the production process with them, ”he details.

Alberto Eguíluz's first collection, under the name KDT (refers to the first range in the army), is composed of three Mohair sweaters with camouflage print: the 'Alpha' model in pink, the 'parachute' in black and the'Big Boy' in red."I have sought to deconstruct military aesthetics with the use of bright colors and soft tissues," he says.These are quality garments, with distinctive design and that do not understand sexes or ages.The sweaters cost 250 euros.

Complete the collection with two accessories: a backpack and a scarf.«Looking for the right 'packaging, I designed a macuto that my mother made in the gallery and in which I adhered by hand the logo of the firm.It seemed like a very useful article and I also decided to market it, ”he says.On the other hand, as a collaboration, Alberto devised a reversible scarf with his girlfriend, designer Julene Gregorio, who has supported her and guided her during the project: «We thought we were a good idea to launch a joint complement to publicize herhomonymous signature and mine, ”he explains.In the accessory, the logos of the brands appear on the one hand and, on the other, the colorful camouflage of the jerseys that Alberto has devised is appreciated."This print also alludes to the spots of the cows because Julene's new collection is a tribute to her grandfather, which was livestock," he adds.

Alberto admits that founding a firm and launching a collection in just nine months has meant a lot of work and effort."And more when you are alone, I have eaten it all from beginning to end," he says.Of course, he thanks all the people who have helped him, from his partner, Julene, to Markel González, from Hemen, signature with store and workshop in the Viejo Casco."He went almost a week to his study to guide me," he recalls with a laugh.Without forgetting his mother, who made a hole between the special garments of his store."Actually, I was looking for some jerseys to incorporate into the store for the winter and proposed it to me," he explains.Today, Begoña exhibits in her store's showcase the garments and accessories of her son.«For me it is very exciting, it is something that I thought was never going to happen.And the truth is that they are working, people like them, they call a lot of attention on the window and people enter, ”he says proud.

The collection garments and accessories are also sold through the brand's website.And since they launched, at the beginning of December, Alberto admits that they have had "good acceptance", despite the fact that "not everyone is willing to pay 250 euros for a sweater" and that he is still starting.At the moment, the garments that he devised with such dedication during those days of confine."They are aimed at those who appreciate local and quality articles," he says.After enjoying the process of creating his first collection and once he has put his foot in fashion, he hopes to develop his signature "as far as he can get and beyond".In the future, he would like to collaborate with different artists to shape other lines and warns that he will not be pigeoned in devising sweaters: "I do not promise that all collections are that soft".