The celebrations marking Spain’s National Day in 2025 were held on a grand scale at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Alongside the traditional military parade, public attention was drawn to a reception hosted by the royal couple. This year, the event was further distinguished by the debut of Infanta Sofía, adding historical significance to the occasion. Among the hundreds of invited guests, Manuela Villena, a political scientist from Granada and wife of the President of the Andalusian regional government, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, stood out. Her appearance did not go unnoticed, as she used this high-profile event to showcase refined taste and to support domestic designers.
For such a significant occasion, Mrs. Villena chose an ensemble that can be described as an ode to Andalusian fashion. She appeared in an outfit by the renowned brand IQ Collection, known for its ability to blend classic silhouettes with avant-garde details. The centerpiece of her look was an elegant suit from the ‘Goya’ collection. The gray jacket, named ‘Celestina,’ featured strong shoulders, an original ruffle at the hem, and a delicate velvet bow that added a touch of romance. This was complemented by ‘Narváez’ trousers made of black taffeta, adorned at the cuffs with decorative buttons reminiscent of jewels. This stylistic choice not only followed current trends but also demonstrated a deep understanding of how fashion can serve as a tool of cultural diplomacy.
The finishing touches to the look were chosen with equal care. In her hands, Manuela carried a small “Violeta” handbag by the Seville-based manufacturer Dorantes Harness. This vegetable-tanned leather accessory, according to its creators, is inspired by vintage brush cases once attached to carriages. The bag’s name is a tribute to a descendant of the brand’s founder. The functional and versatile design of this piece highlighted the overall understated elegance. On her feet were shoes by Franjul—a Madrid workshop renowned since 1947 for blending artisanal tradition with bespoke design, creating custom footwear in the very heart of the capital’s literary quarter.
Thus, every element of Manuela Villena’s wardrobe that day carried a specific message. It was not just a well-coordinated outfit, but a carefully considered statement in support of Spanish manufacturers, with a special focus on her native Andalusia. In the atmosphere of an official reception—where every glance and gesture matters—such an elegant patriotic gesture became a vivid example of how fashion can serve as a powerful instrument of communication, telling a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary Spanish identity without a single word.
