The Congress of Deputies has introduced new uniforms for ushers, produced by Peris Costumes, a Madrid-based company known for film and TV wardrobe. The three-year contract is valued at nearly €900,000 and covers over 2,400 garments.
The Congress of Deputies has rolled out new uniforms for its ushers, turning to Peris Costumes, a Madrid firm renowned for its work in cinema and television, to supply the garments. The contract, worth €892,956 and set for three years, covers not only the production of 2,498 pieces for ushers, maintenance staff, and medical personnel, but also includes regular dry-cleaning services. The move comes as the parliamentary session is about to resume, with both deputies and support staff returning to the lower house.
Peris Costumes, based in Algete, south of Madrid, is the same company behind the armor in 'Gladiator II' and the coats in 'La sociedad de la Nieve'. According to the Official State Gazette (BOE), the company is responsible for every detail of the uniforms, from jackets and trousers to buttons and ties. The design remains unchanged from previous years, but the production process is meticulous: most items are crafted in-house by a team of 31, while certain specialized pieces, such as tie pins, are outsourced to subcontractors. Production times vary, with some garments taking just half an hour and others requiring several hours to complete.
Peris Costumes has a long history of working with public institutions, including the INAEM (Instituto Nacional de Artes Escénicas de Madrid). The company notes that uniforms for official bodies often require unique details not typically handled by standard textile manufacturers. While the Congress contract was awarded through a public tender, the company considers it a relatively minor project compared to its larger clients in the entertainment industry.
The tradition of ushers wearing uniforms in the Spanish Parliament dates back over 150 years. The 1851 Internal Government Regulations established the requirement for uniforms, specifying gold-trimmed jackets, blue trousers, and tricorn hats. Today, the uniforms are adapted for both men and women, featuring navy blue jackets with gold buttons and the constitutional crest, matching vests, white shirts, and blue trousers with gold trim. There is also an option for a skirt, pleated at the front and adorned with four gold buttons and the crest. For formal occasions, such as high-profile visits, ushers wear a ceremonial version with additional detailing and a choice between short and long jackets, depending on the season.
Uniform maintenance remains strictly regulated. As outlined in the 1854 Regulations, staff are required to keep their uniforms in good condition for three years and are prohibited from wearing them outside official duties. Lockers inside the Congress building are provided for storage, and uniforms are collected every two weeks for cleaning—except for medical staff uniforms, which are picked up daily. The contract specifies nearly 7,000 annual ironing services and requires the company to supply two garment bags per worker for proper handling and identification. While the uniforms are produced in the same workshops as those for Hollywood productions, they are kept separate in both storage and cleaning processes.
Spain's growing reputation as a hub for film and television production has brought increased attention to companies like Peris Costumes. The sector's expansion is evident in other regions as well, such as Alicante, where major international productions have generated significant economic impact. For example, a recent Disney project in Alicante was credited with boosting the local economy by over €40 million, highlighting the broader influence of the audiovisual industry on Spain's economy and job market. The Congress contract with Peris Costumes underscores the intersection between public institutions and the creative sector, reflecting both tradition and the evolving role of Spanish companies in global production networks.
