Quick Summary
- 1Paris/64, a Spanish handbag and footwear brand, was founded by María Alfonso and José María Pozas after leaving successful careers in marketing and finance.
- 2The company operates from its own factory in Illueca, Zaragoza, following production challenges in Ubrique.
- 3Paris/64 has achieved significant success in the United States and Japan, with plans for new stores in Paris and Tokyo.
- 4The founders have criticized the 'Inditex effect' in Spain, which they believe undervalues craftsmanship and quality.
Quick Summary
Paris/64 has emerged as a standout name in the world of affordable luxury accessories. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, this Spanish brand is making waves far beyond its home borders.
With a clear vision for international growth, the company has successfully navigated production challenges to establish a strong presence in key global markets. Their journey highlights a strategic pivot from corporate careers to artisanal manufacturing.
From Corporate to Craftsmanship
The brand was born from a deliberate career shift by its founders, María Alfonso and José María Pozas. Both had built impressive careers in Spain, with Alfonso in marketing and Pozas in finance, before deciding to launch a venture of their own.
They envisioned a company that would operate on a large scale from the very beginning. This ambition led them to establish Paris/64, a firm that produces not only handbags but also prêt-à-porter and footwear.
The founders were united in their resolve to face any obstacles head-on. Their background in business strategy provided a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of the fashion industry.
"Our country is wonderful to live in, but at a productive and consumer level, it is very complex. And very hostile for an industry like ours. The 'Inditex effect', which makes people consume fashion as a service without valuing craftsmanship or quality, is much more powerful here than in other countries where their prices are more expensive."— María Alfonso, Co-founder of Paris/64
Production Challenges & Solutions
Establishing a reliable manufacturing base proved difficult. The brand initially faced numerous problems while producing in Ubrique, a town historically known for leather craftsmanship.
In response to these hurdles, Paris/64 made a strategic decision to bring production in-house. They opened their own factory in Illueca, Zaragoza, ensuring greater control over quality and logistics.
This move was central to their operational model. By owning the production process, the brand could guarantee the standards required for their luxury positioning.
Conquering International Markets
Paris/64 was designed with a global outlook from its inception. The brand has found particular success in two major markets: the United States and Japan.
These regions have embraced the brand's concept of accessible luxury. The success abroad validates the founders' initial ambition to create a large-scale enterprise.
Looking forward, the company is setting its sights on further expansion. Plans are already in motion to open new stores in Paris and Tokio, cementing their international footprint.
A Critical View on Spanish Fashion
Despite their success, the founders hold a critical view of the domestic market. María Alfonso has been vocal about the challenges of operating in Spain, describing the environment as complex and hostile for their specific industry.
She points to the influence of major retailers like Inditex as a significant factor. According to Alfonso, this creates an 'effect' where fashion is treated more like a disposable service than a crafted product.
Our country is wonderful to live in, but at a productive and consumer level, it is very complex. And very hostile for an industry like ours. The 'Inditex effect', which makes people consume fashion as a service without valuing craftsmanship or quality, is much more powerful here than in other countries where their prices are more expensive.
This perspective highlights a tension between mass-market consumption and artisanal value, a dynamic Paris/64 navigates by focusing its premium offerings on international audiences.
Looking Ahead
The trajectory of Paris/64 demonstrates the power of a clear vision combined with operational resilience. By moving production to their own facility in Zaragoza, they secured the quality necessary to compete in the luxury segment.
Their success in the United States and Japan proves there is a strong appetite for Spanish craftsmanship abroad. With new stores planned in Paris and Tokyo, the brand is poised for its next phase of growth.
Ultimately, Paris/64 serves as a case study in building a global brand from the ground up, challenging the prevailing consumption models in its home country while thriving internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paris/64 was founded by María Alfonso and José María Pozas. Before starting the brand, Alfonso worked in marketing and Pozas in finance, both building successful corporate careers in Spain.
The brand produces its goods at its own factory in Illueca, Zaragoza. This move was made to resolve previous production issues encountered in Ubrique and to maintain strict quality control.
Paris/64 has found success in the United States and Japan. The brand is planning further expansion with new stores slated for Paris and Tokyo.
María Alfonso has criticized the Spanish market as hostile for artisanal industries, citing the 'Inditex effect' which she believes prioritizes fast consumption over craftsmanship and quality.
