How gimaguas Became One of Fashion's Favorite Brands
We speak to the founders behind Barcelona’s rising star.
Most fashion fans and it girls will be more than familiar with Barcelona’s gimaguas, but for those who aren’t, allow us to introduce you to them. The brand was founded in 2018 by twin sisters Claudia and Sayana Durany and is named after the Cuban word for “twins.”
Taking inspiration from endless summers, shared experiences and its Spanish sensibility, the brand blends Mediterranean influences with hits of nostalgia and contemporary design. Over the years, gimaguas has become known for cult-loved silhouettes like its studded Franca bag, shiny Claude dress and — most recently — its neoprene ballet flats.
Below, we caught up with the founders to find out more about the brand’s journey so far, the story behind its viral pieces and its goals for the future.
Read on for the full interview.
Tell us a bit about the story behind Gimaguas. What was the catalyst for you in starting it?
The bond between us as twins. The love for fashion, aesthetics and our curiosity towards the world when we were 20 years old.
What does the name mean?
Twins, in Cuban.
Where does your inspiration come from?
It comes from everyday life – cinema, architecture, and the people around us. We also get a lot of inspiration from our friends and from weekly flea markets, when we’re just observing.
Over the years, the brand has become so known for its Franca bag. What can you tell us about the process behind creating this product? Why do you think it’s become such a favourite?
The process was all about playing with contrasts. We loved the idea of taking a very thin, soft, almost second-skin leather and pairing it with metal studs. It created this perfect balance of hard and soft.
As an independent fashion brand in a world dominated by newness, how do you avoid getting sucked into trends and the fast fashion landscape?
We focus on the idea of the uniform and paying attention to detail in the everyday wardrobe. Staying true to our own rhythm.
How does inclusivity play a part in your design process?
It’s about feeling powerful and comfortable. Creating pieces that serve as a tool for self-expression. We want people to bring their own attitude to the garments, making the pieces their own.
Finally, what’s next for the brand? What are some of the future goals?
We look forward to so many things – but a big dream and future goal is opening a permanent store in the United States. We’ve done pop-ups there, and the community response has been incredible, so creating a permanent one feels like the natural next step for us.
