Meet Manuela Alonso | Industrial and creative designer of Leitmotiv

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuela Alonso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Leitmotiv arises from the need to generate a much more conscious, dedicated and detailed proposal. I am a clothing designer and I have always worked in design teams for different brands immersed in large-scale and high-speed production. Because of what I felt, that my personal proposal had to be more harmonious with the lifestyle that I intended to lead. This is how I start Leitmotiv, a new brand of handmade fabric.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I studied Industrial Design at the National University of Mar del Plata and specialized in Clothing. I have always remained curious and enthusiastic about learning different techniques, taking courses that complement the knowledge acquired, training for entrepreneurs, and different activities related to art and photography. I believe that it was this motivation that led me to work hard during the first years of my degree. One quality that I believe is essential for this profession is to be enthusiastic and proactive. Doing jobs to gain experience and contacts always kept me active and updated. Living in Buenos Aires, I studied Fashion Production at Mansion Aubele
and right away I started working on fashion shows for the most important designers, editorial media such as Harper’s Bazaar, Ohlala Magazine and advertising campaigns for leading brands. Which allowed me to network with creative agencies and fascinating media outlets.I really enjoyed the apprenticeship process, and I think we always have to keep that enthusiastic spark that constantly motivates us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the city of Mar del Plata, located 400 km from Buenos Aires. I grew up by the sea and I consider it a great source of inspiration. I started surfing about 3 years ago and without a doubt, I would recommend visiting the city and living the experience of paddling a wave and letting yourself be carried away by that feeling.
Mar del Plata offers a lot of gastronomic and cultural options to enjoy, my recommendations would be: a walk along La Rambla, to appreciate the exquisite architecture designed by Alejandro Bustillo, A visit to the Victoria Ocampo cultural center, A sunset at the beach viewpoint Waikiki and some signature drinks at night at the Tiki Bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, the person who has inspired me since I was a child has been my mother, who has always been very enterprising and creative. I think I have inherited his good taste and elegance. She is an excellent knitter and is currently my partner in the brand. We really enjoy creating new designs, looking for differentiated raw materials and exploring different techniques in dyeing and finishing.

Website: https://www.leitmotiv.ar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leitmotiv.oficial/

Other: muyleitmotiv@gmail.com

Image Credits
Anabella Di Leva