Meet Cozarllado - Handbags Inspired by Spirituality and Femininity

Raquel Cózar is the creative force behind COZARLLADO, the label she founded after studying fine art and fashion design in Madrid, Milan, New York, and New Delhi. Each of her handbags evokes a unique spirit inspired by vibrant colors of India and the whitewashed structures of Ubrique, Spain.

Her creations are made for the woman who appreciates adventurous shapes, finishes, and textures. COZARLLADO believes in a balanced creative world where all voices are heard, and transgressive exploration is celebrated, not scorned.

What's your name?

Raquel Cózar Lladó.

Where are you from?

Madrid.

Describe your signature design style in five words.

It’s about finding a way to express what I think and feel about spirituality and femininity through handbags for women who care about who they are and what they are here for.

What's your biggest source of inspiration?

Spirituality and femininity.

Do you think true innovation in fashion is still possible?

Yes. Innovation is always there, but our duty is to find the balance between innovation and tradition, future and past, technology and craftsmanship.

What role does the commercial aspect play for you? Does it limit your creativity?

Of course! The commercial aspect is as important as the creative aspect, but these are two completely different tasks. The problem is that if you are a creator, it’s very unnatural that you are also a commercial person. So, if you have to do all the work by yourself, it’s just simply too much work to do. You need a team where someone is in charge of the commercial aspect and is able to understand your creativity and make the most of it.

What other art forms inspire your collections?

I graduated in fine arts before I studied fashion design. I specialized in sculpture. I love the 3D forms and admire how some painters use color, how they create their color palettes. I also find inspiration in textiles and arts and crafts from Spain and other nations I’m attached to like India, Chile…

Do you prefer to follow or subvert trends?

Subvert them.

Do you thrive off of spontaneity or careful planning?

I love planning carefully in advance though I usually change the schedule, and nothing turns out as planned...hahaha. I enjoy being flexible and adapting to the unexpected events that I encounter.

How do you deal with creative blocks?

I connect to myself and revise what I am here for.

Are you a romantic person?

Yes, indeed. Romantic because I enjoy dealing with emotions, past times, other époques, and history. I tend to idealize the old times when there was not so much digital technology, including mobile phones and social networks, times when paper letters were in use.

Do you prioritize aesthetics or functionality?

Aesthetics always come first. If you don’t find the design beautiful, what’s the point in making it functional?

Did you undergo a formal design education?

Yes, fine arts and fashion design in Madrid, Milan, and New York, and leather handbag design in Ubrique, Spain.

Do you think collaborations between companies and designers are cash plays or real attempts at innovation?

I think these are more cash plays, but innovation gets in the way.

Do you gravitate more toward designing for men or women?

I definitely gravitate towards women. I feel I can understand women much better than men.

What first made you passionate about fashion?

I absolutely fell in love with fashion shows when I was around thirteen. I was fascinated by the catwalk pictures I saw in magazines. The different looks on the models - how the same model was transformed from one style to another was amazing - how collections were built to transmit new aesthetic messages as well as so much beauty.

Once you’ve mastered a certain style, is it difficult to continue evolving it?

Yes, but whenever you feel you are not evolving, it’s time to move on to another style.

Do you work better alone or on a team?

Usually alone, but I really enjoy interacting with others and sporadic collaborations.

What is your favorite film?

I love films! I can’t choose a favorite one. Sorry! For example, I love Anna Karenina by Joe Wright.

Do you have any rituals when starting a new design?

At first I do a lot of research about the subject which inspired me. Secondly, I select the “ingredients” which will constitute the new collection. Then I draw the woman I am creating the bags for. Finally, I focus on the bags.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of fashion?

I love reading, meditation, watching movies, being with my beloved ones, and celebrations.