FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: GAUCHO - BUENOS AIRES DESIGNERS CARMEN VILS, GUIDO SPANGENBERG, AND ERICA SORIANO

For designer Guido Spangenberg, art plays an inextricable role in fashion. It was during his studies in fine art that Guido first discovered his passion for textiles, which lead him to undertake a design degree at the University of Buenos Aires – and he hasn’t looked back since. “That was my chance to explore vintage designers such as Pucci, Courrèges and Paco Rabanne. I fell in love with those patterns and textures,” he says of what inspired him.

GUIDO SPANGENBERG BACKSTAGE STYLING ONE OF HIS LEATHER ACCESSORIES CREATIONS FOR A PHOTOSHOOT  

Born in Montevideo in Uruguay, Guido made Argentina his home and joined Gaucho - Buenos Aires in 2019 as leather goods and accessories designer, based at the company’s stylish Algodon Mansion atelier in the Recoleta district. Just a stone’s throw away from the studio, the Argentinian National Museum of Fine Arts holds a special place in Guido’s heart. 

WORKS BY BENITO QUINQUELA MARTÍN: EL FUEGO, EL PUERTO Y EL TRABAJO, Y EL CEMENTERIO DE BARCOS, CIRCA 1940’S 
PHOTO CREDIT: MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES, BUENOS AIRES

“I have spent so much time at the Argentinian National Museum of Fine Arts admiring the incredible works of art; learning to draw by sketching works by Degas and Rodin,” says the designer. “The first floor houses paintings by the great Argentinian artists: Fader, Spilimbergo, Berni… This collection has a majestic energy.”

LEFT:  LA MAZAMORRA, BY FERNANDO FADER, 1927 | CREDIT: MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES
RIGHT: EL DOMINIO DE LAS FUERZAS NATURALES, LINO ENEA SPILIMBERGO 1896-1964 | CREDIT: GALERIAS PACIFICO BUENOS AIRES, VIDEO CREDIT: MOVING IMAGE ARCHIVE SERGE DE MULLER | FRIBOURG2012 (YOUTUBE)

While software plays a huge part in Guido’s design process, it all begins with a hand drawing. “I start by sketching the shapes. The first idea is intuitive, and art lets me express myself freely,” says Guido of how art influences him. 

GUIDO SPANGENBERG WORKING FROM HIS HOME OFFICE IN BUENOS AIRES

What advice would this art aficionado give to aspiring young designers? “Listen to your inner voice, find your own vision and leave your ego behind.” Wise words from a true gaucho.

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