The Basque brand SKFK has presented its Oreka collection in an unconventional setting: in a traditional Basque pelota court in the French capital. The collection comprises 54 designs, with references to Basque pelota, and produced sustainably. Some were designed exclusively for the fashion show and others for sale.
A fashion show between tradition and modernity
To parade for the first time in Paris is a dream to be respected, but the designer Maia Eder Curutchet is looking for a balance between tradition and modernity, between Basque pelota and fashion. Why not do a fashion show in a trinquet?
‘To make the collection, I got to know the ball manufacturers in depth; it is a material that can be reused. What they throw away, I collect. The basket or the share racket can have more lives. For example, this is a handmade bag made from the leather of a ball, and another design uses the same sewing technique as theirs’. – Maia explains.
Mikel Feijoo Elzo, founder and director of SKFK, highlights the importance of this event:
‘We are a Basque and European brand. It is important to show our product in France’.
The Txalaparta (traditional instrument of the Basque country)sounds, and the parade begins
SKFK was born in the late 90s in the Basque Country. Since then, they have worked to create a different, creative, and timeless fashion. They are GOTS certified and were the first Fair Trade® certified fashion brand in Spain.
They advocate the creation of a unique identity through art and design pieces and value the creative work behind the creation of a collection. The prints and creative work are developed entirely in their offices in the Basque Country and they collaborate with artists and designers who have helped them to create a meeting point between fashion and art.
SKFK is synonymous with innovation, style, and environmental commitment: Throughout its history, SKFK has implemented significant changes in business and marketing strategy as well as in product. It has perfected its know-how by combining expertise in clothing design with a clear commitment to sustainability. They use low-impact fabrics and sustainable production processes in their creations to ensure that the garments are not only attractive but also environmentally friendly.
The Pelota Court of Cavalerie: A Unique Setting
The event was held at the Cavalerie, a unique venue in Paris. Built in 1929 by the architect Robert Farradèche, it is part of a car park on Rue de la Cavalerie, whose roof houses a tennis court and a Basque pelota trinquet. Located on the seventh floor, its design is inspired by the Argentinian Basque pelota court, with terracotta floors and distinctive stands. Renovated in 2021 by Asphalt Architecture et Urbanisme, it combines tradition and modernity with spaces such as the kantxa (the court where Basque pelota is played), a reading room, and a bar. Belonging to the Club de Pelote Basque de Paris, it stands out for its unusual location and architectural value, as well as being available for events.
