In Madrid, the historic Capas Seseña boutique captivates with capes that blend centuries of tradition and modern celebrity appeal.
In the heart of Madrid, Capas Seseña, a historic boutique and atelier, continues to captivate customers with its exquisite capes, a garment that has been at the center of Spanish culture for centuries. Established in 1901 by Santos Seseña, the company is now run by his great-grandson, Marcos Seseña, who represents the fourth generation of a family dedicated to this craft.
Marcos Seseña describes the significance of the cape, stating, “You wear a cape to make a statement.” The atelier, renowned as the world’s leading producer of capes, boasts a star-studded clientele. Legendary figures such as Pablo Picasso, Federico Fellini, and Yul Brynner have adorned these capes, alongside more contemporary customers like Jeremy Irons, Jeff Bezos, Nicolas Cage, and Hillary Clinton. Notably, Seseña recalls a moment when Hillary Clinton, accommodating her hectic schedule, selected a cape sent to her at the American embassy in Madrid, which she wore as she boarded Air Force One.
Capes are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practicality. “A cape can become a blanket or a shawl,” Seseña explains. Their versatility allows them to blend seamlessly into various styles, making them popular among the Spanish aristocracy. The classic capa española, also known as the 1901 Cloak, remains the bestseller, crafted from a luxurious merino wool sourced from Béjar, a town famed for its textile production.
Inside the atelier, the ambiance reflects a sense of elegance and history, with deep-red walls adorned with black-and-white photographs of the Seseña family. The capes, which range in price from £255 to £1,347, are meticulously hand-cut and sewn, with a focus on durability and longevity. “Our capes become heirlooms, because they basically last forever,” Seseña emphasizes, noting that customers often return to purchase a cape they remember from their parents or grandparents.
Capes have a long-standing cultural significance in Spain, tracing their origins back to the Middle Ages when they were associated with bullfighting and jousting festivals. Historically, these garments were primarily made for men until the late 1970s when Seseña’s great-grandmother suggested diversifying the offerings to women.
While the everyday wear of capes has diminished in modern fashion, Seseña remains confident in their lasting appeal. He elaborates, stating, “Capes have a place in the DNA of every child’s imagination. Children tie towels around their necks to become superheroes because they understand the power of a cape.” This deep connection to nostalgia and identity enhances the unique allure of capes for adults, transforming them into symbols of confidence and personal expression.
Capas Seseña is located on Calle de la Cruz in Madrid and continues to uphold its legacy of producing luxury capes that resonate with both history and contemporary fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
