Designer Miguel Adrover, known for his impactful contributions to fashion, offers insights into his life and work in the new documentary "The Designer is Dead," directed by Spanish filmmaker Gonzalo Hergueta. The film premiered in the U.S. in February at a screening hosted by Myth magazine founders Haley Wollens and Chloë Sevigny.
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The documentary presents an intimate portrait of Adrover, capturing him at home in Mallorca alongside his dog and his fashion archive. It explores his rise as a prominent voice in 21st-century fashion, highlighting his unique integration of cultural commentary through clothing, particularly his references to street style and repurposing diverse apparel. Yet, Adrover feels the film downplays his activism, depicting him instead as a somewhat tragic figure.
In a phone interview, he expressed mixed feelings about his portrayal. "While I appreciate the documentary, I feel my activism is underrepresented. My work often addressed social justice issues—events like 9/11 and the Iraq War were crucial influences on my designs. I wanted that aspect to resonate more in the film."
Adrover also discussed the title of the documentary, which originated from a post he made years earlier upon discovering photography as a form of expression. He emphasized that while he may not currently identify as a designer in the traditional sense, his connection to clothing and meaningful expression remains.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Adrover shared, "I was always more drawn to social movements and less to traditional fashion. My inspiration came from the streets and cultural contexts, not from an interest in celebrity or high fashion."
Throughout his career, Adrover focused on representing diverse perspectives on the runway, bringing together individuals from various walks of life. He criticized the current state of fashion, which he claims has become overly corporate and disconnected from the realities of societal issues. He’s concerned that emerging designers are trained to cater to big corporations rather than nurturing their creativity and authenticity.
Adrover noted his frustration with the industry's lack of reflection on contemporary challenges, stating, "Fashion often feels detached from the truth of the world we live in. When significant events occur, the industry remains silent. It’s troubling."
As for his own legacy, he believes many contemporary designers draw inspiration from his work, despite it often going unacknowledged. He articulated the importance of infusing a sense of soul into clothing, something he feels is lacking in much of today’s fashion.
Miguel Adrover: Self-Portraits, a self-published book featuring a retrospective of his work through 365 self-portraits, has also been released. He highlighted its personal significance and the narrative of his journey through fashion.
Despite his distant relationship with fashion today, Adrover expressed his ongoing commitment to activism and meaningful expression through all forms of art, emphasizing that clothing can still serve as a powerful medium for social dialogue.