Flamingo Market Place is the fresh, new concept store in Puerto Banus, where you can get the pick of the best labels from the trendiest, hippest brands from the US, Australia, London and Europe.
Marbella Rocks spoke exclusively to Carla Melus, stylist and owner of Flamingo Market Place on her chic store.
When did you come up with the concept of Flamingo Market Place?
I had this project in mind since I was very young, maybe 13 or 14. I always talked to my Mum about opening something where young people, and young-minded people could find everything they want. So that is why I went to college and studied fashion, to do that.
And what did you study in college?
I did a bit of fashion marketing and then moved onto fashion styling.
Who taught you the most valuable lessons in styling?
I’ve always had a lot of natural fashion sense since I was really young. Then what I learnt in school was basically a lot of art, a lot of history and all that kind of stuff, which really helps you to have more ideas. I had really good teachers. One of them was Alexander McQueen. It was really tough actually as I was in London when he died. I learnt a lot through him but it was a tough experience.
And which college did you study in?
I studied one year in Paris and two years in London.
What was it like studying fashion abroad?
Paris was amazing. I didn’t want to go to London at first. I don’t know why – I just had a thing, I thought I wasn’t going to like it. I used to be into really lady-like fashion, high heels and that kind of stuff. And then when I went to London it was really eye opening, completely! The experience changed me so much. All the street fashion has really influenced me for Flamingo.
Do you have a lot of American influences in your fashion?
American fashion was never really a big thing but now I think fashion is so influenced by music. All the young people want to wear what the singers are wearing and what they see in their videos. So obviously that is why I buy a lot of my collections in the States, because people always want to wear what Rihanna’s wearing, what Beyoncé’s wearing.
Would you say your collections are slightly more risky and outrageous?
There are so many fashion brands nowadays anyway, and you don’t want to sell what other shops are selling so yeah, definitely, you want to be a bit more risky. I always like to have fun and to play around and stuff.
Is colour a big influence as well?
Yeah a big influence. Obviously now minimalism is really big, but I don’t like only black and white. I like minimalism but with colour.
What are the ten top brands that you do in your store?
Most of the brands I carry are Australian. I think Australian fashion is really big now. Before it was maybe behind, but now they are doing amazingly. It is good quality and a good price and really fashion forward stuff.
What are the big fashion shows and exhibitions you go to as a stylist/ buyer?
I go to Agenda for street wear, and then there is also Capsule in Las Vegas which is more fashion forward, more contemporary. There are also the regular shows. With most of the brands I have, I am the only one who has them in Spain. Even if you go to Madrid you will not find most of the clothes I have. I always try to find the brands that are not here so we are exclusive and different. That does not mean that it is going to be more expensive though.
What are the price points?
Well you can find T-shirts from €35 to €40 and then obviously the more fancy dresses are maybe like €300 which is not too expensive either. But they are exclusive; you are not going to find anyone wearing the same dress.
With regards to styling do you do anything other than the shop styling?
Not yet. I would love to though.
Do you have plans to launch online?
Yeah, Flamingo Market Place is now one year old and we are launching the online shop pretty soon. We are trying to go global because we have a lot of customers that are foreigners. The thing is everybody that comes in is amazed, and that is something that really makes me happy.
Did you design the whole shop?
I designed everything. Well with a friend, an interior designer. It was my concept though.
Would you ever consider launching a beauty side to the shop?
We want to do that, because we work with nail technician Ghetto Nailz and she is amazing. She has so much potential, she can do everything. I am always up for expanding and doing different things. That was my idea when I was younger, to have a place where you can find literally everything. Where you can transform yourself. Even have DJs maybe, I have to do that during one summer!
Where do you see the Flamingo brand in five years’ time?
Global. I would love to open in Miami, and maybe Dubai.
You have a beautiful accent Carla, where did you grow up?
I grew up in up in the north of Spain. I left Spain when I was 15 and studied in Ireland for a year, and in Switzerland for two years. Then I studied in New York and Barcelona before my main fashion marketing and styling qualifications in Paris and London.
Who is your shop aimed for?
My concept was fashion for the children of the people that shop in Gucci, they don’t want to buy there. They want to buy somewhere else, something a bit more hip.
Your Mum is also involved with Flamingo, do you work well together?
We are partners! She’s been helping me in fashion for a long time. She used to own a store too, it was a big department store, a really long time ago. She helped me a lot, she’s my support and she is always there for me. I choose the clothes and she gives me her opinion.
Who is your fashion role model?
I love Rihanna, but I don’t know if I would call her my fashion model.
