Not too haute to handle: Hand fans are a must-have fashion accessory in Spain
As passengers wilted in a packed Madrid metro, one traveller defied the summer heat by snapping open her handheld fan – a quintessential Spanish accessory enjoying undimmed popularity.
The burst of coolness drew envious eyes to a must-have item that has retained its relevance thanks to designer creativity and increasingly oppressive summer temperatures, stoked by climate change.
"Everyone uses a fan here in Spain – children, the elderly, young people, men," said Arturo Llerandi, owner of the Casa De Diego fan boutique in Madrid.
"Why? Because it's hot... It's hotter across Europe and you see fans everywhere."
Llerandi's bustling shop, which has been located in the centre of the Spanish capital for more than two centuries, boasts 10,000 different models of fans.
Read more: Still obsessed with Labubu? Sorry, fashion did the bag charm trend first
Bone and lace versions are aimed at women and smaller versions cater to men, all diminutive enough to slip into a jacket pocket, with the most luxurious costing up to €6,000 (approximately RM29,843).
With temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) regularly assailing Madrid in July, the idea of buying a fan as a gift was a no-brainer for customer Carmen Pulido.
"It's something to have forever... Lately, it's become essential," said the 62-year-old legal assistant.
For pensioner Rosa Nunez, 69, the "good old fan" has remained her best friend after the batteries of her electronic alternative died.
"With handheld fans, the battery runs for a lifetime," she said with a smile.
'Very elegant'
Olivier Bernoux, a designer who heads a luxury fan store in Madrid, acknowledged the accessory has a "heavy legacy". He said that it is perceived as an "old object for the elderly".
But they are "not kitsch, nor for old women", insisted the man whose celebrity clients include pop idol Madonna and US actor Eva Longoria.
"Even in New York you find fans due to climate change because you have to find a way to cool down," said Bernoux.
His global customer base brings different expectations.
"Men are more classic", while Spanish women "are more sensitive to the noise" made when fans are unfurled, he said.
"For the 'Miami' American woman customer, large fans are a must-have, while the French are particularly attracted to all our linen creations," Bernoux continued.
Read more: From runway to poolside, skimpy men's swim briefs make a stylish comeback
At Madrid's Pride festival in July, some dancers snapped their fans to the rhythm of the music before spectators waving rainbow-coloured equivalents, illustrating how the humble object can also be used to convey messages.
"The fan has always been fundamental for us and the community. It has always been a gay icon," said Pedro Pontes, a 31-year-old waiter.
Ecuadoran journalist Erika Von Berliner, who lives in Madrid, sees her fan as a "very elegant" accessory.
"You hold something very beautiful that goes with your clothes and if you know how to use it well, with elegance, so much the better," the 49-year-old enthused.
Bernoux agreed, emphasising what he identified as the object's "sensuality".
"The very opening and closing of a fan is a marvellous gesture that will attract attention," he said, advising users to sprinkle perfume on theirs.
"On public transport, you take out your fan and it makes a tough moment an easier one," he concluded. – AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Not too haute to handle: Hand fans are a must-have fashion accessory in Spain
This picture shows a hand fan by Olivier Bernoux. The Spanish must-have item has retained its relevance thanks to designer creativity and amid increasingly oppressive summer temperatures. Photo: AFP As passengers wilted in a packed Madrid metro, one traveller defied the summer heat by snapping open her handheld fan – a quintessential Spanish accessory enjoying undimmed popularity. The burst of coolness drew envious eyes to a must-have item that has retained its relevance thanks to designer creativity and increasingly oppressive summer temperatures, stoked by climate change. "Everyone uses a fan here in Spain – children, the elderly, young people, men," said Arturo Llerandi, owner of the Casa De Diego fan boutique in Madrid. "Why? Because it's hot... It's hotter across Europe and you see fans everywhere." Llerandi's bustling shop, which has been located in the centre of the Spanish capital for more than two centuries, boasts 10,000 different models of fans. Read more: Still obsessed with Labubu? Sorry, fashion did the bag charm trend first Bone and lace versions are aimed at women and smaller versions cater to men, all diminutive enough to slip into a jacket pocket, with the most luxurious costing up to €6,000 (approximately RM29,843). With temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) regularly assailing Madrid in July, the idea of buying a fan as a gift was a no-brainer for customer Carmen Pulido. "It's something to have forever... Lately, it's become essential," said the 62-year-old legal assistant. For pensioner Rosa Nunez, 69, the "good old fan" has remained her best friend after the batteries of her electronic alternative died. "With handheld fans, the battery runs for a lifetime," she said with a smile. 'Very elegant' Olivier Bernoux, a designer who heads a luxury fan store in Madrid, acknowledged the accessory has a "heavy legacy". He said that it is perceived as an "old object for the elderly". But they are "not kitsch, nor for old women", insisted the man whose celebrity clients include pop idol Madonna and US actor Eva Longoria. "Even in New York you find fans due to climate change because you have to find a way to cool down," said Bernoux. His global customer base brings different expectations. "Men are more classic", while Spanish women "are more sensitive to the noise" made when fans are unfurled, he said. "For the 'Miami' American woman customer, large fans are a must-have, while the French are particularly attracted to all our linen creations," Bernoux continued. Read more: From runway to poolside, skimpy men's swim briefs make a stylish comeback At Madrid's Pride festival in July, some dancers snapped their fans to the rhythm of the music before spectators waving rainbow-coloured equivalents, illustrating how the humble object can also be used to convey messages. "The fan has always been fundamental for us and the community. It has always been a gay icon," said Pedro Pontes, a 31-year-old waiter. Ecuadoran journalist Erika Von Berliner, who lives in Madrid, sees her fan as a "very elegant" accessory. "You hold something very beautiful that goes with your clothes and if you know how to use it well, with elegance, so much the better," the 49-year-old enthused. Bernoux agreed, emphasising what he identified as the object's "sensuality". "The very opening and closing of a fan is a marvellous gesture that will attract attention," he said, advising users to sprinkle perfume on theirs. "On public transport, you take out your fan and it makes a tough moment an easier one," he concluded. – AFP
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Malay Mail
Elegant, essential, iconic: Why Spain's handheld fan is a timeless summer staple in Madrid
MADRID July 16 — As passengers wilted in a packed Madrid metro, one traveller defied the summer heat by snapping open her handheld fan — a quintessential Spanish accessory enjoying undimmed popularity. The burst of coolness drew envious eyes to a must-have item that has retained its relevance thanks to designer creativity and increasingly oppressive summer temperatures, stoked by climate change. 'Everyone uses a fan here in Spain — children, the elderly, young people, men,' said Arturo Llerandi, owner of the 'Casa de Diego' fan boutique in Madrid. 'Why? Because it's hot... It's hotter across Europe and you see fans everywhere.' Llerandi's bustling shop, which has been located in the centre of the Spanish capital for more than two centuries, boasts 10,000 different models of fans. Bone and lace versions are aimed at women and smaller versions cater to men, all diminutive enough to slip into a jacket pocket, with the most luxurious costing up to 6,000 euros (RM30,000). With temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius regularly assailing Madrid in July, the idea of buying a fan as a gift was a no-brainer for customer Carmen Pulido. 'It's something to have forever... Lately, it's become essential,' said the 62-year-old legal assistant. For pensioner Rosa Nunez, 69, the 'good old fan' has remained her best friend after the batteries of her electronic alternative died. 'With handheld fans, the battery runs for a lifetime,' she said with a smile. French luxury hand fan designer Olivier Bernoux works on one of his fan creation in his store in Madrid, on July 4, 2025. — AFP pic 'Very elegant' Olivier Bernoux, a designer who heads a luxury fan store in Madrid, acknowledged the accessory has 'a heavy legacy... perceived as an old object, for the elderly'. But they are 'not kitsch, nor for old women', insisted the man whose celebrity clients include pop idol Madonna and US actor Eva Longoria. 'Even in New York you find fans due to climate change because you have to find a way to cool down,' said Bernoux. His global customer base brings different expectations. 'Men are more classic', while Spanish women 'are more sensitive to the noise' made when fans are unfurled, he said. 'For the 'Miami' American woman customer, large fans are a must-have, while the French are particularly attracted to all our linen creations,' Bernoux continued. At Madrid's Pride festival in July, some dancers snapped their fans to the rhythm of the music before spectators waving rainbow-coloured equivalents, illustrating how the humble object can also be used to convey messages. 'The fan has always been fundamental for us and the community. It has always been a gay icon,' said Pedro Pontes, a 31-year-old waiter. Ecuadoran journalist Erika von Berliner, who lives in Madrid, sees her fan as a 'very elegant' accessory. 'You hold something very beautiful that goes with your clothes and if you know how to use it well, with elegance, so much the better,' the 49-year-old enthused. Bernoux agreed, emphasising what he identified as the object's 'sensuality'. 'The very opening and closing of a fan is a marvellous gesture that will attract attention,' he said, advising users to sprinkle perfume on theirs. 'On public transport, you take out your fan and it makes a tough moment an easier one,' he concluded. — AFP
The Star
14-07-2025
- The Star
Slim, sequinned, silky: Scarves and neckerchiefs steal the fashion spotlight
With its lace detailing and frayed edges, this neckwear strikes a balance between romanticism and rebellion. Photo: Ralph Lauren Once functional, now fashion-forward, the neckerchief is claiming its place in trendsetters' wardrobes, adding both edge and elegance. Long associated with scout uniforms, where it represents values like friendship, loyalty, and community, it now serves multiple purposes. Some wear it as a practical collar to absorb sweat or shield the neck, while others tie it on simply for flair. Whatever your reason, it works brilliantly to refresh any outfit in your wardrobe. Best of all, there's a wide variety of neck scarves to choose from to complement or enhance your style. Louis Vuitton's neck scarf sparkles brightly with gold sequins against a silver fabric, with golden tassels anchoring the slim piece in place, swaying slightly as the model walks, adding a touch of drama and glamour. Part of the French brand's Cruise 2026 collection, the shiny neck scarf is a standout statement piece that elevates any outfit, day or night, bringing a festive feel to even the simplest of silhouettes. Read more: Ask The Expert: How to make sportswear look stylish, not post-workout Softly wrapped at the neck, this neckerchief in a neutral tone brings instant polish to any look. Photo: Tod's Whether styled with a sharp blazer or a flowy dress, it demands attention in all the right ways. An understated version sans sequins and tassels can be had from Italian label Tod's Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection. The neckerchief in a crinkled material is worn casually knotted with an ensemble of brown tones, effortlessly tying the look together. In a striking magenta shade, the neck scarf from Paul Smith's Spring/Summer 2026 line is for the bold, fashion-conscious male. Tied nonchalantly and worn beneath a green shirt that is part of a brown double-breasted suit, the silky accessory adds a pop of colour for a look that's anything but buttoned-up. For a more rebellious twist, tie it like Miu Miu where a printed silk scarf tied just off-centre, is styled to look undone but deliberately placed. The bow sits at the side of the neck, grazing the lower cheek for a hint of attitude. So effortlessly dishevelled, yet very chic! At Ralph Lauren, an ornate lace jabot is love at first tie. Romantic and slightly rebellious, the decorative ruffle has a bit of an edge as part of the sheer fabric has frayed edges. It gives the black trousers, brown sweater, and blazer it is worn with a style that is both soft and striking. Read more: Still obsessed with Labubu? Sorry, fashion did the bag charm trend first A versatile creation is the twilly, which is a long, narrow silk scarf often associated with Hermes, said to have been introduced in the 1930s when the French Maison debuted it as part of its silk accessories range. Twillies are adaptable and can be styled in numerous ways. Wrapped around handbag handles, tied in the hair, worn as a bracelet or necktie, or even used as a belt, they go a long way in your wardrobe. As seen on British rapper Little Simz at an event hosted by Gucci recently, she wore a silk twilly, by the Italian brand, of course, around her neck to make her olive green ensemble pop, as the twilly is bright red with a print of florals and bugs. Talk about adding buzz to neckwear!
