13 Octobre 2024
Stepping Strong, Supporting Even Stronger
In our firm commitment to the fight against breast cancer, we have developed a fully charitable capsule collection. 100% of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Spanish Association Against Cancer, supporting research into this disease. The collection will be available in Unisa stores starting October 15th.
The piece born from this collaboration combines Unisa's passion for craftsmanship, comfort, and quality with Alicia Rueda's distinctive style. At the heart of the collection is the bow, which, in Alicia’s words, symbolizes unity and commitment, reflecting the elegance and femininity that define her work. It is more than just a fashion item; it's a message of solidarity that both brands wish to share with the community.
The result of this collaboration is a leather sneaker with interchangeable embellishments—bows, chains, and studs—giving the piece the trendiness and exclusivity it deserves. A bold and heartfelt fusion between both brands, guaranteed to make an impact. A creative venture that promises to surprise.
With this collaboration, Unisa and Alicia Rueda declare that fashion and charity can go hand in hand, creating a collection with a clear goal: to help raise funds for this cause that affects our society.
Every step taken in these sneakers is a step towards a future where breast cancer is no longer a concern.
We spoke with Alicia Rueda about the breast cancer she went through, what inspired her to create this collection, and the message she wishes to convey:
How did the opportunity to collaborate with UNISA on this capsule collection come about, and what motivated your interest in this project?
I received an email with the proposal, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. The chance to create a sneaker already seemed like an exciting challenge, different from what I do every day, and if, on top of that, the goal was to raise funds for a cause that I have experienced firsthand, even more so.
What part of Alicia Rueda is present in this collection?
Everything. The bow is part of my logo, and it's also the symbol for World Breast Cancer Day. To me, its meaning is union and commitment, and it's the common thread of all my projects. It represents simplicity, elegance, and femininity.
Was there a specific element that inspired you when designing these charity sneakers?
I thought about how to make these sneakers a lasting piece in our wardrobes. They had to be simple, but at the same time, I wanted to create the possibility of making them feel different each day, with various versions. They also needed to have something that reminded us of the purpose behind the collaboration.
The charity collection you’ve created for UNISA has a significant purpose: supporting the fight against breast cancer. How do you think fashion can serve as a tool to inspire and empower those who have faced similar challenges?
During my own battle while undergoing chemo, I realized how important fashion was and how it helped me feel as normal as possible. I used different approaches to create a less harsh appearance, both for myself and those around me. I relied on my bows, wore hats over them, and picked clothes that brought me joy… I made it a point to always be well-dressed and would apply more lipstick so I wouldn’t look pale. My looks were sometimes so striking that I felt empowered, like a strong Amazon warrior, brave and beautiful despite the physical deterioration I was going through. I flipped the situation and turned it into different versions of myself, pushing to be the “me” I needed to be without getting lost in fear, pain, or exhaustion. That made all the difference. Many of my clients who met me during that time later confessed that they saw me as eccentric, with a very original style, but they hadn’t realized my looks were related to my health situation.
How do you think fashion can be a platform to raise awareness about the importance of health and prevention?
Fashion, in itself, is beauty, well-being, and a fundamental tool for self-esteem, which helps us stay alert and, as a result, take care of ourselves.
What message/feeling would you like to convey with this collection?
This design represents the union of interlocking chains, of bows that bind us, and of stars that make us dream. It represents the hope that, in the not-too-distant future, research will help reduce the severity of treatments and find a cure.
A color that’s always in your design palette?
Hope green.
A word that describes your personal style?
Eclectic.
A must-have clothing item or accessory in your wardrobe?
A harness or vests.
A song that always makes you smile, no matter how your day has been?
A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay.
