SEPTEMBER 2024 COQTAIL MAGAZINE MILANO

CREATING IDENTITY: BARTENDER FASHION DISCOVERED

You might think she's found a way to squeeze a few extra hours into every day. Margarita Sáder, co-founder and creative director of Paradiso Barcelona—one of the 50 best bars in the world—is also a fashion designer with her own atelier, MSbartrends. Here, she creates work uniforms and branding for cocktail bars, venues, and events. "Three days before Paradiso Barcelona opened," she recalls, "Giacomo (Giannotti, her husband and partner) realized we didn't have any uniforms. We had invested everything in the venue. But at home, I had my trusty sewing machine and some fabric with colorful plant and flower patterns, which I'd planned to use to make cushions. I turned them into aprons for the staff. They were delighted." In one fell swoop, she combined her fashion studies in Venezuela with her experience in Barcelona. She left her country at a young age for Greece, and arrived in Spain after a year "on vacation to visit my cousin." And she stayed. Margarita began working in the hospitality industry, taking on increasingly demanding roles that gave her a deep understanding of the practical needs of those who interact with guests. She also studied marketing at university, which now allows her to expertly guide her clients. Her practical insights are invaluable. "For example, aprons should be no longer than the knee, and they should have pockets for pens and notepads if you're on the floor, or in the sleeves if you're behind the bar, so they don't interfere with your work."

Functionality is key. These uniforms aren't designed for single use; they need to keep workers cool and comfortable for long hours. They also need to be easy to clean and built to last, so I use robust organic cotton and incorporate reinforcements and double-stitched seams. Some are made from stain-resistant fabric, making them easy to clean with just a damp cloth. And what about aesthetics? "It depends on the venue. In dark spaces that need a pop of color, I infuse the uniforms with light and color. If it's already very colorful, we may opt for classic designs. It's crucial to make staff feel comfortable and easily recognizable to customers." A uniform is more than just clothing; it's a badge of honor, a reflection of identity. The jacket, for example, is a custom-made piece that demands meticulous craftsmanship. Wearing one is like receiving an award." She emphasizes: "I am a creative person, passionate about fashion, but also very committed to sustainability. I don't use animal leather or low-quality materials that contain toxic substances—it's a way of life for me." I only use organic cotton. Everything is handmade, the traditional way.” This ethical and ecological approach is at the heart of the Sustainability Summit at Paradiso Barcelona and its initiative, Women in Hospitality , designed “to empower women in the industry, from bartenders to sommeliers and managers.” For Margarita Sáder, the founding principles are “quality, hospitality, and creativity. We must embrace sustainability as a way of life, and one day we will be grateful we did. The awards and recognition we have received over the years come with a great responsibility: to be an inspiration to others, driven by dedication and hard work.”