by Silvia Frau
You might think she’s found a way to squeeze a few extra hours into each day. Margarita Sáder, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Paradiso Barcelona — one of The World’s 50 Best Bars — 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 the opening of Paradiso“, she recalls, “Giacomo (Giannotti, husband and partner) realized we didn’t have uniforms. We had invested everything in the venue. But at home, I had my trusty sewing machine and some fabric with colorful patterns of plants and flowers, which I had planned to use for making cushions. I turned it into aprons for the staff. They were thrilled”. In one stroke, she combined her fashion studies in Venezuela with her experience in Barcelona.
A Practical and Functional Design
Leaving her country at a young age for Greece, she 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 pursued university studies in marketing, which now enable her to expertly guide her clients.
Her practical insights are priceless. “For example, aprons shouldn’t be longer than knee-length, and they should have pockets for pens and notepads if you’re on the floor, or on the sleeves if you’re behind the bar, so they don’t interfere with the work”. Functionality is the key. These uniforms aren’t designed for onetime use; they need to keep workers feeling fresh and comfortable through long hours. They also need to be easy to clean and built to last, which is why I use robust organic cotton and incorporate reinforcements and double stitching. Some are made from stain-resistant fabric, making them easy to wipe clean with just a damp cloth.
Margarita Sáder, The Uniform Is A Badge Of Pride
And what about aesthetics? “It depends on the venue. In darker settings that need a pop, I infuse the uniforms with light and color. If it’s already very colorful, we can stick to classic designs. It’s crucial to make the staff feel comfortable and easily recognizable to the 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”.
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Images courtesy MSbartrends
