Unfollow the rules: MANÉMANÉ's new collection

Celebrating a decade of defying conventions, MANÉMANÉ’s latest collection, UNFOLLOW THE RULES, is both a homecoming and a manifesto. Since its inception, the Spanish label has championed a philosophy of «elegant rebellion»—melding tradition with irreverence, structure with fluidity, and perfection with raw authenticity. For designer Miguel Becer, this milestone is not just a reflection of the past but a step into the future, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to creative freedom and experimentation.

Presented at 080 Barcelona Fashion, the collection embodies MANÉMANÉ’s signature tension between the classic and the avant-garde. Silhouettes engage in a dynamic dialogue—asymmetrical cuts disrupt proportions, corsets are reimagined with unexpected ease, and fabrics tell stories of reinvention.

We had a chat with Miguel about he inspirations behind UNFOLLOW THE RULES, the challenges of balancing innovation with wearability, and how his multidisciplinary background—from music to mentorship—shapes his design ethos:

UNFOLLOW THE RULES celebrates MANÉMANÉ’s 10th anniversary and its essence of creative freedom. How did you approach this collection to reflect a decade of breaking molds while looking toward the future?

This collection is a reflection of our essence: challenging the established without losing our identity. For a decade, we have been breaking molds, exploring the balance between the classic and the unexpected. For this collection, we look back with affection but keep our feet firmly planted in the future. We have worked with silhouettes that engage in a dialogue between tradition and irreverence, fabrics with history reinterpreted through innovative techniques. We wanted to capture that energy of constant change, that mix of fragility and strength that defines ManéMané.

The collection challenges proportions and plays with asymmetries. How do these design choices reflect the idea of “elegant rebellion”?

For me, ‘elegant rebellion’ is about finding beauty in the unexpected. By challenging proportions and playing with asymmetries, we aim to break away from conventional rigidity without losing sophistication. It’s about a silhouette that breathes freedom, moves naturally, and conveys attitude effortlessly. Elegance doesn’t have to be perfect, but authentic, with a touch of controlled chaos that makes it unique. That tension between structure and fluidity is what defines this collection.

The collection deconstructs and rebuilds MANÉMANÉ’s codes. Which elements of the brand’s identity did you reinterpret, and how did you give them a fresh perspective?

The corset has always been a symbol of structure and femininity, but at MANÉMANÉ, we like to challenge those preconceived ideas. In this collection, we reinterpreted it by giving it a more relaxed attitude, making it less rigid, and blending its classic essence with a contemporary vision. We played with unexpected materials, asymmetrical fastenings, and patterns that allow movement because elegance can also be comfortable and free. It’s not about restricting but about empowering—transforming a historical garment into a gesture of sophisticated rebellion.

The collection embraces imperfection and celebrates the unconventional. How do you see imperfection as a form of beauty in fashion?

Imperfection is what gives a garment its soul. At ManéMané, we’ve always played with the idea of something unfinished, something that seems halfway done, because that’s where the emotion lies. In fashion, perfection can sometimes feel cold, distant; whereas a visible seam, an asymmetric cut, a garment that seems reconstructed tells a story, speaks of the process, of the person wearing it. Beauty isn’t in extreme neatness, but in the personality of each piece and how it transforms over time and with the person who wears it.

How does UNFOLLOW THE RULES pay homage to MANÉMANÉ’s 10-year journey, and what does this milestone mean to you personally?

UNFOLLOW THE RULES is a declaration of our evolution, a reflection of everything we’ve learned over the years, but also an invitation to break with convention. On a personal level, this milestone is a reminder that, at every step, we’ve stayed true to our essence and what truly inspires us.

How do you typically begin the process of transforming abstract ideas—like rebellion and freedom —into wearable pieces?

For me, it all starts with a feeling, something I want to communicate beyond the clothing. The key is to take that raw emotion and transform it into something that, while carrying rebellion, is tremendously desirable for the person who wears it.

What were the biggest challenges you faced while designing UNFOLLOW THE RULES, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was balancing creative freedom with the need to create pieces that truly connect with people. We overcame it by staying true to our concept, not letting external expectations divert us, and ensuring that each garment told its own story.

You studied music and piano before transitioning to fashion. How does your background in music influence your creative process and design philosophy?

Beethoven said that music is the highest revelation of wisdom, and for me, fashion works in a similar way. The structure of a musical piece, the contrasts, the harmonies, and the silences, are translated into my designs, creating a visual melody that must resonate both emotionally and aesthetically. I’m not sure if I love music more than fashion or vice versa, but what I do know is that music and fashion are not everything.

You worked with brands like Amaya Arzuaga and Angel Schlesser before launching MANÉMANÉ. How did these experiences shape your vision for the brand?

Working with Amaya and Ángel allowed me to understand the importance of discipline, but it also taught me not to lose my authenticity. It was key in realizing that MANÉMANÉ had to be a space where I could explore my vision without restrictions, blending technique with creative freedom.

You’re a professor of Projects at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. How does teaching influence your perspective on fashion and creativity?

Teaching allows me to stay connected to the present moment and engage with young minds that have the ability to see things in new ways. Their fresh perspectives challenge my own thinking and remind me that creativity thrives when we remain open to new ideas and interpretations.

As a designer who has successfully built a brand, what advice would you give to young designers who want to create their own path in the fashion industry?

My advice would be to co-found or partner with people who complement your strengths and help cover your weaknesses. Building a brand is not a solo journey—it’s about collaboration, learning from each other, and creating a team that can push your vision forward while filling the gaps you might have.