Inside the Dream Garden of eikō ai

In her latest collection GARDENER MIST, Gloria Lladó — founder and creative soul behind eikō ai — invites us into a poetic landscape where nature meets introspection, and softness becomes strength. #VEINDIGITAL slipped backstage during 080 Barcelona Fashion to speak with her about the inspirations behind the collection, her fascination with Japanese aesthetics, and how emotion weaves its way through every piece she creates.

Set in a surreal garden filled with mist, emotion and quiet wonder, GARDENER MIST unfolds as a story without words — one of transformation, contemplation, and fluid identity. Drawing from Japanese aesthetics, organic forms and symbolic patterns, eikō ai’s designer turns the invisible into texture and the imagined into shape. “It all started with the idea of a garden as an emotional space,” she explains. “I wanted to create a visual universe that speaks of introspection and hidden beauty.”

With a palette that mirrors the changing light of an imaginary day — from soft pastels to deep reds and solar yellow — and fabrics that float, layer and reveal, GARDENER MIST is a gentle rebellion. It’s about reconciling strength and fragility, and finding elegance in the ethereal. In this interview for VEIN Magazine, we step into the world of eikō ai and discover how personal history, cultural duality, and emotional storytelling all come together in one quietly powerful collection.

GARDENER MIST takes us into a veiled, surreal garden full of symbolism and fantasy. What was the starting point for creating this dreamlike world?
It all started with the idea of a garden as an emotional space. I was inspired by mist as a metaphor for what lies beyond the visible — that space between reality and imagination. I wanted to create a visual universe that speaks of introspection, transformation, and hidden beauty.

The collection blends natural and mystical elements, from floral prints to animal patterns and tortoiseshell motifs. How do you navigate between the real and the imagined in your creative process?
I usually start with real-life references — natural shapes, organic textures — and then reinterpret them through a more personal lens. I like to play with symbolism, shift proportions, or alter scale to create something that doesn’t literally exist, but feels familiar and emotionally resonant.

Japanese gardens and the kimono silhouette are present throughout the collection. What draws you to Japanese aesthetics and how do they inspire your design language?
I’m deeply drawn to Japanese sensibility — the balance, the simplicity, the respect for materials and space. The kimono, for example, has a structure that allows for freedom of movement, and that influences how I approach silhouettes. Japanese gardens are designed to encourage contemplation, and that’s something I try to bring into my collections as well.

The use of fabrics is key in this collection—satin, jacquard, sheer textures and burnout effects. How did you select and combine materials to evoke this ethereal atmosphere?
I wanted the fabrics to communicate lightness, but also depth. Satin adds fluidity and shine, jacquard gives visual texture, sheer materials create layers, and burnout effects allow for a play between opacity and transparency. The combinations were chosen to build dimension and reinforce the idea of a world that’s both tangible and delicate.

The color palette ranges from soft pastels to deep reds, solar yellow and chocolate brown. What emotions or sensations were you aiming to express through these hues?
Each color represents a moment in the day within this imaginary garden. Pastels reflect calm and fragility, warmer tones like red and yellow bring energy and vitality, and the deeper shades add contrast and mystery. I was aiming for an emotional palette, not just a visual one.

There’s a strong sense of fluidity and delicacy in the garments. How do you achieve a balance between effortless style and sophistication?
That balance comes through the design process — silhouettes that flow naturally with the body, but with thoughtful details. I use soft cuts, fluid fabrics, and relaxed structures, but always with precision and intention. The goal is to create pieces that feel special without being rigid or overly formal.

GARDENER MIST feels like a visual poem. Do you see your collections as a form of storytelling, and what narrative does this one unfold?
Yes, every collection is part of a larger story. In this case, GARDENER MIST is about an inner journey — reconnecting with something essential, observing what lies beneath the surface. It’s not a linear narrative, but rather an atmosphere, a feeling that takes shape through each garment.

Eikō ai was born from a very personal connection — even the name reflects your identity. How does your personal story shape the brand’s vision today?
Eikō ai is an extension of myself. The name merges two languages that run through me: eikō, which means “glory” in Japanese, and ai, which means love. The brand was born from a need to reconcile strength and sensitivity, past and future, masculine and feminine, East and West. My personal journey deeply influences the brand’s identity — it’s shaped by contrasts, emotions, and the search for balance between different worlds.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the evolution of eikō ai’s universe?
I want to keep developing a coherent universe that can grow without losing its essence. I’m interested in exploring new formats beyond fashion — artistic collaborations, digital concepts, sensory experiences. The idea is for eikō ai to keep evolving as a creative space with its own voice.