José Benedi

The creator behind the haute couture brand Bénédí is Cuban designer José Bénédí.

Born into a Spanish family of textile merchants, he very early developed a deep passion for fabrics, qualities and finishes, which formed the basis of his decision to become a fashion designer.

While still a student, José Bénédí made his way to the top of Cuba's small but vibrant fashion scene. By the late 1990s, Bénédí had already won several national awards and international design competitions and was Head of Design at Cuba's only fashion house "La Maison" in Havana.

In order to give his career a more international direction, José Bénédí went to Europe in 1999. Here he worked for several fashion houses as an independent designer, among others for the Couture House Kristenson in London and Monaco and for the Casa Valentino.

Inspired by the change of seasons and the subtle colors of the north, he decided to stay in Europe and founded his brand Bénédí Couture in Hamburg, Germany's northernmost metropolis.

In 2005, the designer won the prestigious New Faces Award Fashion and was nominated for the MTV Fashion Award. From 2007 onwards, Bénédí began presenting his Prêt-à-porter collections under the Bénédí brand in Paris and Singapore.

Bénédí's characteristic style is a unique fusion of northern clarity and precision and Cuban temperament and emotion. Intrigued and influenced by the work and ethics of French fashion icon Madeleine Vionet, José Bénédí not only represents perfect, often avant-garde cuts and a distinctive sense of fabrics and materials. Furthermore, there is a deep respect and responsibility for the people who work with and for him.

The Italian Chamber of Fashion (Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana) selected José Bénédí 2009/10 among the world's most promising fashion talents.

The designer is working both in Hamburg and in Havana.