How Handover Made Your Ex-boyfriends Boxers Trendy
Meet brand-owner Ariadna as we discuss her journey from turning what was once a hobby into a sell-out brand.
Xalli is wearing Handover’s “Ex-boyfriend, Ben Culotte” mini shorts and shirt.
Stealing your partner's clothes is something we can associate with cinematic characters like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City, Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, and Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman. Yet, beyond the screen lies the reality of using your (ex) boyfriend's clothes. Something as traditionally masculine as attire, like the men's boxers, has now become a statement piece in the women's wardrobe, exuding effortless coolness. But where to find the perfect boxers has always been a men's secret, until now. Leblue sat down with Ariadna, the visionary behind Handover, for a conversation about how she turned what started as a hobby into a sell-out brand.
Linnea: Who is the owner behind Handover, and what inspired you to start?
Ariadna: My name is Ariadna, I have studied interior design but I like the creative world in general. It started as a hobby for creative direction; I liked to create a brand imaginary where I told stories about those first teenage relationships, first loves, unrequited loves... generating a context through the choice of characters/models, locations, outfits. I used Instagram as a window to communicate it and Vinted as an easy tool to sell those clothes. Little by little, I began to include the concept of the use of boxer shorts as a feminine garment as shorts, as a leading element that reinforced this discourse, and a community was genuinely generated that identified with this message.
Linnea: Can you share any stories about the initial conversations that led to the conception of Handover?
Ariadna: I think the funniest thing was when I finally left my previous job to dedicate myself completely to the brand and I tried to explain to my father that I was dedicated to selling underwear, to this day it is still difficult for him to understand it haha
Linnea: What is a crazy moment or feedback you've ever received about Handover?
Ariadna: The first time we hosted an event in Madrid was exciting! As a digital brand, seeing our community come together in person was an incredible experience. The energy and connection was remarkable, reminding us of the importance of cultivating relationships outside of the virtual world. It was great to see all our community in person!
Linnea: What's the vision you have for Handover?
Ariadna: I know that the main garment is the boxers. They represent the concept of the brand, but I also like that Handover reinvents classic clothing, with simple and basic patterns, yet with something special that allows them to adapt to your personality, whatever it may be. So, I would like to be able to make many more clothes that fit into a Handover girl's wardrobe.
Linnea: How would you describe your creative process?
Ariadna: I completely understand what it means to have a somewhat chaotic creative process, but sometimes it is exactly that spontaneity that gives rise to the best ideas! For me, inspiration comes from everywhere: different colours, textures, patterns that I see everywhere.
(…)
Ariadna: I know my team can find this way of working a bit chaotic (they hate it hahaha), but I think it's important to embrace that spontaneity and let yourself be creative. At the end of the day, it's these fresh and original ideas that allow us to stand out in a market like fashion.
“I tried to explain to my father that I was dedicated to selling underwear, to this day it is still difficult for him to understand it haha”
Xalli is wearing Handover’s “Paco” boxers.
Linnea: Where do you look for creative inspiration?
Ariadna: Obviously, now, thanks to social media, we have much more accessibility to news and fashion beyond our own circle, but I usually get inspired by looking at the wardrobe of a film that might be from another era, for example, or the combination of clothes a man is wearing sitting on a park bench…
Linnea: Is it hard to stay innovative?
Ariadna: At the moment, no! I'm looking forward to bringing out many designs and being able to innovate in new garments when the time comes. In the end, I consider that Handover is a concept rather than just a garment itself.
Linnea: How do you feel about all the positive feedback of your work?
Ariadna: I love it! because I didn't do it with the intention of pleasing anyone, in fact something curious is that I am a person who was very embarrassed to expose my work or my ideas in public and I'm very happy that they have been so well received without expecting it.
Linnea: Did you expect to sell out as much as you have?
Ariadna: Not at all! I started this project for fun and with the intention of creating a small portfolio to enter the world of fashion. The truth is that I never thought I would get this far, and I couldn't be prouder and happier about it.
“I usually find inspiration by examining the wardrobe of films from different eras, or observing the combination of clothes worn by a man sitting on a park bench”
Linnea: I read that you studied Interior Design. Can you elaborate on how your background in Interior Design influences your approach to fashion design and the creation of editorials?
Ariadna: Interior design spans various facets of design and serves as a unique form of expression. Throughout my studies, I uncovered a passion for crafting ephemeral settings akin to theatrical scenes. I delved into how environments can profoundly impact human experiences. These encounters have profoundly influenced my approach to fashion design and brand direction. Just as with interior design, I view fashion as more than mere garments; it's about delivering a comprehensive experience. My background in interior design has instilled in me the importance of considering elements like space, light, texture, and composition holistically. When crafting garments, I prioritize not only their individual aesthetics but also how they integrate within their surrounding context.
Linnea: Could you share some insights on the emerging fashion scene in Spain and how it compares to more established markets?
Ariadna: The emerging fashion scene in Spain is on fire, and it's exciting to be part of it with Handover! In recent times, we have seen a lot of new brands emerging with fresh and original proposals. Compared to fashion giants like Paris or New York, Spain is still taking off in this area, but that gives us an advantage. What makes Spanish fashion stand out is our cultural diversity and our passion for craftsmanship. We are embracing sustainability and creativity every step of the way. Although we are still making a name for ourselves on the global scene, we are eager to show the world what we can do.
Xalli is wearing Handover’s “Rober” pants.
Linnea: How has your work developed over time? What significant discoveries have you made?
Ariadna: Luckily from the beginning everything started to go smoothly...so I had to take all the steps that the situation demanded of me, in case people didn't know, fashion brands are 95% logistics management and 5% creativity. It's a bit exhausting, but it's what has allowed us to be like this now. I had to learn how to manage teams, learn taxation and accounting, which I hate haha! Despite that, it has definitely helped me to gain confidence in myself.
Linnea: What makes designing and creating a piece of underwear like a pair of boxers particularly fascinating or unique compared to other clothing items?
Ariadna: Honestly, I think the combination of fabrics and colours is very special, because it makes it a very unique garment in itself. However, I believe the great added value lies within the concept and the message we aim to convey through the brand. It's not about being transgressive; rather, it's about having fun, fostering connections, and cultivating a community, which I believe we are successfully achieving.
Linnea: Looking back, what advice would you give yourselves when you first started on the journey of bringing the idea for Handover to life?
Ariadna: If I could go back in time and give myself some advice when I was shaping the idea for Handover, I would definitely tell myself to be less afraid and more patient. At first, the uncertainty and fear of failure can be overwhelming, but now I know that they are part of the process of building something from scratch.
(…)
Ariadna: Sometimes things don't go as fast as we would like, but it is important to remember that everything comes in its own time. Patience and persistence are key in the world of business and fashion. Also, learning to accept failure as part of learning, is fundamental moving forward and growing. So, if I could give myself one piece of advice, it would be: Trust yourself, be brave and be patient; everything will come in time if you work hard and stay focused on your vision.
Linnea: What advice would you give to other emerging designers who want to start their own fashion brand?
Ariadna: The advice I would give to other emerging designers who wants to create their own fashion label is to maintain belief in themselves without being swayed by trends or societal expectations. It's crucial to remain faithful to your vision and distinctive style. While the fashion industry presents challenges and stiff competition, authenticity is what truly resonates with customers. Moreover, don't shy away from taking risks and embracing lessons from mistakes. Success doesn't always follow a straight path, but every hurdle presents an opportunity for growth and refinement. Lastly, surrounding yourself with a robust support network, ranging from mentors to industry colleagues, can significantly impact your journey toward establishing a successful brand. Therefore, forge ahead, place trust in yourself, and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination!
Linnea: Looking ahead, what are your plans, hopes and aspirations for the future?
Ariadna: Going forward, I would love to see Handover evolve into a comprehensive brand, a place for those who appreciate classic reinvented garments and who wants to create their entire wardrobe around it. From essentials to more statement pieces, I want to provide a diverse range to cater to various styles and occasions. Establishing a physical store, starting in Madrid, is a goal of mine. I believe having a space where customers can personally engage with the brand, feel the quality of the materials, and receive personalized service would be immensely rewarding. Broadly speaking, I hope Handover continues to expand, and I am committed to continually challenging myself and my team to innovate and enhance. Ultimately, my aspiration is for Handover to become a beloved and trusted brand for our customers, both domestically and internationally.
Xalli wearing Handover’s “Ex-Boyfriend Juan” boxers.