Six years ago, I came back from Nantes with an elephant tattooed on my skin.

It wasn’t a spontaneous act — it was a deliberate decision, an intimate gesture filled with symbolism. Back then, the elephant represented a city that left a mark on me, a chapter that transformed me, that made me grow, and the people who made time stand still, turning that experience into something eternal.

The ink on my skin was — and still is — a symbol of loyalty, memory, and commitment. A silent tribute to those who were, are, and will be, regardless of distance or place.

But this May, six years after that experience, fate gave me an unexpected trip where being close to elephants showed me why, for many, they are sacred animals.

In Thailand, for the first time, I was near one (near them): I fed them, touched them, sat beside them... I watched them breathe. I stayed silent, trying to understand something that can only be described with goosebumps and tingling skin: a connection that is ancient, deep — almost sacred.

A slow gaze, an immense and peaceful gentleness. That way of approaching without fear, that ability to listen with the whole body, and that gaze — as if it understood what remains unsaid, what one keeps quiet.

Because elephants don’t just walk — they tread the earth as if they remember it. They carry the memory of the world, but also of gestures, of silences, of goodbyes and reunions.

Because this animal was already a symbol etched inside me — a lesson and a memory I never wanted to let go of — but now that ink holds a new life, another experience (along with that chapter in Nantes) that won’t just remain an echo.

Because the elephant is not just part of my skin — it’s part of my story, of everything I’ve lived, of the values I’ve always stood for, of all the people I love and have loved — and, undeniably, of all those moments that have shaped me.

But there are marks that never fade, footsteps that leave a lasting print, and moments that need no description. A before and after. An unknown future yet to be written. Words that drift... And an elephant on my skin.

There are women who, without seeking the spotlight, end up becoming a reference. Not because they chase fame or raise their voices, but because they do things with such care, authenticity, and good taste that the world—and brides—find them. Elena Navarro is one of them.

Elena wasn’t born surrounded by fabrics, nor did she dream of sewing dresses as a child. Her calling, like the best stories, found her little by little over time—just like that kind of love you didn’t know you were waiting for. “I studied tourism, because I’ve always loved to travel, I’m a very active person […] and at that age, you don’t really know where to go yet,” she recalls. And although she once imagined herself managing a hotel in the Caribbean, life had other plans.

She entered the world of events, and it was there, organizing weddings as a planner, that something began to click. That’s when she realized something was missing: “I saw that all the brides I was planning weddings for kept asking me: ‘Elena, where can I buy my shoes? I have to go to Madrid or Barcelona because I can’t find anything beautiful.’ And I thought: this can’t be. There has to be a go-to place in Zaragoza where they can come and find these things. Besides, I’ve always been obsessed with shoes…” And so Love Story was born: her boutique, her refuge, and her brave commitment to making an already emotional process even more beautiful.

Vestido de novia diseñado por Elena Navarro - @elenanavarroatelier

With the unconditional support of her husband—“He always encourages me in everything”—and the determination of someone who knows that passion is also built, Elena organized everything on her own. When she showed him the project, he was speechless: “His jaw dropped. He said, ‘Wait, you were serious about this?’ And that’s when we opened the boutique in 2015, ten years ago.” Since then, Love Story hasn’t stopped growing and becoming part of real love stories.

They started by working with brides—both wedding planning and accessories—but always in a very personalized way: “I worked with different shoe and headpiece brands, but in the end, I was the one designing the models we sold here. They were exclusive to Love Story.” And then, almost unintentionally, came the dresses: at first as a multi-brand store, but with time—and with the experience of co-designing unique pieces with her brides—she realized she was ready to take the next step: “So I did a master’s in fashion design and took sewing and pattern-making classes to have all the necessary knowledge.” Finally, in 2019, she launched her first original collection under the name Elena Navarro Atelier.

Detalles de un vestido de novia diseñado por Elena Navarro - @elenanavarroatelier

“Everything we do, we do the way we believe it should be done: by putting in the hours, learning, working hard, through trial and error,” she confesses. Because if there’s one thing that defines Elena, it’s her humility. She knows she’s not a seamstress—but she has the vision, and a team that brings the dresses to life: “To be a haute couture seamstress, you have to spend your whole life sewing. I have a team that is the one actually making the dresses.”

Her team, made up of seamstresses she describes as “absolute stars”, brings each design to life while she oversees the process with a sharp eye and a big heart. Because in her atelier, it’s not about selling a dress—it’s about walking alongside a woman on one of the most important days of her life. Every Elena Navarro design carries that innate sensitivity to know what suits each bride, how to make a dress speak without saying a word: “We want them to feel at ease, to know that everything can be changed or undone. That they enjoy the process.”

Vestido de novia diseñado por Elena Navarro - @elenanavarroatelier

For Elena, the ideal bride isn’t the one who follows the rules—but the one who dares to break them:
“I always champion that kind of fashion, that bold bride. Take a risk, wear something different, feel like yourself. When they come and ask: ‘But what’s the protocol for a wedding dress?’ I say: ‘There is no protocol!’ […] We’re living in a time where you, the bride, get to decide how you want to look.”

Among her most memorable creations is, without a doubt, the famous guipure cape she designed for Andrea: “We made her a very simple slip dress and a spectacular guipure cape/blouse. I think it was made from seven different types of guipure that I collected all over Spain—every trip I took, I’d visit all the fabric stores to find guipures that matched the pattern and color I had in mind.” That cape, stitched together like delicate patchwork, became an inspiration for many other brides and marked a turning point for her brand.

Because what sets Elena’s work apart is her ability to create truly unique pieces, born from listening, from respecting each woman’s identity, and from a calm sensitivity. “Almost all our brides want that extra piece they can later take off to feel more comfortable. And we make beautiful things—embroidered, simple, but always special.”

Vestido de novia diseñado por Elena Navarro - @elenanavarroatelier

The creative process usually starts nine months to a year before the wedding. After taking measurements and defining details, the first fitting takes place about three or four months before the big day: “It’s the most technical one, maybe the least exciting for the bride—but for us, it’s the most important. That’s when we see how the design adapts to her silhouette and finalize the details.”

And although they’ve dressed so many brides in Zaragoza and beyond, today they serve clients from all over Spain—and even abroad—while Elena still gets emotional with each story: “The most special moment is when they choose the dress. Some come to you because they already know they want you to make it. It’s beautiful. Sometimes they cry—or their mothers discreetly wipe away tears. It’s so touching.”Also when, months or years later, they return with wedding photos or to introduce their babies: “It’s a very special bond, as if we accompanied them beyond the wedding day.”

When asked about her favorite moment of the big day, she’s clear: “The bride’s entrance. That moment when she’s finally revealed. When she walks in—it’s so emotional for the couple… That look they share, when they realize: ‘We’re getting married.’ That, for me, is the most powerful connection of the whole day.” After a decade at the helm of Love Story, Elena knows exactly what she wants next: for her brand to grow.“I want my brand to be sold nationally and internationally. That’s the next step I want to take—to have my designs in multi-brand stores. It’s another kind of visibility.”

And if she could speak to her younger self—the girl studying tourism without knowing she’d end up designing dreams—she’d say just one thing: “Go for every project and every idea that comes to your mind. Anything is possible.”

Traveling to Thailand is a feast for the senses—aromas, colors, flavors, spirituality, art... But it's also a wonderful opportunity to play with fashion while always respecting the local culture. Today, I'm sharing my experience visiting the breathtaking White Temple in Chiang Rai, along with tips on how to dress when visiting temples in Asia (without losing a single bit of style).

The White Temple: A Dream Carved in Light

The experience begins even before you enter, as you cross a bridge over a sea of outstretched hands emerging from the ground—symbolizing worldly desires and suffering. It’s a visual and spiritual journey that won’t leave you indifferent.

Inside (where photos are not allowed), you'll find unexpected murals featuring pop culture references like The Matrix, Spiderman, and even Doraemon, mixed with messages about karma and rebirth. It’s a unique fusion of modern art and Buddhist mysticism that completely transforms the experience.

What to Wear When Visiting Temples in Thailand

• Shoulders and knees must be covered (especially when entering interior areas).
• Avoid tight or see-through clothing.
• Wear shoes that are easy to take off (as you’ll need to remove them before entering many temples).

Travel Style Tips for Asia

• Always carry a large scarf. It can be used to cover your shoulders, head, or even as a sarong.
• Choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton or gauze.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bottle of water.
• And above all… enjoy! You’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Planning a Trip to Thailand?

This post captures just a moment from 10 wonderful days traveling through northern and central Thailand with a tour by Halcón Viajes. In other posts, we dive deeper into this exotic country, its culture, landmarks, and traditions in the Travel section of the blog.

And if you’d like to see more from the itinerary or check out more images, you’ll find plenty on my Instagram: @lailusiondenina. See you soon!

“Be a star, even if your sky is made of dust,” once said a country song. And in 2025, that sky is dressed in denim, fringe, and spur-studded boots, under the radiance of Beyoncé, who has turned the western aesthetic into a global phenomenon. Cowboy style—blending the ruggedness of the Wild West with contemporary elegance—is no longer just a nostalgic revival; it’s become a full-fledged fashion statement. And it all started with Cowboy Carter.

Beyoncé: The New Cowgirl of Pop

With her album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé not only reclaimed her Texan roots but also elevated the western aesthetic to a symbolic level—freedom, land, identity. In the music video for 16 Carriages, her black leather cowboy jacket adorned with studs and embroidery became an instant object of desire and a trend icon. Since then, searches for “cowboy jacket” have surged by more than 600%, and western boots are flooding everything from online fashion stores to influencer feeds and high-fashion editorials.

The Reimagining of American Style

But Beyoncé isn’t alone. Brands like Isabel Marant, Khaite, Etro, and even Celine have found fertile ground in cowboy imagery to reinterpret American style with European sophistication. Marant, in particular, has merged Parisian boho with western references, in collections that alternate between embroidered cotton blouses, suede fringe, oversized buckles, and star prints.

The key is balance: Cowboy style 2025 is no longer a costume or folkloric nod—it’s a visual language blending heritage with modernity, tradition with empowerment. “There’s a brutal beauty in the cowboy aesthetic—it speaks of resilience, but also of dreams,” stated a recent Vogue Paris editorial.

How to Wear Western Chic Today

The new cowboy style doesn’t require ranches or rodeos—just a sharp eye for updating classics into everyday looks. Here are some tips:

• Cowboy Jacket: The star piece. Best in suede or leather, with embroidery or studs. Wear it with wide-leg jeans or over flowy dresses for contrast.
• Western Boots: Pointed toes, mid-calf shaft, and embroidered details. Pair with linen shorts or airy skirts for an effortless effect.
• Wide-Brim Hat: For the bold only. Perfect in monochromatic outfits to balance its strong visual impact.
• Shirts with Yokes and Fringe: In cotton or denim, they add structure to the outfit. Wear them with white pants for a fresh, summery look.

The Power of Storytelling in Fashion

Beyoncé’s impact goes beyond the aesthetic. Her narrative has been essential in reviving desire for this trend. Through magazine covers (like her ranch-themed Harper’s Bazaar) and interviews about “reconnecting with the soul of the Deep South,” she’s woven an emotional and cultural story that brands are skillfully replicating.

Other figures have contributed to the western revival too. Rihanna, in her Savage x Fenty line, has included sexy cowgirl elements; Lil Nas X has made pop cowboy his queer signature; and Dua Lipa, in her Love Again video, literally rides through feathers, latex, and country references.

Conclusion: The Cowgirl Within

Fashion mirrors the times. In an era of hyperconnectivity and fast-paced living, cowboy style offers a sense of grounding—of feet on the earth, of reclaimed identity. It’s a strong yet nostalgic aesthetic, practical yet glamorous.

In a world spinning at dizzying speed, there’s something comforting in the dust of the road, in the silhouette of a denim jacket under the sun. Cowboy style 2025 isn’t a passing fad—it’s a powerful metaphor about returning to our roots, walking with confidence, and being—like Beyoncé—queens of the desert, with sharp heels and a fierce gaze.

So dust off your boots, shake out your fringe, and dare to ride this trend. Because this summer, the West is more fashionable than ever.

It’s curious how summer always brings with it a mix of happiness and nostalgia. The excitement for what’s to come, and the melancholy of those sweet memories from the past that now rest like an old postcard.

In the same way, there are trips that hold unexpected moments—like a scene you didn’t know you needed. Like cycling through ancient ruins in Thailand, the sun on your face, Buddhas guarding time, and columns that seem to touch the sky.

A sweet sense of freedom that takes us back to those endless childhood afternoons, when we pedaled without stopping—above all, without knowing how far we could go.

Perhaps that’s why Verano Azul comes to mind, the TV show that marked a generation with its blend of innocence and discovery. You don’t have to be born in the ’80s to feel that spirit. I didn’t even get to watch it, but its essence remains intact in every bike that crosses dusty paths, in every conversation shared beneath the shade of a fig tree.

Not out of nostalgia, but because of the way everything fits together: the open air, the bicycles, that feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be—not rushing to get anywhere, just pedaling, looking around, and breathing.

Because every summer becomes a kind of ritual, and if we ever doubt where we’re headed, it will be enough to look back and remember how that melody sounded, the one we heard so many times: “Del barco de Chanquete no nos moverán.” Because deep down, we all carry a bit of Bea, Desi, Pancho, Piraña, and the rest inside us. We all have (and deserve) a blue summer that lasts forever, with a thousand stories to tell.

Like a breath of sea spray on your shoulders, a distant melody between fishing boats, or an embroidery that echoes the bougainvillea of a hidden courtyard. That’s how Nekane’s collections feel: like postcards you haven’t written yet—but are waiting to be—and will become part of you.

Summer is a whisper, a moment suspended in the air where everything seems possible. A season that invites you to wander without a map, to rediscover yourself in new landscapes, and to be surprised by brands you may not have known—but that promise not to leave you indifferent. Among them, Nekane, born with a free spirit and a Mediterranean heart, has patiently stitched a universe where bohemian charm and quiet sophistication meet. The collections of this Spanish brand invite us to dream of endless summers, dusty paths beneath bare feet, and golden sunsets by the sea.

This season, the Amura NUD SS’25 collection unfolds a tale of wind and water. Each garment is a different wave, a sway between the ethereal and the tangible, a siren’s song to freedom. Its philosophy says it all: "You can never feel lost if you learn to lose yourself in the blue of the ocean, to dance with the waves." Wearing Nekane is not just about choosing a piece—it’s about surrendering to the rhythm of water, to the slow cadence of days without a clock, to that moment where good weather and new garments speak the same language: fabrics as light as foam, powdery tones shaped by sea breeze, silhouettes that move like sails in the wind.

But if there’s one piece that captures this wandering and luminous essence, it’s the embroidered vests. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship and the most refined folk spirit, each one is a statement of identity. Floral embroidery, crochet details, and a palette ranging from soft whites to sun-drenched ochres and horizon blues—all evoke a way of dressing where handmade becomes newly meaningful. A contemporary reinterpretation of the artisanal touch that defines the brand.

Because some pieces aren’t chosen just for their form, but for what they stir in us. And Nekane, with its dreamy gaze and steady hand, has managed to dress not only the body this summer—but also that yearning to slow down, to let go. Like diving into the sea without thinking about the shore.

Summer arrives, the calendar says school is over, and I get goosebumps. Even if I’m still miles away, with no idea when or for how long I’ll be able to return, the scent of the sea salt wraps around me, and my hair seems to tangle on its own as I count down the days until I can go back once more. Because there are places that, no matter how far they are, were, are, and always will be irreplaceable corners of the heart — unforgettable moments in time.

The good weather is here. All I crave now is sand and waves, the freedom to drift… And even if I no longer hold the key that lets me cross that threshold again, that house is still the purest definition of home.

Summers are different now. They’ll never be the same without you. But returning to those cobbled streets, I can still see you crossing the estuary with a loaf of bread under your arm. Even if there aren’t as many summer days as before, I still remember the way to the beach — even with my eyes closed.

And so the days go by, one after another, crossed off the calendar until, finally, I get in the car and we head north — to the cold waters that still feel like home.

No one can imagine just how much I miss those moments of slow tans, of the sun turning orange at dusk, of losing track of how many days are left before returning again. An endless summer, just like the morriña that now lives tattooed on my skin.