Photographer and Art Director
Rubén is a photographer. Although originally from Spain, he has made Los Angeles, California, his second home, where he is building a promising career. As he tells us, however, he has not always been on this side of the camera. For years, he worked as an actor and model. Then, almost ten years ago, while living in Brussels, his fascination with the power of images led him to enrol in a photography workshop. “That was when I discovered a powerful tool through which I could express myself.” And so, his career as a photographer began.
Today, he is immersed in several personal projects while completing his first book of portraits exploring masculinity. One of his dreams is to travel to Antarctica and photograph it. Sri Lanka is another destination he would love to visit. “I would love to photograph a city somewhere between the jungle and the beach, discover its culture and explore the island’s wildlife.”
He has lived in cities on both sides of the Atlantic, and wherever he has gone, one passion has always accompanied him: swimming. “I love swimming. I have swum for years in every city and country where I have lived.”
In each place, he found a favourite pool: the heated pool at Lago in Madrid, an indoor pool on New York’s Upper East Side, and now, in Los Angeles, an outdoor pool in West Hollywood. “I have wonderful memories of all of them, but I remember the Piscine Victor Boin with particular fondness—a beautiful Art Deco swimming pool dating from 1905 in Saint-Gilles, Brussels.”
When it comes to relaxing in the sun, however, Rubén recommends El Matador Beach in California. He suggests visiting during the week, as weekends can become overwhelming. For a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere, he recommends any of the beaches on the island of Menorca. All he needs to enjoy the day is his swimwear, an oversized towel, sunscreen, headphones, good music, a good book, fruit and water.
One of his favourite beaches is Tulum in Mexico, with its white sand and palm trees close to the water. “All I need there is my swimwear and my camera.”
When we ask him about our collection, he says it evokes everything this place represents to him: clean spaces, relaxation, blue skies, seawater, brilliant sunshine and the texture of fresh skin…
He tells us that our pieces are ideal for those who value quality and appreciate the pleasure of wearing beautifully made swimwear.
If he had to give one of them as a gift, he would choose any piece from the Passion for Swimming collection and give it to his friend David, who has “exceptional taste in clothes.”
Delving a little deeper into his tastes, he tells us that his favourite designer is Yourselves, while the architect who inspires him most is Frank Gehry. Driven by his passion for design, he singles out graphic designer Eddie Opara as a particularly inspiring artist. And his favourite musician—the one he enjoys listening to while lying in the sun—is The Weeknd.
He identifies with electronic, rock and experimental music. The architects who have influenced him most include Le Corbusier, Jean Nouvel and Luis Barragán, while his literary inspiration is Thich Nhat Hanh.
He recommends our swimwear to lovers of minimalist design who appreciate exceptional quality and enjoy dressing comfortably.
Meows of gratitude, Rubén.
Welcome to the distinguished world of Mïau.