In a context where luxury is no longer measured by ostentation, the concept of “quiet luxury,” though ancient and deeply rooted, is now consolidating itself as a new way of understanding true wealth. Silent elegance, the traceability of materials, and respect for artisanal processes have become the hallmarks of a new generation of brands that understand that true power lies in discretion. In contrast to the noise of the ephemeral, contemporary luxury champions awareness and authenticity as the new status symbols.
And within this quiet current, Qosmic stands out as one of the most unique brands on the Spanish scene. Its founder, Sheila Escot, has combined technical innovation, aesthetic sensibility, and a profoundly ethical philosophy to offer a new perspective on what it means to own a luxury item. From pieces like the Oberon bag to the use of cutting-edge, experimental materials, Escot offers a vision that transcends fashion, situating itself within the realm of design culture. Her discourse is that of a creator who understands luxury as a form of emotional connection, sustained by meticulous detail and a beauty that doesn’t need to be proclaimed.
Question: Sheila, how did your relationship with the world of luxury and fashion begin? Do you remember the exact moment you decided you wanted to create your own brand?
Answer: My relationship with luxury and fashion, beyond the world of consumption, began a few years ago when I worked in an industrial textile manufacturing company that produced for major international luxury brands.
Personally, I was already enamored with luxury, especially the less visible aspects, the behind-the-scenes work. From the creative process to the meticulous manufacturing. However, the seed of the project was planted by a need for solutions that fit my own lifestyle. I was traveling extensively and felt that executive accessories were excessively focused on men, while women’s accessories weren’t adequately suited to my demanding work schedule.
This period was absolutely crucial in defining what Qosmic would be: its philosophy, its approach, and its understanding of the product.
Silence evokes intimacy, inner conversation; it is a confidant of known and perceived quality…
Q: How would you define your philosophy of life, and how is it reflected in Qosmic’s identity?
A: My philosophy, and the one I believe has most deeply influenced the project, has been respect: for oneself, for others, and for the environment.
And, of course, for the client, by offering them something worthy of their investment and that honors them.
To achieve this, it’s necessary to honor the material and the artisan who puts all their care into that exceptional finish.
We transform nature into objects of desire through craftsmanship and respect for our heritage.
We highly value serenity, maturity, and the self-esteem we owe ourselves. That’s why our pieces have the logo on the inside, because they don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
Q: In a world that constantly shouts to be seen, what does it mean for you to make silence a symbol of luxury?
A: For me, silence amplifies exclusivity. If everything shouts, in the end, what becomes exclusive?
Silence evokes intimacy, an inner dialogue; it’s a confidant of quality, known and perceived by those who truly know how to distinguish the hidden characteristics of a high-end item.
Q: If you had to describe Qosmic in three words, what would they be and why?
A: Purpose, technology, and elegance.
Q: Qosmic is committed to sustainable materials like grape leather. How did you discover this material, and what convinced you it was the right one for your brand?
A: The discovery wasn’t accidental at all. We had to travel a long road to find a material that fit the balance we were looking for: sustainability, elegance, and durability.
Grape leather turned out to be a perfect fit for our project because it’s a material with a fabulous feel, it allows us to drastically reduce our water and carbon footprint, it’s ultra-resistant, and it consistently reflects what we want to convey.
Q: The Oberon bag has become a true icon for the brand. How did the idea come about, and what does this design symbolize for you?
A: Oberon was inspired, functionally speaking, by a bag I used a lot, which I bought from an artisan in another country many years ago, but which had become too small for my everyday needs.
That base was taken and functionally reinterpreted, giving it more interior space to fit an iPad and the essentials for a day when practically anything can happen. It has a crossbody strap and a short handle that allows you to wear it with super high heels while also keeping it more casual.
For me, it specifically symbolizes freedom, because it accompanies you, adapting to your style in a dynamic and on-the-go life. It’s elegantly minimalist yet powerful.
As a fun fact, an internationally renowned actress wore it for the filming of her latest movie, which was shot this summer.
Q: How do you approach the creative process? Do you start with a story, a texture, or a functional need?
A: Qosmic is designed starting from a functional need, which we then try to give an aesthetic meaning to, because what we’re looking for isn’t to generate more waste, but to provide answers to real needs: Elara arose from something as everyday as not having anywhere to put your bag in a restaurant. Metis was the answer to the needs of the well-dressed woman who ends up with a nylon backpack that clashes completely with the rest of her outfit. Oberon was born to be freer and able to support a dynamic life without sacrificing sophistication.
Qosmic is designed starting from a functional need to which an aesthetic meaning is given.
Furthermore, pieces designed to carry weight (like Metis and a new model soon to be released, both of which have a dedicated laptop compartment) undergo laboratory testing, and their load reports can be viewed in each piece’s digital passport.
Q: What role does technology—like the digital passport—play in the conceptualization of your products?
A: For us, technology is a means, not an end, and also an ally.
Our main material comes from biotechnology, and thanks to it, we achieve a high-end finish with a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional materials.
Our blockchain-based digital passport allows us to offer transparent and verifiable information about our materials and supply chain, which ultimately builds trust.
That same digital inscription serves as a certificate of authenticity, facilitating circular consumption with complete assurance.
It’s accessible via NFC, which not only offers a surprising experience (especially for gifts, as it allows for the inclusion of unique personal files) but also acts as a VIP pass to exclusive brand events.
Q: Qosmic targets a contemporary, professional, and discerning woman. How does your own experience as a businesswoman influence the creation of that identity?
A: My professional experience, in general, has profoundly influenced Qosmic’s identity.
I’d say the concept of “contemporary” is key, because that concept has also defined what the brand is and who it’s aimed at. I always say that we’re targeting the leader of the future.
It’s good that we consider luxury as exclusive, but that exclusivity doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game with nature. In other words, for me to carry an exclusive bag, we don’t have to kill an animal.
That’s why we understand the project in terms of honesty, responsibility, and respect.
And we see this demanding nature as the ability to question what we’ve achieved so far, both in terms of materials and the working conditions of the people involved in making the piece.
That, for us, is not just the contemporary woman, but the woman who will lead the future.
Q: Do you think the luxury of the future will be more emotional than material?
A: I firmly believe so. Basically, because before, craftsmanship was practiced in a more personal, more intimate way. Workshops were small, family-run, and someone crafted a piece with their own hands, creating a kind of bond between that piece and its owner.
However, recently, we’ve entered such a dehumanized level of industrialization that pieces lose part of their soul, becoming simply mass-produced on assembly lines thousands of miles away.
To make matters worse, the proliferation of replicas, amplified by the reach of social media, has meant that anyone with a medium-to-high purchasing power can own a copy almost indistinguishable from the original.
That’s why the future of luxury inevitably lies in deep connection, soul, and emotions.
I fundamentally believe that we must embrace error, imperfection, what is real and authentic
Q: What legacy would you like to create with Qosmic?
A: I would like every Qosmic customer to feel pride, serenity, and satisfaction for having made the right decision to contribute to leaving a better world.
Q: What inspires you more: perfection or artisanal imperfection?
A: Without a doubt, I’m inspired by humanity and authenticity.
Perfection is an ideal, and although we strive to make our pieces and everything else as perfect as possible, I fundamentally believe that we must embrace error, imperfection, and what is authentic, especially in this era where we will all be replaced by machines 🙂
Ultimately, humanity wins out.
