Juan Delgado Álvarez(34) is the managing Director of Abanicos Sevillanos, which is a company that creates amazing fans which are like pieces of art! Creating one fan may take from two weeks until one month and even Duchess of Alba has one! i-Marbella interviewed Juan to find out more about him and the interesting business!

1. How did you start designing the luxury fans? 

We started our journey in the international luxury market in 2008. At that time, after some thought at length, we believed that the world should know Spanish craftsmanship, offering excellence to all our customers. That is why we offer the best of the best to our customers with the best raw materials of the international market, coupled with meticulous craftsmanship. 

2. Where were you educated? 

I was born and educated in Seville, Spain. Studied at the School San Antonio Maria Claret, and later I studied Business Studies from the University of Seville and then I specialized in Marketing Management from the School of Business Administration from Barcelona and Deusto. 

3. What is the main purpose of the people who buy the luxury fans? 

The purpose of every woman who buys our fans, is to feel unique and exclusive, carrying an unique and exclusive complement made to him or her, because as well as women, we also design models of fans for men. 

4. What kind of materials do you use? How long is the process of making one fan? 

The raw materials that we use for to provide the highest quality to our customers in general and to our most demanding customers in particular, are the fans made in wood of ebony, Lignum Vitae, maple, pear, orange, and so on, or other materials of first quality as mother-of-pearl, laces of tulle, wild silk, sequins, Swarovski crystal aso. 

Logically, the manufacturing time can to fluctuate. If our client wants a fan that we have in stock, they will can to obtain it at the instant. However, if our client wants a fan specially designed for him, choosing the type of wood and design, the time can range from 15-30 days. The technique that we apply to our products is the technique “in dry”. What does this mean? For each of the rib that forming each fan that we sell in the world, are obtained without the help of water. The help of water, that other manufacturers apply, gives speed to the process, but the ribs are substantially deform and curved. Ours, being “in dry”, take a little more time, but our ribs are completely straight, achieving excellence and quality that we offer to our customers. 

5. How do you come up with ideas for new fans? What inspires you? 

Our inspiration is the modern woman of the 21st century, a feminine and distinguished woman. Thus, we get that our fans are a true reflection of the person wearing it. We analyze the tastes and needs of our customers worldwide, also taking into account the cultural nuances. 

6. Do any celebrities own your fans? 

Our fans,both the hand painted fan as silk screen printing fan to events, are appreciated by 

people who value the unique, elegant and refined their designs, tailored to each client. 

Between these celebrities are for example, the Montarco Countess, Viscountess Garci-Grande, Mrs. Esperanza Aguirre Gil de Viedma (Countess of Murillo and president of the Autonomous Community of Madrid), Elio Berhanyer (considered the best active Spanish designer), the Duchess of Alba and so on.  

Personalities of this notable relevance, it is clear that they can get to create and start a fashion trend that extends over  time. When it is of classic and durable accessories like our fans, is more appealing. 

7. What are your other passions in life? 

My passions are horses, to practice sports, nature enjoying a beautiful sunset, read a good book, to sunbath on the beach with crystal clear water, and so on. There are many ways to enjoy life in a healthy and relaxed. I guess that I am like most of the people. 

8. How often do you visit Marbella? What do you like it here? 

Of course, Marbella is my second home. Since my childhood I have very fond memories of Malaga but Marbella is so special for me. I took my first class fishing, family and friends and so on. When I go to Marbella, I love to stroll through the historic old city. Places like the City Hall (built in 16th century), the Ermita de Santiago (built in 15th century) and the Casa del Corregidor (built in 16th century), are of extreme beauty, where I feel at home. 

Moreover, is excellent to lunch the typical “espetos de sardinas” in the beachfront promenade, while enjoying a perfect view. In short, Marbella is a delightful town. 

9. Do you sell your fans also in Marbella? 

Yes, we have private customers who purchase our fans for everyday use, for occasional use in gala events, or for decorate their homes, placing the fans on the wall displaying within abaniqueras, that we also offer, or in supports, that allowing to locate our fans on a table or in any space you want to decorate in an elegant and 

exclusive way. 

10. What are your plans for this summer? 

The next June, we plan to travel to Dubai for business. It is a very special and demanding market, something 

that we like because in there our work is much appreciated. On my return, we also plan to visit several  European countries like England or Germany. 

To find out more about the beautiful fans go to their website:

www.abanicossevillanos.es