At DYRKA our designs tell stories and our inspiration is global. We are inspired by the ancient and the modern; architecture and art. Here, we explore a groundbreaking monument to the Gothic aesthetic and the artist behind it.

La Sagrada Família, the iconic basilica in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí, stands as a symbol of artistic ingenuity, architectural mastery, and the relentless pursuit of creative expression. Gaudí was a genius who saw architecture as more than just a functional art; for him, it was a means of storytelling, spirituality, and harmony with nature.

In 1883 Gaudí began work on La Sagrada Família. Aware he would not be able to complete this ambitious project during his lifetime, he famously said, "My client is not in a hurry," referring to God and expressing his belief that the sacred nature of the work justified its gradual construction. Over 140 years after the laying of the first cornerstone of the temple, construction continues to this day.

Gaudí once said, "Originality consists of returning to the origin." His words reflect a personal philosophy that drew inspiration from nature and tradition, believing that true innovation comes from understanding the fundamental principles of the natural world. The artist is celebrated for his distinctive and organic approach to architecture, blending nature, geometry, and spiritual symbolism into his works. His creative process was deeply personal, evolving over the course of his life as he drew inspiration from natural forms, religious devotion, and his technical knowledge.

Gaudí’s designs were characterized by a close observation of nature, which he considered the ultimate source of architectural inspiration. He believed that nature’s forms, from the spirals of a seashell to the curves of a tree, held principles that could be translated into buildings. He saw natural forms - trees, mountains, and even human anatomy - as perfect blueprints for architectural structures. This is why the interior columns of La Sagrada Família, for example, mimic the trunks of trees, branching out as they rise, creating a canopy-like ceiling. Gaudí used materials innovatively, employing ceramics, glass, and iron in unconventional ways to create textures and surfaces that echoed natural forms. He also incorporated hyperbolic parabolas and catenary arches into his designs, innovations that were ahead of their time and remain impressive for their complexity and beauty.

A devout Catholic, Gaudí’s spirituality was a driving force in his creative process, especially in his later works. His magnum opus, La Sagrada Família, is a testament to his deep religious convictions. He conceived the cathedral as a symbolic representation of Christian beliefs, with its intricate facades and towering spires designed to reflect biblical narratives and the glory of God. Gaudí’s process involved the constant refinement of his ideas, often working from models and drawings that were reworked over time to evolve into more complex, yet harmonious, designs.

Gothic architecture emerged in 12th-century Europe as a radical departure from the heavier, fortress-like Romanesque style that preceded it. It was characterized by innovations that allowed for taller, more graceful buildings filled with light and adorned with intricate stonework. Key features include flying buttresses, which distributed the structure’s weight and allowed for thinner walls and larger windows, ribbed vaults, and, of course, the pointed arch. Gothic architecture's emphasis on verticality, light, and ornamentation directly influenced later movements in art and architecture.

La Sagrada Família represents the epitome of Gothic architecture infused with modernist and Art Nouveau elements. A harmonious alchemy that has captivated millions and inspired contemporary creatives across various fields, including fashion. The influence of Gaudí can be seen in Louis Vuitton’s 2025 Cruise Collection as well as historical collections such as Sarah Burton’s designs for Alexander McQueen in 2012. DYRKA continues to draw from the drama of the Gothic aesthetic, finding inspiration in its groundbreaking engineering, intricate detailing, and the motif of the symbolic cross.

Gothic architecture was rooted in the desire to evoke transcendence and spirituality. Cathedrals built in this style sought to draw the eyes - and the soul - upward, toward the heavens. The abundant use of stained glass, delicate tracery, and gargoyles were meant to tell stories and invoke a sense of awe. Gaudí, in La Sagrada Família, took the foundational elements of Gothic architecture and pushed them to their limits.

DYRKA, with its meticulous craftsmanship, evokes the spirit of Gaudí’s work. Each pair of sunglasses is designed with precision and creativity. We pay homage to Gaudí’s structural ingenuity and creative vision. Like La Sagrada Família DYRKA serves as a bridge between the past and the future, bringing the beauty and transcendence of the Gothic aesthetic into the realm of contemporary fashion.