Arturo Obegero’s creative journey began in the coastal village of Tapia de Casariego in northern Spain. Growing up in a free-spirited, artistic environment, influenced by surf culture and a poetic, melancholic atmosphere, he developed a strong emotional connection to art and expression. Encouraged by his mother’s passion for the performing arts, Obegero nurtured his creative instincts from an early age.

After refining his technical skills in Spain, particularly in pattern cutting, he continued his education with a Master’s degree in Fashion at Central Saint Martins in London. His time at Lanvin in Paris provided valuable experience within a major fashion house. In 2020, during the global pandemic, he launched his own label, AO, which quickly gained recognition and secured a place on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar by early 2021.

Obegero’s design philosophy merges romantic emotion with structural precision. Drawing inspiration from dance—especially flamenco—as well as surrealist and neo-noir aesthetics, he creates garments that balance sensuality and discipline. His focus on sustainability is reflected in his use of reclaimed materials, including fabrics sourced from haute couture ateliers and theatrical costumes.

Obegero expanded his creative universe into perfumery through a collaboration with the Prague-based house Pigmentarium, resulting in the fragrance Azabache. Named after the black gemstone jet, the scent reflects his signature aesthetic—dark, refined, and emotionally charged. It intentionally blurs gender boundaries, echoing his fashion philosophy of fluid identity.

The fragrance opens with pink pepper and geranium, leading into a rich, expressive rose heart. As it develops, it transitions into deeper balsamic notes of labdanum, incense, and myrrh, evoking a contemplative, almost spiritual atmosphere. The base of cedarwood, amber, and musk adds warmth and depth, creating a lasting, sensual impression.

The creation of Azabache was a highly artistic process. Obegero communicated his vision through mood boards, music, and visual collages, translating personal memories of northern Spain and his life in Paris into scent. This interdisciplinary approach highlights how his fashion language seamlessly extends into perfumery, forming a cohesive and immersive creative identity.