Carmen Echevarría's role, Inditex's 'other pillar': her connection with Marta Ortega

Zara has commemorated the 50th anniversary (50th) of the opening of its first store in A Coruña. This is a very special anniversary for Inditex, which has placed the Ortega Pérez clan in the spotlight. Meanwhile, behind them, the Torretta family has "reigned" in the shadows since 2018, whose matriarch is Carmen Echevarría (Oviedo, 1950), the mother-in-law of Marta Ortega.

People say that Carmen is a key figure in the life of Inditex's non-executive chairwoman. She also plays an important role in the company her husband, designer Roberto Torretta, launched in 1996. But what role does Carmen Echevarría really play in Marta Ortega's life? What are her origins?

The "Other Pillar" of Inditex: Her Relationship With Marta Ortega

In 2017, businesswoman Carmen Echevarría made headlines nationwide. That year, her son, Carlos Torretta, and Marta Ortega, then the "heiress" of the Inditex empire, announced their engagement.

Until that moment, Carmen had been a very discreet figure in the glossy magazines despite being the "matriarch" of the Torretta family, one of the most renowned dynasties in international fashion.

Carlos and Marta's relationship was in the media spotlight from the beginning. However, people say that Carmen advised her son to keep a low profile. This is because Carmen is said to have had a significant influence on him since his childhood.

In November 2018, both families gathered in A Coruña to attend the wedding of Marta Ortega and Carlos Torretta. Carmen acted as the matron of honor and showed off her remarkable elegance, dressed in a black outfit, her signature color.

Since then, there has been much speculation about the relationship the Asturian businesswoman keeps with the Ortega Pérez family. Meanwhile, in particular, with her daughter-in-law Marta Ortega.

Apparently, the two are very close and they have shown it over the years at events such as equestrian days where the Torretta and Ortega Pérez families gather.

Marta and Carmen share a passion for fashion. Currently, the Asturian plays a key role in Roberto Torretta's company, where she works in the commercial department.

Together with her husband, she forms an iconic professional partnership and enjoys a life away from the spotlight in their exclusive villa in Torrelodones. Beyond business, Carmen is also delighted with her new role as grandmother to Matilda and Manuel, Carlos Torretta's children, and the three daughters of María Torretta.

The Origins of Carmen Echevarría, Marta Ortega's Mother-in-Law

Carmen Echevarría was born in 1950 into a family settled in Oviedo. She is very close to her sister Conchita, about whom little is known regarding her personal life.

The Asturian capital was where Carmen spent her childhood and adolescence, during which she studied economics. However, her destiny would take a different path.

The "Matriarch" of the Torretta Family

In the mid-seventies, Spain witnessed a process of opening up on all levels. The Transition had come to stay, and in 1977, Carmen Echevarría's life took a radical turn.

That year, the Oviedo native spent her summer vacation in Ibiza with her family. At that time, the Pityusic island was a true hippie paradise, where a young Argentine named Roberto Torretta arrived, making a living by selling pants on the island.

A spark ignited between them that culminated in 1981 when they decided to take their relationship a step further and got married. The couple chose the Pacha nightclub, one of the trendiest spots in Ibiza, to seal their story. They returned there years later to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.

After getting married, Carmen Echevarría and Roberto Torretta settled in Madrid. The couple bought a house on the central Barquillo street. Both began to make their way in the fashion industry, which was booming at the time.

Carmen joined the team at the Loewe store on Serrano street. Later, she decided to open a costume jewelry boutique on the same street where she lived.

The Asturian's name began to resonate strongly in high society and fashion circles after the opening of Berlín, a multi-brand store where Roberto Torretta began selling garments from Snif, the first brand the Argentine launched on the market.

The opening of Berlín revolutionized fashion in Madrid. Carmen introduced new brands such as the exclusive Tod's, and her client list included personalities like socialite Marta Chávarri, Infanta Elena, or members of well-known dynasties such as the Martínez-Bordiú family.

Carlos and María Torretta, the couple's two children, grew up among fabrics and designs. Carlos was born in 1984 and María in 1986.

For Carmen, her children have been the most important thing in her life. In an interview, María Torretta confessed: "My mother has made both my brother Carlos and me who we are."

Both Carlos and María are very close to their parents and, since childhood, they have witnessed their effort and sacrifice.

Her Friendship With Massiel

Since settling in the Spanish capital, Roberto Torretta and Carmen Echevarría have always attended the major "parties" and premieres that brought together figures from the worlds of culture, politics, or music.

According to reports, Carmen Echevarría's circle includes names such as former politician Ana Botella and singer Massiel, whose friendship dates back to their childhood.

Massiel and Carmen met in Asturias. The "Tanqueta de Leganitos" spent much of her childhood between Gijón and Oviedo, as her parents, Emilio Santamaría and Concepción Espinosa, were Asturian.

The two became very close, and in fact, Massiel played a key role in Carmen's early business ventures in Madrid. The singer partnered with the Asturian in opening the jewelry boutique in the heart of Chueca (Madrid).

However, the business did not continue, but their friendship endured. So much so that Carmen and Roberto chose the Madrid-born singer as godmother for their daughter María's baptism.

Now, Carmen is said to have become an essential support for the Madrid native, who continues her fight against a serious illness. Likewise, the Asturian remains the mastermind behind a great dynasty and, for many, the "other pillar" of the Inditex Empire.