In 1997 he moved to London, finishing his Masters in Design for Textiles Futures at Central Saint Martins School in 2003 exploring "new codes of masculinity" through the concept of ULTRA-modernity.

​

His design practice was elaborated on the conception of a series of trend books based on tie collections, experimenting with techniques such as ultra-sonic welding, laser-cutting and printing with the use of photocromatic and heat-sensitive inks.

​

Choosing the tie as it represents the most phallic element in the male’s wardrobe as well as being a symbol of elegance and self-expression, his work was an exploration of new aesthetics, pushing out the boundaries of the male’s identity in order to convert the tie into a functional object as well a symbol to express the idea of ULTRA-modernity.

​

ULTRA-modernity was sustained by the re-conceptualisation of the concept of superrmodernity, being an exploration of the new consciousness between a technological world and an organic mood ; inspired by the work of the artist Pablo Reinoso, the photographer Wolfgang Tillman and designers such as Vexed Generation, Issey Miyake, Jeff Griffin, CP Company, Mandarina Duck, Samsonite, Hussein Chalayan and particularly Walter Van Beirendonck .

​

At that time , with social trends showing the explosion of a nomadic group at work and the effects of Globalisation contributing to the increasing number of business men travelling for work, facilitated by high-speed transport and communication the hypermobile life was , as it still is, creating needed to be satisfied by special design solutions. Multifunctional, lightweight and interaction were key elements in the wardrobe of this group of men, alongside some of the most innovative developments in the world of textiles, such as performance fabrics and smart fabrics .

​

Men’s Couture as a laboratory of ideas - In accordance with the spirit of a craft form that relies heavily on the power and beauty of each individual garment, haute couture is both a marketing tool and a laboratory of ideas where almost anything is acceptable.

​

With the need of realistic lifestyle applications in the design of mens wardrobe , dreaming, exuberance and individualism are part of the signs for happiness and a successful life.

​

Focussing on this point José was willing to promote the new advances in textile technology such as the wearable computer and other forms of smart materials, with men’s couture lines as an essential strategy for the textile companies and fashion brands.

​

..." To combine the function characteristics with a desirable aesthetic for urban fashion purposes should be the aim in converting these materials into a fashion statement " ...