From flowers to geometry
Eight months into the year, the 78th Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid showcased couture that travels beyond borders, with Hannibal Laguna at the center of attention. His collection featured precise stitching and elegant silhouettes that carried the show from Madrid to fashion houses around the world. In the venue, Laguna affirmed that Spanish fashion holds a bright future, a sentiment echoed by many designers on the floor.
The week highlighted a constellation of talents beyond Laguna. Isabel Sanchís, Pedro del Hierro and Jorge Vázquez presented party and cocktail looks that captivated attendees and buyers alike. The offerings reflected a shared belief in craft and a refined aesthetic, even as the fashion calendar evolves with new consumer dynamics and global demand.
Laguna spoke of a challenging period in sewing and couture, noting that the craft endures because creators carry it inside them. He described design as a path that requires patience, paying tribute to those who commit to the meticulous work of garment construction while the industry adjusts to a faster pace in fashion cycles. The Alicante-born designer underscored that real work begins with listening to a client and understanding needs, then translating that insight into a garment whose workmanship reveals itself in every stitch.
The process of building a collection, Laguna explained, is a dialogue between measurements and the wearer’s aspirations. It is a journey from idea to fabric and, ultimately, to a garment that fits with authenticity. The narrative of the show celebrated this artistry as something that grows from careful technique and a fearless approach to modern silhouettes.
From flowers to geometry
Custom tailoring remains on a forward path, provided the craft is understood and honed. Laguna presented a new collection that leaned into geometric shapes and clarified lines, signaling a shift from florals toward more architectural forms. The exhibition, marking Laguna’s 35th fashion anniversary, was hosted by the Provincial Council of Alicante and will be on view until the 29th. In this show, floral prints gave way to clean geometries on collars and skirts, a move that played with symmetry and proportion for dramatic effect.
Laguna reflected on heritage pieces with an eye toward the future, noting that ideas explored two decades ago could be revived in new manifestations. A nod to timeless texture featured elements like cellophane fringes, a past detail reimagined to capture light. The sought-after effect aims for iridescence and a luminous feeling that translates well for diverse markets in Asia and Latin America.
Silhouettes described as feminine and striking gathered oversized elements at the top and cinched waists with slender lines. The collection leaned into light draped fabrics and metallic hues—purples, corals, and intense oranges—accented by sequins and crystal embroidery to add drama without compromising wearability.
President Pedro Sánchez attended the Alicante parade with his spouse in the audience, making a rare public appearance among fashion industry figures. The visit followed remarks at the EU2030 forum, an event convened by the CEOE employers’ association to discuss economic and social priorities. The president observed the show from the front row, noting the craftsmanship on display and engaging in conversations with designers and guests during the event.
The presidential tour included a stroll through Cibelspace, the area where brand stands and the showroom of emerging creators were gathered before the main stage. The atmosphere was lively as models prepared and designers completed last-minute touches, with the president occasionally exchanging impressions about the garments on the runway.
Throughout the parade, the president shared moments with his wife and with the designer’s mother, Mari Carmen Cabos, engaging in light dialogue about the designs and applauding the talent on display. The show highlighted a collaboration of political stature and creative work that underscored fashion’s role in cultural and economic dialogue.
Sources and credits accompany the imagery from the event in Madrid, offering documentary context about the collection during a week that brought together established names and rising stars in Spanish fashion. The experience captured the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, illustrating how couture remains a live, evolving craft even as fashion accelerates into new markets and styles. Citation: Event coverage for photo credits and attribution as provided by coverage of the Madrid fashion week.