Scorpion
After two years of pause due to the health crisis, face to face fashion returned to the podium at 080 Barcelona Fashion, marking its 30th edition. The atmosphere buzzed with nerves and a surge of demand, with more accredited press than ever before and a global audience tuning in. Influencers now shared the limelight with seasoned editors, injecting color into the front row and the Sant Pau gardens where stories were captured. Esteemed voices from the industry rode alongside a new wave of observers, redefining the spectrum of attention at the show.
The schedule opened with a hint of spectacle as eager guests waited to glimpse designs in motion at the LR3 Experience, the single virtual facet of this fashion week presented by Louis Rubi and Daniel Corrales. Attendees lined up to view the new creations, a reminder that there is still a tangible thrill to live fashion even in a hybrid era.
It was worth the wait. The house founded in 1929 by Carles Gràcia delivered a collection alive with enthusiasm. The spring-summer 2023 line arrived as temperatures drifted unusually warm for October, pairing sunshine hues with energetic silhouettes. The color story sparked a contagious mood, inviting the audience to embrace a playful approach to knitwear and tailoring alike.
In total, 25 looks unfolded, each capturing the DNA of the brand in knitwear while pushing new boundaries with sequins on trousers and skirts, feather accents, and pops of lurex in orange, fuchsia, and bright green. Gràcia remains a strong advocate for in-person events, enjoying the chance to debut in front of a live audience rather than through a screen.
Singer Giselle sat in the front row, applauding a collection described as multiplayer, upbeat, and colorful. The lineup celebrated ultra-slim models across diverse races, underscoring the inclusivity at the heart of the show.
everything she loves
The Costa Brava coves inspired the SS23 La Maison collection, designed by Clara Esteve, a brand specialist in swimwear and intimates. The collection showcases shirt dresses, blouses, overalls, and kimonos in fuchsia, green, blue, white, ocher, and silver. The palette leans into soft, luminous tones with flowing textures that project effortless elegance and a relaxed chic reminiscent of the 70s. Lorena Durán, renowned for her curvy figures, adds another layer of resonance to the season’s narrative.
Shimmers and soft drapes define the silhouettes, delivering a sense of ease while preserving a refined edge. Esteve’s approach blends warm hues with crisp fabrics to create looks ready for daytime strolls and evening events alike.
tiskar swords
Designer and artist Swords of Tiscar presented a face to face debut in Chapter 4, Act I. The collection defies easy categorization, blending timeless elements with forward thinking. It presents pieces crafted by local makers with meticulous attention to material and finish, offering a portfolio that feels both nostalgic and boldly contemporary. The result is a lineup of unique, handmade garments that speak to individuality and artisanal craft.
Maite by Lola Casademunt
Maite by Lola Casademunt, a label with over four decades in the industry, unveiled Dreaming Africa, a collection born from a journey across the continent. Animal print motifs mingle with voluminous, fluid shapes in energetic hues and warm sunset tones of terracotta and orange. The line captures a sense of travel and discovery, translating global inspiration into wearable pieces that feel adventurous yet accessible.
AMLUL
The closing wave of the day featured AMLUL by Gala Gonzalez, a young label known for its Made in Spain emphasis and bold color stories. Twenty looks emphasized timelessness and a craft ethic rooted in local production, with a silhouette mix that spans kimonos and versatile tops for both men and women. The palette ranges from sunrise whites to sunset silvers, echoing a personal homage to homeland. The collection leans toward sustainable principles, presenting new pieces designed for daily wear from dawn to night, with a focus on 100 percent Spanish origin and responsible manufacturing.
Overall, the opening day of the 080 Barcelona Fashion week highlighted a dynamic mix of heritage and modern expression. Designers embraced vivid color, tactile textures, and inclusive casting, inviting a broad audience to experience a fashion moment that feels both celebratory and contemporary. Markers of a postpandemic confidence were evident in live presentation energy and the return of intimate, story-driven catwalk moments that resonate with diverse communities and a global fan base. The event continues to redefine what a regional fashion week can deliver on the world stage, balancing local craft with international appeal, and reminding audiences that fashion thrives in person when design, performance, and storytelling converge in real time. [citation]