The Catalan fashion catwalk inaugurated this Tuesday its first edition facing the sea, in the Port Vell complex in Barcelona, with open views of the horizon and the Montjuïc mountain. The kickoff included shows by Escorpion, SKFK, Bolaño, Custo Barcelona and Adolfo Domínguez, on a catwalk set up inside a structure on the Rambla del Rompeolas. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Galician brand that turned the slogan “the wrinkle is beautiful” into a popular proverb phrase, 080 Barcelona Fashion has paid an emotional tribute to its founder, Adolfo Domínguez, who attended the show with his daughters, who have been at the helm of the brand for a few years.
Catalan fashion shines this week in a maritime but urban landscape, surrounded by salt water and the sway of the wind. On one side, the immense sail that represents the W Hotel and the Barceloneta coastline, on the other the freight port, the ferry terminal and the Montjuïc mountain. The new location has open spaces such as the Open Area and the photocall in the Mirador Building, with large windows. However, the catwalk is hidden under a large glass structure, where black curtains, essential for good lighting of the parades and audiovisual materials, prevent seeing the announced sea.
As a sign of the alliance between the two administrations that promote the event, the official opening was attended by the Minister of Business and Work, Miquel Sàmper, on behalf of the Generalitat, and the Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Commerce and Restoration, Nadia Quevedo, as a representative of Barcelona City Council. “Barcelona is fashion and fashion is a public policy, which we want to reach the entire city,” Quevedo intoned to highlight municipal support for 080.
The Catalan brand Escorpion, which will celebrate 100 years of history in 2029, has been the first to step onto the new catwalk, to present its Heritage collection, where knitwear continues to be its language. With a palette between earth and green tones, dotted with bursts of color, the brand has shown jackets, thick knit sweaters, cardigans and long knitted dresses that fit the silhouette in a very organic way, filling the outfits with comfort.
SKFK also dresses women in comfort, although its designs play with more sass. With a collection called Lotura, which means to link in Basque, the brand’s creative director, Maia Curutchet, has given importance to the quality of its materials, which flow with the body, in monochromatic or two-color versions, continuing with its particular geometric prints, which are a trademark of this house, a pioneer of slow fashion.
Also moving slowly is Bolaño, who has returned to parading after eight years without stepping on a catwalk. “I wanted to come back because if you don’t show it seems like you’re not in fashion,” she said, who continues her line of very elaborate dresses in rigorous black or light pink (only for the catwalk), which mix volumes, fabrics, bows and even bears, a stuffed animal that she began to include in her designs as shoulder pads. Although he is seen less, he says that he continues to work hard in his atelier, for his loyal clientele and making film costumes. In addition to being a fashion teacher, he collaborates as a stylist for Simorra.
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True to its DNA, the brand turned the catwalk into a space of creative freedom where fashion is transformed into emotional language. The collection proposes a sensory journey that invites you to claim individuality through color, graphics and dynamic silhouettes.
One of the key elements of the project has been its audiovisual universe: a video inspired by Burning Manwhich transports the viewer to an environment where art, community and freedom converge. This reference reinforces the spirit of the collection, conceived as a celebration of creativity without limits.
As a faithful ally of the Barcelona catwalk, Custo Barcelona did not miss its new call. His style adapts to the times, but follows the rebellious imprint that characterizes him: technical fabrics are mixed in tops full of transparencies and minimalist dresses; Prints with striking graphics or anthropomorphic animals are combined with strident colors and bright touches. Almost anything goes in a collection called This is me, with which he sends a message of self-expression.
Under the open sky, with the sunset falling behind the city, it was the turn of Adolfo Domínguez, who presented the El Numero collection, a show that included the final surprise of the tribute to this company that has celebrated 50 years at the helm of the second generation. Adriana Domínguez said that it has been possible because of the artistic and intuitive vision of her father, who, in addition to being creative, has always been very organized when running a company. “Without both parties it doesn’t work,” said the current executive president, who works side by side with her sister Tiziana. “She is an artist, a painter, and I work very well with her,” he said. This good understanding leads us to think that the wrinkle will be beautiful for many more years.
