080 Barcelona Fashion reaffirms its role as Spain’s premier international fashion platform

From April 1 to 4, the Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau hosted the 35th edition of the biannual fashion event. This latest spring edition of the runway shows, organized by the 080 Barcelona Fashion platform, was defined by a diverse roster of brands—featuring both established names from the local scene and emerging national talents—as well as the announcement of Barcelona City Council’s forthcoming investment in the event.

Over four days, more than 3,000 attendees gathered at the iconic Barcelona venue to experience the collections of 24 brands and designers, carefully selected based on their creative vision and commercial potential. The event’s goal, as outlined by 080’s director Marta Coca in an interview with FashionNetwork.com, was clear: to strengthen the platform’s international projection and foster an organically built fashion community.  

This latest spring edition signals a continued effort to position Barcelona as a global hub for cutting-edge, contemporary design—a mission that has guided the organisation over the past few seasons. “There was a time when many brands left Barcelona to show elsewhere, which meant the city had lost relevance for them,” Coca admitted. “Now, many have returned, and we hope they stay for the long haul.”  

The week kicked off with a lineup of more classic, refined proposals, including Simorra’s Japanese-inspired silhouettes, The Label Edition’s timeless rock attitude, Eikō ai’s effortless chic, Escorpion’s Scottish-influenced looks, and Lola Casademunt by Maite’s nostalgic journey to the beaches of Normandy. 

Day two focused on bold, creative voices, led by Guillermo Justicia, winner of the top prize at the Rec.0 festival in collaboration with 080. The day continued with Compte Spain’s reinterpretations of everyday objects, 404 Studio’s capsule inspired by the film Hackers, Custo Barcelona’s free-spirited aesthetic, Txell Miras’s sculptural fabric play, and Ernesto Naranjo’s take on Ziegfeld Follies through a modern lens.

On day three, emerging talent and innovation took center stage. AAA Studio opened with a raw exploration of Gen Z’s exhaustion in the face of adulthood, followed by Alvar Merino’s functional urbanwear, Doblas’s artistic tailoring, Juan Vidal’s exploration of vulnerability and duality, and Eñaut’s reflection on beauty standards and personal perception. The day culminated with two high-impact shows: María Escoté’s capsule in collaboration with Warner Bros., Discovery Global Consumer Products, featuring playful nods to Superman, and Dominnico’s mash-up of Western references and after-dark glamour. 

A pivotal investment from the city of Barcelona

A major announcement came on the third day when Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni and Minister of Business and Employment Miquel Sàmper confirmed the City Council’s new financial involvement. Until now, 080 had operated on a €2 million budget supported by the Catalan government and private sponsors. This fresh investment coincides with both institutions—local and regional—being led by the same political party (PSC) for the first time in years. According to Coca, the funding will be “vital,” particularly for securing a new venue from 2026 onward.

The 35th edition concluded with a showcase of more experimental and emotionally charged collections. Kicking off the final day was Anel Yaos, who presented a poignant collection inspired by his sister, followed by Maison Moonsieur’s futuristic reinterpretation of 1920s femininity. Rubearth brought a vibrant menswear collection that blended design, art, and technology with an imaginative spirit. The day wrapped with standout presentations from ManéMané, whose defiant collection explored themes of freedom; Habey Club, offering a poetic narrative inspired by the life and work of photographer Vivian Maier; and Acromatyx, which delivered a timeless black capsule evoking the cultural heritage of Extremadura.

While the upcoming autumn edition will remain at the UNESCO-listed modernist former hospital, 080 Barcelona Fashion plans to relocate to a new venue starting in 2026. The move responds to the growing space demands brought on by the event’s steady expansion in recent seasons and will be made possible thanks to the newly announced investment from the Barcelona City Council. Although the exact location has yet to be revealed, Marta Coca noted that the team is searching for a strategic, iconic space in the city—whether modernist or brutalist in style, with neutral interior spaces—where the event could be held for at least three to four consecutive years.