THE RECAP OF 080 BARCELONA FASHION EVENT

words by NATALIE GAL

Barcelona is known for having no limits when it comes to creative freedom. This cosmopolitan spirit was reflected in the runway of 080 Barcelona Fashion Event,  which sparkled with individuality and unconventional beauty. Is the future of fashion boldness and creativity taking center stage? 

Cowboy boots, in all styles and quantities, have been one of 2024’s biggest hits. Spanish brand DOMENNICO took the trend further, delivering a swirling madness of the Wild West-inspired garments. Infused with latex and straps, the collection made the cowboy aesthetic sexy, daring, and striking.

"The Green Flash Theory" by RUBEARTH was also something of a vivid dream, with every piece being reworked in an unexpected way, featuring fun, popping colours and conceptual hats. MANÉMANÉ’s "Unfollow the Rules" collection truly lived up to its title as well, taking the patchwork theme and layering it to a whole new level.

That sense of theatricality and fearlessness carried through to other memorable moments on the runway. MAISON MOONSIOUR’s "La Rue des Garçonnes" stood out as sharp, bold, and captivatingwith over-the-top makeup and a mix of materials, from leather to ruffles.Drawing influences from eras like the 1920s, 70s, and 80s, completed with oversized hats and collars, it felt like a new-age Cabaret, an alternate world where surprise was the only constant element.

MARÍA ESCOTÉ’s "S x María Escoté" celebrated pop culture, taking inspiration from films and art such as the Superman franchise, and the designs were true showstoppers. "Hack the System" by 404 STUDIO also got sucked into the movie world. Inspired by the cult film Hackers (1995), this collection is an homage to its post-punk aesthetic. The collection was playful and rebellious, creating an aesthetic of retro-futurism with a punky twist. Styled with chunky, colourful shoes, corsets and ruffles, plus a bit of metallic touch, the pieces were undoubtedly young and fresh. 

CUSTO BARCELONA took us by storm, with electric sparkling dresses that shimmied on the runway, especially thanks to the technical fabrics. COMPTE SPAIN also brought forth a haze of imagination, making us feel like we were part of a fairytale: shiny sequins, ethereal segments, feathers.

When it came to expecting the unexpected, we could be sure ERNESTO NARANJO would not disappoint, with sparkles and neon colours popping on the fits while still keeping an elegant and toned vibe. It felt like a delicate fusion of Dries Van Noten’s bold sophistication and Loewe’s playful elegance. Unexpected volumes, dynamic textures, presented with a color palette of ethereal and earthy tones.

ACROMATYX’s "007 Essencia" collection reimagined the classic Bond-style suit. The monochrome pieces came alive through bold, unexpected silhouettes, an elegant rethinking of the spy look with a modern, avant-garde twist. Meanwhile, "Rogue" by THE LABEL EDITION also brought a charm of luxury and utter elegance, however, sticking to neutral shades.

 "Misty Coast", coming from LOLA CASADEMUNT BY MAIT, was a bow to the classic beaches of Normandy, showing flowy yet elegant designs, with polka dots—no surprise, as they're set to dominate the fashion scene in 2025, as one of the year’s standout trends. DOBLAS named their collection "Re-Debut", and it was a testament to classic tailoring and refinement, which was simply put, exquisite. Focusing on timeless elegance the collection was a masterclass in power and grace, with it’s sharp shoulders, elongated silhouettes and monochrome aesthetic.

In contrast, there were numerous peaceful and muted collections. The "Gardener Mist" collection by EIKŌ AI was a perfect example of beautifully constructed softness. It took the audience into a mythical garden, with hues that passed through the trees: soft pink, brown, and green. This is only further elevated by the softness of silk.  

In the collection "The Space Between," SIMORRA took inspiration from the Japanese concept of Ma, which celebrates the beauty of empty spaces and their ability to make one contemplate and gain creativity. The garments alternated  modern, stylish streetwear and angelic suits with see-through blazers of yellow satin. JUAN VIDAL also brought a sense of serenity through his use of silk and flower motifs in his collection, "Me Quiere, No Me Quiere."

"The Small Print" by HABEY CLUB was inspired by the photographer Vivian Maier. It told a story of Maier through a wide colour palette complemented by prints and graphic elements, conceptualizing striking aspects of her life. 

The monochrome peak of the week was "Void" by GUILLERMO JUSTICIA, using masks and face paint accompanied by dark and heavy fits that made an impact. The collection is a deeply personal work, reflecting the designer’s emotions and journey. As Guillermo described it, the process involved “imagining all those feelings and giving them shape, as if they were a place—to better understand how I was feeling.” That place is The Void.

 "Ecdysis" by EÑAUT also played with monochrome style, taking it further even with leather and silk. His fits were made truly outstanding by electric cobalt blue outfits and headcovers.
AAA STUDIO’s collection, "Like a Tattoo," came from the song by Sade and explored themes of inertia—doing things without finding joy or motivation, yet doing them anyway, with stunning, touching accuracy.

ANEL YAOS created a variety of angelic white silhouettes but gave them that fashion edge with bright red elements, building drama through the striking contrast. ALVAR MERINO took us away similarly, with the "Into the Unknown" collection of neutral colours, exploration, and survival—while maintaining the urban character that defined the brand’s essence.  "Highlands" by ESPORPION also used a dark and mature palette, taking inspiration from the mysterious and foggy Highlands of Scotland and nodding to the style of the iconic Vivienne Westwood.

The 080 Barcelona Fashion Event  proved that fashion in 2025 is anything but predictable. It is a form of storytelling and reimagining. Every designer brought something distinct, daring, and emotionally charged to the runway. We have witnessed futuristic latex cowboy ensembles, and surreal cabaret gowns and mythical gardens coming alive. Imagination was limitless and powerful, and the experience was undoubtedly memorable.