Latest news with #BarcelonaBridalNight
Fashion Network
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Albasarí Caro on BBFW 2025: International momentum, fresh brands and strategic growth
FNW: How did the preparation for this edition compare to previous ones? A.C.: Our ultimate goal is to create a truly experiential moment and make it an unmissable date on the calendar. To achieve that, we must deliver optimal service. We held a four-hour meeting with our entire team—about 500 employees—who were fully committed to the process. This year, for the first time, we expanded into Pavilion 8 at Fira de Barcelona, which allowed us to redesign Pavilions 1 and 2 and create a more logical, circular layout. We introduced different atmospheres and added a refined touch, aiming for an aspirational and inspirational experience for brands across all price points. To that end, we collaborated with high-end sponsors like Clau&Chloe, the luxury line from Casa Viva. We're very pleased with the new space, which has been well-received. For the runway shows, I was inspired by some of the haute couture and ready-to-wear shows in Paris, where I saw square-shaped catwalks, and I thought we could bring a similar spirit of subtle elegance and 'savoir-faire' to Barcelona. FNW: What led to the change of venue? A.C.: It was primarily a matter of space. Previously, we were based around Plaza Univers, with a tent serving as the backstage area for nearly 130 people—including hair, makeup and model teams—which was far from ideal. With the addition of another pavilion, we were able to accommodate the growing exhibition area and provide a much more comfortable environment. Both areas attract the same audience. Even though the pavilions are separated, we turned off the traffic lights so visitors could cross the road freely. And with the Venetian Towers on one side and Montjuïc on the other, it's a truly beautiful setting. FNW: One of this edition's highlights was Vivienne Westwood's participation in the Barcelona Bridal Night. What was it like working with the brand, and what feedback have you received? A.C.: It was truly a historic moment for the city, the country and the bridal sector. Having such an iconic and legendary brand as Vivienne Westwood join us was incredibly significant. The collaboration was smooth and full of camaraderie. Their team of around 40 young, vibrant and diverse professionals came to prepare and work in the showroom area. That's always the formula for us: those who walk the runway must also exhibit, because selling is the primary goal. Vivienne Westwood's message of 'I marry who I want, how I want, when I want, and if someone doesn't like it, I really don't care' resonated deeply with the spirit of the city and beyond. FNW: After featuring major fashion names such as Viktor&Rolf, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli and now Vivienne Westwood, what lies ahead for Barcelona Bridal Night? A.C.: Our aim is always to surprise. After Giambattista Valli, known for his classic and elegant cuts, we wanted to shake things up and thought Vivienne Westwood was the perfect choice to deliver a 180-degree shift. Looking ahead, we've already confirmed the designer for 2026, although I can't reveal the name yet, and we're already exploring options for 2027. FNW: In recent years, major brands such as Pronovias and Rosa Clará have stepped away from the event, while new industry leaders have joined. How do you view this shift, and how do you approach the selection of new brands? A.C.: As a trade show, we believe brands should participate if it aligns with their strategic objectives. Our doors and hearts remain open for labels like Rosa Clará and Pronovias, even if now is not the right moment for them. In the meantime, we have cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of brands we have supported over the years—brands that now stand firmly on their own and bring buyers a fresh perspective on bridal fashion. Regarding brand selection, we are fortunate to have a waiting list, giving us a wide array of options. Our goal is always to surprise and curate a diverse, exciting lineup. This year, for example, we welcomed three new Australian brands, along with Wang Feng, a leading label from Shanghai that made its runway debut in Barcelona—an achievement we are extremely proud of. In total, nearly 450 brands exhibited in the sales area this year. We carried out a careful selection process to ensure we offered buyers exactly what they sought. We aim to build lasting connections while continually discovering new talent. We want to avoid repetition; striking a balance between established names and fresh variety is essential. FNW: Where does the internationalization strategy currently stand? A.C.: As in previous years, we had strong buyer participation from Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom. In fact, we saw an increase in visitors from the UK, partly because the White Gallery—London's bridal trade fair—was not held this year, and we were able to welcome those buyers. Thanks to one of our collaborators, we've also reestablished ties with the Middle East, a market that had been difficult to reach after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team has traveled extensively and worked hard to forge new connections, because recruiting buyers is our number-one priority. That said, it's a collective effort—our exhibitors contribute significantly to drawing an international audience. FNW: How do you view the current state of the global bridal industry, and what position does Barcelona hold within it? A.C.: The global bridal industry is experiencing significant change and economic uncertainty. However, there will always be a need for a dedicated moment each year for professionals to meet, network and connect. It is not only about buying or attending runway shows—it is about the energy, the human connections and the opportunities that arise from those encounters. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week has clearly established itself as the unmissable fashion week for the sector, and our goal is to ensure it remains that way. FNW: What are the main goals for future editions? A.C.: Our greatest challenge now is to maintain what we have built and consolidate our growth. The market is what it is, and I do not foresee expanding into another pavilion. Instead, we will focus on managing brand rotations and continuing to adapt to market needs. Our aim is sustainable, organic growth—not expansion for expansion's sake. It is a lesson many fashion brands are learning: true success often lies in consolidation, not constant scaling. With this in mind, we will prioritize buyer recruitment and strengthen our strategy. We also plan to further highlight festivewear, as wedding boutiques increasingly rely not only on bridal sales but also on guest attire and accessories, which represent an important share of the business.
Fashion Network
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Vivienne Westwood brings punk flair to Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
Barcelona embraced both rebellion and romance during its 2025 edition of Barcelona Bridal Night. Among the high-profile names that have previously graced this event— Marchesa, Viktor&Rolf, Elie Saab, and Giambattista Valli —this year's spotlight fell on iconic British label Vivienne Westwood. On April 24, the brand unveiled its newest bridal couture collection in the historic cloisters of the University of Barcelona, a 19th-century architectural landmark. The runway show, part of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week running from April 23 to 27, drew more than 450 guests. "The bridal world is very different from prêt-à-porter shows in Paris, but this event has been really well organized from the start, and everyone has been so kind. It's been a pleasure," said Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood's widower and current creative director, in a backstage interview. Kronthaler co-developed the collection over more than six months with Brigitte Stepputtis, the brand's director of couture, design, and bridalwear. The "Vivienne Westwood Bridal Collection 2026" featured 34 couture bridal looks, drawing primary inspiration from Barcelona's streets and energy. "When I was designing, I was thinking about Barcelona and what would suit the city," said Kronthaler, describing it as "incredible, stimulating, and full of life." Several designs reinterpreted the brand's iconic floral print, originally inspired by the 18th-century Belgian painter and botanist Pierre- Joseph Redouté's watercolor artworks. In addition to classic bridal fabrics like tulle, organza, and cotton, the collection featured washed georgette, linen, and more cotton, combined with corsetry and menswear tailoring elements. As a tribute to the punk and irreverent spirit that defined the house since its founding by Vivienne Westwood in the 1970s, several looks were styled with long, heavy chains draped around the models' necks. "The brand has evolved so much since its beginnings, and I think its secret lies in its ability to transcend. It doesn't stay the same—it breaks barriers," said Kronthaler, known for his subversive creations. "We've been making bridalwear for a long time, but looking at today's collection, I think it's fantastic and could definitely be worn in the future." As part of a shared commitment to education and culture, the organization behind Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and Vivienne Westwood collaborated to launch several initiatives in local design schools, including IED, LCI and ESDI. These initiatives included mentorship workshops and other projects. Around 300 students from these institutions were invited to a second exclusive show by the British brand at the same venue. The creative director also shared an uplifting message: "Life is short—make the most of each day. Getting dressed helps. Wearing something nice can lift your day, especially when you're not in the mood. That's the power of fashion—for everyone, but especially the younger generation." Andreas Kronthaler became the creative director of Vivienne Westwood following the death of the company's founder at age 81 in late 2022. "Now I'm alone. But we were together for so many years, doing everything halfway, that I can't tell where I end and she begins. I feel lucky, privileged, and confident," said the designer. He added that he tries to look ahead and not take life too seriously these days. "I always think a small dose of humor is a great quality to have," he concluded. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, organized by Fira de Barcelona with the support of the Catalan government's Department of Business and Employment, will conclude its 2025 edition on April 26. In parallel, the event is also hosting its annual trade fair from April 25 to 27, featuring around 450 national and international brands specializing in bridalwear, formalwear, eveningwear, and accessories.
Korea Herald
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Vivienne Westwood dazzles at Barcelona Bridal Night with an epic show
In the cloister of the historic building of the University of Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain, April 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The British brand Vivienne Westwood was the star of the Barcelona Bridal Night, held last night as part of the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW). Presenting its 2026 Bridal Collection, the iconic fashion house captivated the more than 450 attendees, offering an unforgettable experience of elegance, rebellion, and romance in what was the first show focused solely on its bridal fashion line. The 19th-century historic building of the University of Barcelona was the chosen venue for this special event. Models paraded in 34 made to order and haute couture bridal gowns, walking through the cloister surrounding the central garden, where the blooming orange trees provided a natural backdrop to the show. Vivienne Westwood's creative director, Andreas Kronthaler said: " Bridal has always been an important part of the house, since I started working with Vivienne in the early 90s. We are delighted to be showing our first bridal show here in this fantastic city; we took the grandeur of the boulevards and architecture as our first point of inspiration." He continued: " The collection is a pot pourri of past, present and future. Corsetry is the foundation; it enhances you and gives you presence. And tailoring – to add a masculine flair." " We looked again to our rose print, inspired by the watercolours of 18th century botanist Pierre-Joseph Redouté. We added orange blossom from the courtyard of the university, a symbol of purity and beauty; subdued and layered with tulle – tender, romantic. Rich jacquard in 'Absence of roses' – classical. There is linen and cotton, washed georgette and chiffon, to make things look as if they have been worn time and again. The lightest organza, lots of lace, and pale pink duchesse from Italy. Each character tells a story." Andreas concluded: " Simonetta (Gianfelici) wears the Madame de Pompadour gown, inspired by the François Boucher painting (1756), this time in white. Vivienne would have loved it – it was her favourite dress of all time." Additionally, from today and until Sunday, the Trade Show will open its doors in Halls 1 and 2 and the Plaza de l'Univers at the Montjuïc venue, with nearly 450 brands offering buyers from around the world a wide range of bridal, groom, party, ceremony, red carpet, and accessory dresses.
Fashion Network
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Vivienne Westwood brings punk flair to Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
Barcelona embraced both rebellion and romance during its 2025 edition of Barcelona Bridal Night. Among the high-profile names that have previously graced this event—Marchesa, Viktor&Rolf, Elie Saab, and Giambattista Valli—this year's spotlight fell on iconic British label Vivienne Westwood. On April 24, the brand unveiled its newest bridal couture collection in the historic cloisters of the University of Barcelona, a 19th-century architectural landmark. The runway show, part of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week running from April 23 to 27, drew more than 450 guests. "The bridal world is very different from prêt-à-porter shows in Paris, but this event has been really well organized from the start, and everyone has been so kind. It's been a pleasure," said Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood's widower and current creative director, in a backstage interview. Kronthaler co-developed the collection over more than six months with Brigitte Stepputtis, the brand's director of couture, design, and bridalwear. The "Vivienne Westwood Bridal Collection 2026" featured 34 couture bridal looks, drawing primary inspiration from Barcelona's streets and energy. "When I was designing, I was thinking about Barcelona and what would suit the city," said Kronthaler, describing it as "incredible, stimulating, and full of life." Several designs reinterpreted the brand's iconic floral print, originally inspired by the 18th-century Belgian painter and botanist Pierre- Joseph Redouté's watercolor artworks. In addition to classic bridal fabrics like tulle, organza, and cotton, the collection featured washed georgette, linen, and more cotton, combined with corsetry and menswear tailoring elements. As a tribute to the punk and irreverent spirit that defined the house since its founding by Vivienne Westwood in the 1970s, several looks were styled with long, heavy chains draped around the models' necks. "The brand has evolved so much since its beginnings, and I think its secret lies in its ability to transcend. It doesn't stay the same—it breaks barriers," said Kronthaler, known for his subversive creations. "We've been making bridalwear for a long time, but looking at today's collection, I think it's fantastic and could definitely be worn in the future." As part of a shared commitment to education and culture, the organization behind Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and Vivienne Westwood collaborated to launch several initiatives in local design schools, including IED, LCI and ESDI. These initiatives included mentorship workshops and other projects. Around 300 students from these institutions were invited to a second exclusive show by the British brand at the same venue. The creative director also shared an uplifting message: "Life is short—make the most of each day. Getting dressed helps. Wearing something nice can lift your day, especially when you're not in the mood. That's the power of fashion—for everyone, but especially the younger generation." Andreas Kronthaler became the creative director of Vivienne Westwood following the death of the company's founder at age 81 in late 2022. "Now I'm alone. But we were together for so many years, doing everything halfway, that I can't tell where I end and she begins. I feel lucky, privileged, and confident," said the designer. He added that he tries to look ahead and not take life too seriously these days. "I always think a small dose of humor is a great quality to have," he concluded. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, organized by Fira de Barcelona with the support of the Catalan government's Department of Business and Employment, will conclude its 2025 edition on April 26. In parallel, the event is also hosting its annual trade fair from April 25 to 27, featuring around 450 national and international brands specializing in bridalwear, formalwear, eveningwear, and accessories.
Fashion Network
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Vivienne Westwood brings punk flair to Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
Barcelona embraced both rebellion and romance during its 2025 edition of Barcelona Bridal Night. Among the high-profile names that have previously graced this event—Marchesa, Viktor&Rolf, Elie Saab, and Giambattista Valli—this year's spotlight fell on iconic British label Vivienne Westwood. On April 24, the brand unveiled its newest bridal couture collection in the historic cloisters of the University of Barcelona, a 19th-century architectural landmark. The runway show, part of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week running from April 23 to 27, drew more than 450 guests. "The bridal world is very different from prêt-à-porter shows in Paris, but this event has been really well organized from the start, and everyone has been so kind. It's been a pleasure," said Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood's widower and current creative director, in a backstage interview. Kronthaler co-developed the collection over more than six months with Brigitte Stepputtis, the brand's director of couture, design, and bridalwear. The "Vivienne Westwood Bridal Collection 2026" featured 34 couture bridal looks, drawing primary inspiration from Barcelona's streets and energy. "When I was designing, I was thinking about Barcelona and what would suit the city," said Kronthaler, describing it as "incredible, stimulating, and full of life." Several designs reinterpreted the brand's iconic floral print, originally inspired by the 18th-century Belgian painter and botanist Pierre- Joseph Redouté's watercolor artworks. In addition to classic bridal fabrics like tulle, organza, and cotton, the collection featured washed georgette, linen, and more cotton, combined with corsetry and menswear tailoring elements. As a tribute to the punk and irreverent spirit that defined the house since its founding by Vivienne Westwood in the 1970s, several looks were styled with long, heavy chains draped around the models' necks. "The brand has evolved so much since its beginnings, and I think its secret lies in its ability to transcend. It doesn't stay the same—it breaks barriers," said Kronthaler, known for his subversive creations. "We've been making bridalwear for a long time, but looking at today's collection, I think it's fantastic and could definitely be worn in the future." As part of a shared commitment to education and culture, the organization behind Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week and Vivienne Westwood collaborated to launch several initiatives in local design schools, including IED, LCI and ESDI. These initiatives included mentorship workshops and other projects. Around 300 students from these institutions were invited to a second exclusive show by the British brand at the same venue. The creative director also shared an uplifting message: "Life is short—make the most of each day. Getting dressed helps. Wearing something nice can lift your day, especially when you're not in the mood. That's the power of fashion—for everyone, but especially the younger generation." Andreas Kronthaler became the creative director of Vivienne Westwood following the death of the company's founder at age 81 in late 2022. "Now I'm alone. But we were together for so many years, doing everything halfway, that I can't tell where I end and she begins. I feel lucky, privileged, and confident," said the designer. He added that he tries to look ahead and not take life too seriously these days. "I always think a small dose of humor is a great quality to have," he concluded. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, organized by Fira de Barcelona with the support of the Catalan government's Department of Business and Employment, will conclude its 2025 edition on April 26. In parallel, the event is also hosting its annual trade fair from April 25 to 27, featuring around 450 national and international brands specializing in bridalwear, formalwear, eveningwear, and accessories.
