080 Barcelona Fashion Week kicks off a week of celebrating Catalan style

Sant Pau Modernist Complex will host Barcelona's fashion community this week, with shows running through Friday, October 17, for the 36th edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion Week. 

080 Barcelona Fashion, a Catalan government-run campaign that promotes the fashion sector in Catalonia, kicked off the biannual event on Tuesday with Catalonia's Minister of Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, in attendance. 

"We want Catalonia to be known for having quality employment, for our workers to have decent wages," said Sámper. "This must also extend to the world of fashion."

Sustainability is a key focus of this year's edition, which will host the fourth event by the circular fashion collection 080 Reborn. The organizers have also emphasized craftsmanship and the promotion of Catalan talent and industry on the international stage. 

In his welcome speech, Sámper spoke about the importance of investing in sustainable and fair employment practices. 

"Otherwise we will fall behind in innovation, technology, and digitalization - three things that are obviously essential, not only in fashion, but throughout the entire industry and all the businesses we have the honor of leading from the public side," he said. 

The week's schedule of shows then commenced with Barcelona-based knitwear brand Escorpion, who presented a collection inspired by 1970s California.

Five contemporary dancers in flowing white garments opened the show, before the music picked up to usher in models sporting fringe and tassels, long pendant necklaces, studded clogs, and retro stripes in a warm pink, red, and orange color palette. The soundtrack featured remixes of The Mamas and Papas' "California Dreamin" and the Beatles' "And I Love Her." 

Other participating designers include Custo Barcelona, Dominnico, Simorra, and Lola Casademunt by Maite, rounding out a diverse four-day program that will feature a total of 25 fashion shows. 

Fashion shows will also be screened live in the Open Area, a free, open space within the Sant Pau Modernist Complex.