Last week saw the spectacular 32nd edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion, the platform organised by the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Regional Government of Catalonia). Showcasing 24 designers at the Sant Pau modernist venue across a four-day schedule, the event celebrates emerging fashion designers driving positive change within the industry, and its latest offering certainly didn’t disappoint. Join us as we share some of our highlights from Spain’s most fashionable affair.
Outsiders Division
Multi-disciplinary designer David Méndez’s latest tongue-in-cheek collection burst out of our childhood toy chest. Stuffed with our sentimental playschool favourites, the collection titled ‘Extraordinario’’ continues the brand’s journey of uniting mischievous preppy-punk outsiders who share a love for oversaturated colour. All dolled up, models march down the runway wearing comical headpieces.
Standouts include giant Mario Kart-style mushroom felt bonnets, a mediaeval castle adorned with flags, while knitted balaclavas mimicking sea urchins gladly took us overboard. Jumpers emulate the print of roadmap rugs that graced the bedroom floor of almost every 90s kid. Smart button-down shirts experience a crochet makeover, featuring whimsical sunflowers and daisies tied up in spiderwebs. This collection was for the Peter Pan’s of the fashion world.
Syndical Chamber
Nuance and humour are at the core of Syndical Chamber’s design ethos, and their runway debut at 080 Barcelona Fashion was no exception. Packed with personality, even designer and founder Sergio Castaño Peña hit the runway disguised under a knitted balaclava, dramatically throwing pillows at a gaping audience. The collection, entitled ‘Who The Fuck Gives A Shit’, explores social archetypes through dressing, from gold diggers to the techy savvy woman in STEM.
The label’s signature viral nude gowns made a welcome return while other silk dresses were reimagined, featuring cutouts while some were entirely split apart and reconstructed. Already counting Cardi B, Ashley Graham and Iggy Azalea as fans, Syndical Chambers ensures that Barcelona is firmly placed as an emerging fashion capital, one witty, viral dress at a time.
Dominnico
Established in 2016 by Domingo Rodriguez Lazaro, the brand is a firm favourite on the 080 Barcelona schedule. Opening and closing the runway with model and influencer Sita Bellan, Dominnico’s SS24 collection showcases flamboyance at its finest. Among its infamous futuristic PVC materials, this season also incorporates acid-washed denim, ribbon and soft lace paired with the label’s much-loved metalwork detailing.
Taking inspiration from club kids and queer nightlife, models strut in thick-soled chunky cyborg trainers, oversized furry booties and red PVC over-the-knee boots – although one model, none other than Spain’s iconic TV presenter Carmen Lomana, abandoned her heels altogether to much praise from the audience.
Paolo Leduc
For SS24, Leduc takes us on a cultural journey that reflects his Spanish and French heritage, combining lavish baroque-style prints with artisanal craftsmanship. Models are decked out with fake gothic tattoos, paying homage to Mexican gang culture and an ode to the designer’s (perhaps quite out of the ordinary) morning routine.
Based on his belief that nothing is definitive and the importance of embracing ‘living in the moment’, Leduc begins each day by drawing temporary art on his skin to help “mark out the course of his day”. This time, however, his emblems find a more permanent home, adorning the collection’s white T-shirts, the backs of jackets and balaclavas. We’ll make sure to add a Sharpie to our shopping list.
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