MEDITERRANEAN FASHION WEEK VALENCIA… THE SECOND EDITION COMES TO AN END!

I witnessed successful parades of collections with clear links to the art world, applauded by bustling audiences over the course of the week. Also, I saw people valuing creativity and promoting designer fashion as a form of artistic and cultural expression. ‘Mediterranean Fashion Week’ ended after a calendar of 16 shows. From October 5 to 8, the collections of Valencian designers Isabel Sanchis, Carlos Haro, Alejandro Resta, Mario Salafranca, Cary Fragueiro and GAU were presented, along with national brands Devota & Lomba, Duarte, Otrura, Maison Mesa, Félix Ramiro , José Perea, Duly Romero, Malne, Baro Lucas and Oteyza.

After the grand opening on Thursday October 5, by Alejandro Resta, the intensity of the week began with a full day of shows Friday, October 6. Only YOU hotel hosted their first show ‘Renacer‘ by Duly Romero. A concept of resilience and a metaphor of the “rebirth” of a flower, the designer showcased volumes and bright colours.

Next, Casa Otrura collection ‘Movimiento XIV Re-Write SS24′. A collection of geometric structured garments, with monochrome and transparent qualities made of classic shirting fabrics and organza. A strong reinterpretation of cut, silhouettes and fabrics.

Afterwards, Duarte brought an air of professionalism to the catwalk, with his SS24 collection ‘A look at space with a vintage and surrealistic filter‘, a quality collection with commercial undertones. A clash of nature and outer space, notions of the 60s combined with surrealism. A transparent looks across men’s and women’s wear.

José Perea presented his new collection ‘A decade‘. A decorative display full of colour, voluminous and airy fabrics. It was a performative parade of ruffles, flowers and polka dots.

Returning to Plaza de la Virgen for the Friday evening, Isabel Sanchis closed the second day of shows. The designer presented her Spring-Summer 2024 collection in the Plaza, one of elegance, sophistication and sensuality, with a very varied range of colours, fabrics and textures; black and metallic gold, with feathers as a distinctive feature, printed silks and draped chiffons.

Saturday morning started with ‘Clûbshell’ by Baro Lucas. An ode to the Mediterranean, in a collection of draping and rhinestone appliqués with silk chiffon, velvet and satin in pieces with mermaid tails. ‘Clûbshell’ is inspired by the female figure and elements of the sea too.

Devota & Lomba followed with ‘The Secret Garden‘, which demonstrated a mastery of pattern cutting, the garments evoke nature and freedom, with fluid fabrics in cotton and silk organza.

Maison Mesa presented a performative display to introduce a futuristic themed collection of garments, grounded in the realism of the present day. Cotton, poplin, embroidered voile juxtaposed with sequins and metallics.

Félix Ramiro brought his ‘Arena Caliente‘ collection, men’s couture inspired by the sea, rocks and summer, a desirable collection of tradition.

Malne closed the parades on the third day with collection ‘The Country Girl‘. Clashing the country character with an urban perspective. Luxury ready-to-wear and haute couture, displayed a sophisticated choice of fabrics and a high quality of construction.

Sunday, October 8, began with Haute Couture collection by Mario Salafranca, pastel tones, unstructured patterns, and asymmetrical volumes.

Cary Fragueiro followed with his ‘Brisa‘ collection. Designs of versatility, garments that adapt to the body, to the female figure, in a comfortable, sophisticated and sexy way. The closing of the show featured a Sorollaesque-inspired design too. Sorolla is a legendary Spanish painter who was born and bred in Valencia.

Oteyza’s ‘MERINA‘ was a fusion of dance, electronic music and fashion; a dynamic, progressive show of high craftsmanship.

With GAU’s collection ‘Astro‘ the universe and galaxy are sources of inspiration for his creations, in which the female figure at the centre embodies these themes. GAU also incorporates reused fabrics, so not to neglect sustainability. Hats and headdresses were by Ann Dreu Hats.

The finale October 10, 2023. Carlos Haro and his Haute Couture collection dedicated to ‘Emotional Intelligence‘ closed Mediterranean Fashion Week Valencia; haute couture for a very feminine woman.

Report by Alice Teasdale