Translated by Sofia Bohórquez
Continuing with the fashion weeks’ euphoria, it is the turn of the Madrid Fashion Week. From September 12th to 17th, with Mercedes-Benz’s endorsement, the most important Spanish fashion event of the year was celebrated. Although big brands presented their new collections, there were four brands that left their mark through sustainability.
The Basque brand SKFK opened “Desfiles en la Ciudad” (Runways in the City) with a purely environmental proposal in the neighborhood of Salamanca. Maia Curutchet, Creative Director, presented “Kimua”, a collection that is a standard-bearer of sustainability and slow fashion. Honoring nature and resilience, SKFK proposes creative garments with 100% sustainable fibers and an invitation to reflect on harmony between life and processes, putting a stop to immediacy. In order to demonstrate that it is possible to reverse the negative impacts of the industry, the models closed the runway with zero-waste garments that expressed messages for a more conscious fashion.
Besides that, at the same time, SKFK ran a round table discussion to explore, on one hand, the growing problematic about the uncontrollable consumerism and fast fashion, and on the other hand, the sustainable fashion that attracts consumers that are more and more aware of their elections.
Design by Maison Mesa.
Image taken from Ifema Madrid.
To finish the first day, Maison Mesa proposed at the Plaza de Colón their clothing line “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of”, based on The Human League’s song. “In keeping with our philosophy, we believe that the best way to live life is to take control of oneself, pursuing your dreams without giving up a single second,” explains Mesa. On the runway stood clean-cut, simple, flowing silhouettes made from materials such as poplin cotton and fully recycled cotton knit.
Design by Maison Mesa.
Image taken from Ifema Madrid.
On the second day, María Lafuente, designer and sustainable fashion benchmark, captivated the audience at the Spanish Olympic Committee with her collection Kokoro, a result based on nature. The proposal was characterized by the incorporation of cork, a completely organic material used on large-volume garments and on different accessories. Also, some products were made with materials such as certified Tencel, sequins and recycled tiers.
Design by María Lafuente.
Image taken from Ifema Madrid
The “Desfiles del Pabellón” (“Pavilion Parades”) at Ifema Madrid were not left behind. The designer Aurelia Gil opened the doors on Saturday with her clothing line “Tiempo” (“Time”), a project inspired by her passion for flowers and the work “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dalí.
The relaxed silhouettes, patterned kerchief, textures and monochromatic color palette clearly reflected her source of inspiration. “Tiempo” consists of handicrafts, Canary Island lace, self-spun crochet, eco and handcrafted dyeing from flowers, cochineal and vegetable fibers. “We insist, one more year, on sustainability as the basic principle of our firm. 100% in-house production and on demand without generating stock. The use of recycled fabrics, elimination of unnecessary trimmings, upcycling work and all of our suppliers are nationals or/and in the area,” says Gil.
Design by Aurelia Gil.
Image taken from Ifema Madrid.
The closing of the week was in charge of Dominika Kozáková with a proposal influenced by historical references, baroque pomposity, flora, and fauna. Her designs are defined as “from fairy tales” and are made with scrap materials from warehouses and showrooms and elastic fabrics with handmade prints, among others. The products are made locally in Slovakia or the Czech Republic with the intention tof creating capsule collections.
Design by Domenika Kozáková.
Image taken from Ifema Madrid.
Fashion is evolving, and the growing compromise in the industry is evident. Sustainability awareness is positively transforming, and the responsibility is not only translated into fashion garments but also reflects a global community that appreciates the importance of a better and more sustainable future.
