By Tirzah Rezende
The Circular Sustainable Fashion Week of Madrid and Universo MOLA Fashion Week joined forces for the online event “Cruce de Caminos”, held on Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31. This collaboration between CSFW and UMFW sought to strengthen ties between Spain and Latin America, promoting sustainable fashion and providing a platform for designers and brands participating in the 2024 editions of both fashion weeks.
During the event, brand presentations, panel discussions and live designer interaction opportunities took place. Brands from both fashion weeks participated, offering a global vision of sustainable fashion and highlighting solutions to address environmental and social challenges, such as material innovation, circular economy, collaboration and sustainability awareness.
Day One: Relocation and community work
During the first day of the event, from MOLA Hub, Chilean designer Ananda Roman presented her brand, while CSFW highlighted Aobá and Charana Zero. The panel discussion featured Las Polleras de Augustina (Peru) and Calandrelli (Argentina), both from MOLA Hub, as well as Elena de Frutos and KUMI, from CSFW. Discussions focused on the importance of relocating production to strengthen local economies and foster community work, highlighting concrete examples of how brands are implementing these practices.
"We specialize in making garments for young adult women who are looking for a paradigm shift in wellness. Our garments are mainly made with organic materials and national fabrics with history, rescued from factories in Chile. We work with high quality collections and capsules, creating a timeless style that does not follow passing trends, but develops its own language. This promotes responsible consumption, encouraging people to value quality and durability. With our brand, we not only support the circularity of fabrics, but also offer a connection to history and personal memories through fashion,” highlights Ananda Roman.
Day Two: Design strategies for regeneration
On the second day, from MOLA Hub, the Colombian brand Tan Basicx Colombia) was presented, while CSFW highlighted Andrea Piñero and Sylvia Calvo BCN. The panel discussion featured María Lana (Argentina), from MOLA Hub, and Konceito R and Modesto Spirit, from CSFW. Conversations revolved around innovative design strategies that promote environmental and social regeneration. They discussed the use of sustainable materials, the importance of traceability in the supply chain, and the need to educate consumers about sustainability and ethics in fashion.
Laura, from the Tan Basicx brand, highlighted the use of hemp in her garments. In addition, she spoke about the importance of traceability in the textile industry, mentioning that it is necessary to evidence the aspects that are not right, as in her case, where she brings the material from India, which counteracts other aspects. However, he stressed that the choice of material is based on the desire to have a 100% Colombian product.
According to Paloma, director of CSFW, this edition was a crucial step towards an ongoing dialogue and promotion of innovation in the textile industry, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable fashion and circular economy.
According to Valentina, director of Universo MOLA, sustainable fashion in Latin America requires seriousness and commitment. It is essential to promote ethical practices throughout the production chain and educate consumers about the importance of choosing brands that respect the environment and labor rights.
The event provided a space to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in relocating to more sustainable and circular models, highlighting the need for collaboration and collective action. With “Crossroads Crossing”, CSFW and UMFW not only consolidated a vital alliance for international regenerative fashion, but also laid the groundwork for a more conscious and responsible future in the global fashion industry.
