What to expect from the 40th edition of MBFW Madrid

Coinciding this edition with its 40th anniversary, MBFW Madrid announces structural changes aimed at consolidating its position within the international circuit and strengthening its role as a platform for Spanish design.

Under the direction of Asier Labarga and with Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga as creative director, this edition will mark the start of a new phase. In addition to the anniversary, the tenth year of Madrid es Moda is also being celebrated — a parallel initiative focused on Spanish designer fashion.

The organisers highlight a balance between emerging and established names. The objective is to encourage dialogue between generations and to reinforce the international projection of Spanish design. In total, 40 brands will participate, distributed across three circuits: Programa Off, Ifema Madrid, and Ego.

To the previously announced changes are added new guidelines. The Off circuit returns. A second runway for alternative presentations is introduced. All within a new strategic approach that aims to reformulate the event and enhance its visibility.

Programa Off, five catwalk shows, three presentations, and two showcases

Programa Off will be concentrated on Wednesday 17 September, with one exception: the collective runway show by UDIT students, scheduled for Monday 15. Within the “Desfiles Off” subprogram, collections will be presented by Silvia Tcherassi (as international guest designer), Palomo Spain (returning after last participating in 2018), Pedro del Hierro, Adolfo Domínguez (absent since 2009), and Simorra. All will show at the Galería de Cristal in the Palacio de Cibeles, except Palomo Spain, which will present at the Palace Hotel.

Meanwhile, the “Desfiles en la Ciudad” subprogram will include presentations by Félix Ramiro, Pilar Dalbat, and Rafael Urquízar at alternative locations around Madrid. Lastly, under the “Showcase” format, Juan Vidal and Pablo Erroz will present their collections without a traditional runway show. In Erroz’s case, this marks an exception to his usual rule of participating only once per year at MBFW Madrid.

Ifema Madrid: double runway and 20 brands

The Ifema Madrid venue will host the proposals of 20 brands between 18 and 20 September, split between the Mercedes-Benz catwalk and presentations in the new Sala Bertha Benz. On Thursday 18, Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Claro Couture, The Label Edition, Yolancris, and TBC will show. Friday 19 will feature De la Cierva and Nicolás, Isabel Sanchis, Hannibal Laguna, Custo Barcelona, Baro Lucas, and Lola Casademunt by Maite. On Saturday 20, the shows will include Fely Campo, Odette Álvarez, Dolores Cortés, and Ángel Schlesser. The day will conclude with the L’Oréal Paris Awards ceremony.

Alternative-format presentations will take place on Thursday 18, featuring the debut of Paris/64 and participation by Flabelus. On Saturday 20, performances will be by María Lafuente and Paloma Suárez.

Nine new names and one international guest

Alongside the catwalk shows, the 40th edition of MBFW Madrid will host a new edition of the Ego showroom, dedicated to emerging brands. Sunday 21 will be fully devoted to the Ego circuit.

Nine Spanish brands — SLV FRR, Antonio del Canto, Simoni Studio, Skinsfromtheinsideofmymouth, Antonio Acuario, Asier Quintana, Emeerree, Studio Cumbre, and Guillermo Décimo — will present their collections and compete for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Talent award. Joining them is Aleš Hnátek, from Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week, as the international guest designer.