Very Spaniard.
One thing we love about this industry is how fashion never fails to be fun — and Barcelona is living proof. As always, the 080 edition brought together top fashion critics at the stunning Centro Saint Paul Modernista. Over five days and more than 20 shows, we soaked in the electric atmosphere beneath awe-inspiring architecture, with the Sagrada Família standing tall as an unforgettable backdrop. And just like that, we already miss it.
From Dominnico transporting us to the desert, to Habey Studio’s lesson in chic, and the moody world of Acromatyx — this season served up sharp tailoring, striking silhouettes, and a whole lot of sexiness. The backstage buzz? The street style moments? All of it was *chefs kiss*. If you’ve ever wondered why Barcelona makes waves every season, it’s time to hop on the bandwagon.
But don’t let FOMO get the best of you — PAUSE has rounded up our favourite shows from the week. So sit back, relax, and dive in.
Dominnico
Bring back the rodeo! If there was one moment that had us on the edge of our seats, it was definitely the Dominnico show. From Mia Khalifa opening the runway to surprise cameos, the designer made sure we were transported straight into the desert. This season, Dominnico revisits the western aesthetic with a nocturnal twist—think late-night Las Vegas and dusty road-trip motels—creating a world where the untamed spirit of the Wild West meets the decadent glamour of nightlife. Through denim, recycled fur, and fabrics salvaged from leftover stock, the brand delivers crop jackets and micro shorts, low-rise midi skirts, bell-bottom trousers with lace-up details, and leather prints featuring snake and cowhide effects. Star shapes, fringes, and glittering details added a luxe touch to rodeo’s wildest fantasies. The collection’s palette is dominated by burgundy, brown, and Klein blue, with ornamental nods to superstition and good luck—amulets, talismans, and symbolic charms echoing the collection’s mysterious name. Hats, belts, cowboy boots—every piece felt unapologetically sexy, unmistakably Dominnico. (And yes, we’re still thinking about the “I love my twink” hat.)
Acromatyx
Fresh off their Fashion Trust Arabia win just a couple of months ago, these designers are doubling down on what they do best: the powerful allure of black. Their mantra? “The more black, the better.” And they’re proving it with every meticulously crafted piece. Because let’s face it, sometimes all you need is the undeniable sophistication of a monochrome outfit paired with impeccable tailoring – and they know tailoring. This collection, ESENCIA, delves deep into the soul of their Spanish roots, particularly the rich cultural heritage of black Spain and the artistry of Extremaduran floral embroidery. But don’t expect tradition as you know it. These intricate patterns are daringly distorted, reborn as cutting-edge expressions of modern design. The narrative unfolds through a captivating play of duality: think sleek, fitted forms juxtaposed with bold, oversized volumes that challenge conventional expectations. Historical nods to early 20th-century Spanish elegance are seamlessly woven with a distinctly contemporary aesthetic, achieving a striking balance between heritage and innovation. The tactile experience is key, with luxurious satin conversing with the grounded feel of cloth and cool wool, punctuated by the surprising edge of metallic accents on denim. Crafted from fabrics like cold wool, satin, denim, synthetic fur, cotton, cloth, and nylon, and presented in a powerful palette of absolute black, luminous white, elegant pinstripes, and daring metallic touches, the collection was approved by all of us.
404 Studio
What happens when you are tired of rules and tired of acting for the industry that sometimes ignores a new different approach? Well, ask Anaïs Vauxcelles, designer of 404 Studio. Marking 404 Studio’s seven-year anniversary, their latest offering, Hack the System, draws significant inspiration from the iconic 1995 film Hackers. This collection serves as a powerful homage to the movie’s rebellious post-punk vibe and its underlying message of challenging the established order. Much like the film’s protagonists battling a monolithic system, this collection embodies 404 Studio’s own experience as an independent label navigating a fashion landscape often dominated by major players. The visual language of Hack the System presents a study in contrasts, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the digital realm. Voluminous, deconstructed shapes evoke the inherent chaos of cyberspace, while streamlined, figure-hugging pieces recall the practical and often sleek attire associated with hackers. The collection pulses with a nostalgic yet contemporary energy through the incorporation of metallic knits, intricately hand woven netting, and bold, saturated hues distinctly reminiscent of 1990s fashion, all contributing to an undeniably edgy and defiant aesthetic. In a conscious move towards responsible creation, this anniversary collection champions sustainability by giving new life to leftover yarns from previous seasons. Further amplifying this experimental spirit, 404 Studio has forged a creative partnership with United Nude, resulting in reimagined iconic heels that seamlessly blend practicality with forward-thinking design.
Habey Club
080 Barcelona Fashion Week continued its streak of best moments until its last day, and among the collections that truly gave us everything was the thoughtfully crafted presentation from Habey Club: ‘THE SMALL PRINT’. Imagine a life shrouded in anonymity, a hidden artistic soul waiting to be discovered by chance. This is the story that fuels Habey Club’s latest collection, inspired by the enigmatic life and work of the extraordinary photographer Vivian Maier. It’s a narrative woven from her untold artistic journey and the shadows that veiled her genius. The collection begins with garments morphing into structured, almost protective forms – high necks and tight hoods that obscure identity, or dramatically loose pieces that intentionally blur and conceal the body. As the story progresses, the garments undergo a striking transformation, mutating and becoming adorned with feathers. This symbolizes Maier’s remarkable capacity for change and her restless, nomadic spirit. The collection boasts a rich and diverse colour palette, seamlessly blending into unique combinations and accented by classic checkered prints and compelling graphic elements. Notably poignant keys from this collection feature a striking dress with a chair detail, fluid draped work, and elevated silhouettes, alongside standout pieces like a versatile dress-trench coat in soft pink hues, and uniquely designed fringed sandals.
Alvar Merino
Another highlight from this season’s 080 Barcelona Fashion Week was the presentation by Alvar Merino, showcasing their collection titled INTO THE UNKNOWN. This collection examines the spectrum of emotions experienced when facing novel undertakings, representing the interplay between anticipation and apprehension from the initial stages of a project to engagement with the unforeseen. Drawing inspiration from the ethos of exploration, the designs incorporate functional elements and technical references derived from exploration and survival contexts, while maintaining an urban sensibility consistent with the brand’s established identity. Durable materials, purposeful fastening systems, metallic hardware, and structured tailoring define pieces that offer a departure from conventional dress codes. The colour palette progresses from white to black, intended to symbolise the emotional trajectory associated with venturing into the unknown, with intermediary grey tones and focused colour accents representing significant points within this progression. The collection presents a defined perspective, acknowledging uncertainty as an inherent aspect of creative and life processes.
