Moda Cálida targets international boost with change of dates

By

Triana Alonso

Translated by
Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 26, 2019

The swimwear community is coming together in Gran Canaria. Taking place on 3-5 October, the 2019 edition of Gran Canaria Moda Cálida will be held in Expomeloneras. And this season brings several changes: from the incorporation of Ifema as an organiser to a change of dates, the new initiatives will seek to promote the internationalisation of the event.

The show schedule has now been released, with a total of 21 runway shows, including four childrenswear shows, and 39 designers and brands joining the event (of which 23 are from the Canary Islands, nine are from Spain and seven come from abroad). The line-up will include returning veterans  Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and Dolores Cortés, who will be joined by renowned designer Guillermina Baeza and prestigious brands All that She Loves and Cosas de Mon. As for international designers, the likes of Gottex, Livia, Banana Moon and Portugal’s Holas Beachwear will give the event a global touch.

The change of dates, from June to October, responds to a desire to integrate the swimwear fashion week of Gran Canaria into the international fashion calendar. The move follows a new partnership with Ifema, which has taken over as organiser, with the goal of boosting the event’s appeal outside Spain. According to Antonio Morales, president of the Gran Canaria town council, the partnership will help the event improve its quality and become more competitive in the swimwear sector.

As part of this effort, this edition will feature a fashion committee made up of industry figures including Pepa Bueno, executive director of ACME; fashion consultant Daniel Pérez-Barriaga; Nuria de Miguel, director of the Gran Canaria swimwear fashion week and of runway shows at Ifema; and Ester García, director of Esma Proyectos.

With the support of eight sponsoring brands, which have doubled their contribution compared to the previous edition to reach almost 280,000 euros, event organisers are hoping to beat last season’s visitor numbers and welcome more than 7,000 people. This goal will be supported by fashion model Cindy Kimberly, who in her role as international ambassador will lead an army of influencers with a combined following of hundred of thousands of people.