Interview with the Director of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, Albasarí Caro
“We put fashion into action by connecting creativity and art with business”
Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW), organized by Fira de Barcelona with the support of the Department of Business and Labor of Generalitat de Catalunya, will once again turn Barcelona into the world capital of bridal fashion from April 23 to 27, 2025. In this interview, we speak with its director, Albasarí Caro, about the upcoming edition and the future prospects of an event that has placed the city on the international fashion map.
The next edition of BBFW has a motto: “Go”. What does this concept mean to you?
“Go” is a call to action for designers, buyers, artists, creatives, and communicators who make up the fashion world. It’s an action we generate from our event by creating unique experiences and encounters for all participants. With a new image inspired by the colors of the Mediterranean, we connect art with business, fashion with innovation, and creativity with talent to drive the industry, renew it, and strengthen it.
What will Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week 2025 be like?
It will be the largest edition in the event’s history, with a completely revamped layout: it will spread over halls 1, 2, and 8 of the Montjuïc venues, as well as an area in Plaça de l’Univers. This growth is a response to our need to accommodate more designers, brands and also buyers, and above all, to create new spaces that improve the experience for all attendees. Exclusive areas have been designed to enhance the buyer’s journey, increase partner’s visibility, and boost the commercial promotion of brands. Additionally, the renovation of spaces will allow for a smoother and more personalized experience, with areas dedicated to interaction and networking.
Names like Vivienne Westwood are joining the Barcelona runway. What can you tell us about this collaboration?
It is a true honor for us. This year, we will feature the legendary brand Vivienne Westwood, which will present its first global bridal collection show. It will take place on April 24 in the iconic Cloister of the University of Barcelona, highlighting the designer’s connection to the world of education. The collection, led by Andreas Kronthaler and Brigitte Stepputtis, promises to be a celebration of their unmistakable blend of rebellion and romance. This featured designer strengthens our commitment to excellence, and we are proud that iconic brands like Westwood, and in previous editions, Elie Saab, Viktor&Rolf, and Giambattista Valli, choose Barcelona to showcase their creations.
After more than 30 years of history, what would you say is the key to BBFW’s success?
The ambition to be an international leader, sensitivity to fashion and creativity, a commitment to quality, and working together with brands and designers to help them achieve their goals. We present a format that combines runway and trade fair in one place, connecting designers, industry professionals, and strategic buyers from around the world, allowing them to share a unique and exclusive industry platform. BBFW also stands out for its comprehensive approach, which includes not only bridal fashion but also mother of the bride, groom collections, eveningwear and accessories.
What are your plans for the future of the event?
We focus on adapting to new trends and market needs, with a special emphasis on sustainability and personalizing the experience. We want BBFW to continue being a top-tier promotion and business platform, so we are working on creating more exclusive spaces and strategic collaborations. Additionally, we will continue to support the creativity of young talents in collaboration with institutions like the LCI Design School and the European Institute of Design (IED). Our goal is to continue leading the industry and be a global benchmark in bridal fashion.
Sustainability seems to be an important pillar at BBFW. What initiatives do you have in this regard?
Sustainability is fundamental for us, as it is for much of the fashion industry. As an event, we have implemented several actions along this line: from collaborating with the ARED Foundation in the production of sustainable products to donating food surpluses to NGOs like “Nutrició sense fronteres”. Additionally, the trophies we present at the Barcelona Bridal & Fashion Awards are handcrafted works created by Cual Estudio in Valencia, reflecting our commitment to local art and responsible production. Logistically, we have reduced the use of plastics, opting for recycled carpets and digitizing processes to minimize environmental impact. We also use recycled and reusable materials in the construction of temporary structures. And in terms of our collaborations, we partner with brands that share our values to ensure an increasingly conscious event.
How has your career in the fashion industry influenced your approach to directing BBFW?
I have been fortunate to work for brands in the fashion world, which has allowed me to understand both the creative and commercial sides of this field. That experience has taught me that an event like BBFW is not just a runway or a tradeshow, but it is an opportunity for brands to connect and expand their business globally.
Profile of Albasarí Caro
Albasarí Caro graduated in Political Science from Florida International University and completed her studies in Washington DC with a master’s degree in Journalism and Communication from American University. She lived in Cologne, Miami, Beijing and New York before residing in Spain. She has worked for Spanish fashion and accessories brands: Bimba&Lola, Mango, Tendam, Tous, and for ten years, she was responsible for the international franchise network expansion of Pronovias. Currently, she is the director of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, the international reference event for bridal fashion.
Barcelona, November 21, 2024
Press Office – Fira de Barcelona
Salvador Bilurbina – Mª Gloria Dilluvio Bianchi
Tel. +34 93 233 21 72 – 609 73 47 70 – gdilluvio@firabarcelona.com