Barcelona Fashion Week (BFW) is once again in full swing. But for the first time in its long history, all of the catwalks, showrooms, and markets are taking place in a coordinated and, therefore, non-conflictive way. In previous editions, a spectator was torn…you had to choose to attend a Pasarela Gaudi or a Circuit Catwalk, but this year, you can see everything. That is, if you have an invitation for Gaudi, because the public can’t just show up. Circuit however, is and has always been, open to the public; it’s one of their missions.

BFW began on Monday, January 31st at the Fira of Barcelona, the Italian Pavilion, and continues through Saturday night, the 5th of February. It brings together leading local and international designers, situating it among the most ‘fashionable’ shows on both a national scale, by competing with the distinguished Pasarela Cibeles of Madrid, as well as internationally with Paris, New York or London.

Pasarela Gaudi, the more established and long standing show, features ever-present local Catalan and Spanish designers among them Miriam Ocariz, Josep Font, Lydia Delgado (CLICK FOR AN INTERVIEW), Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Joaquim Verdu, Josep Abril as well as select international guests, the Portuguese creators Miguel Vieira and Jose Antonio Tenente and the Belgian newcomer, Veronique Leroy. Other up and coming designers will be showcased: rising stars such as Gloria Rodriguez Figueroa, who creates designs based on the application of the Braille system; Alberto Tous, without using any type of pattern creates astounding pieces, not to mention Lola Blanquer, known for creating an entire collection out of latex. New designers from the Escuela Superior de Diseño (ESDi) and Moda Felicidad Dulce, two renowned fashion universities in the area conclude the pasarelas.

In addition to close to thirty-five different catwalks, BFW also provides various Showrooms. This year’s include the Showroom Blanc: highlighting established and new designers; Showroom Verd: men and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories; Showroom Groc: an association of representatives from national and international firms; and finally, Showroom Play: displaying denim, casual, sport and urban-wear.

February 4th and 5th are dedicated to the 11th edition of Circuit, entitled ‘Re-do’ with events also taking place at the Fira of Barcelona, Pavelló 2, on Carrer Lleida. Circuit as many surely know, has been considered from its inception in 2000 a platform for launching new trends in fashion and a pioneer, both in Spain and Europe, for taking fashion to the limits by merging together different art and design disciplines. It’s been hailed as an alternative, avant-garde, and innovative forum for young and non-mainstream designers. Some of this edition’s designers include Carles Lopez, Cecilia Sörensen, (CLICK FOR AN INTERVIEW), Bambi, and Pilar Ruiz among others.

Rounding off the week are various events sponsored by ModaFAD (part of FAD). This edition’s entitled, ‘Chicks on Speed’ and highlights PasaFAD, the pasarela which showcases the newest local designers, those still studying fashion or recently graduated, on the evening of February 4th after the last Circuit show concludes. The following day begins with MerkaFAD, an all day and night affair (scheduled until 11 p.m.), where these same young designers get the chance to show and sell their creations to the public and begin building a client-base. Both of these events take place at Plaza del Angels 5-6 and are open to anyone interested in seeing what the youngest generation of designers is all about; picking up a unique piece of clothing for a reasonable price; or even having a chat with a fashion designer.

So, if you’re into fashion, or just want to do something interesting and a bit out of the ordinary this week, attend one of the fashion events that Barcelona has to offer. And enjoy.