Bright lights in the distance illuminated the Barça football stadium – a new experience for me as I’ve never gone to a football match, here or anywhere for that matter…

What a crowd waited to get in. Clearly the “in” crowd of Barcelona: anybody who’s anybody or who wants to be someone was there. Men’s slicked back hair, women’s trendy outfits, coiffed hairdos, suits and ties: a bit of everything – kisses here – kisses there. Once inside, anticipation building, overlooking the well-manicured green football field with electronic Catalan flags surrounding the field and candles placed highlighting the center circle of the field… something I’m told is usually shown in white chalk. Large scenes with fashion images from last year’s Gaudi catwalks and a makeshift runway with the field as its backdrop … needless to say, an interesting place to choose for a pasarela. Lots of hip music; photographers at both ends of the catwalk waited with ready cameras for the action to start.

But of course, since all fashion shows must be late to be “better” … this one was no exception but finally -- lights out, clapping, flashing cameras. The music began; it was Carmen’s “Bizet” and the show was blessed with a full moon giving it even more glamour… Spotlights on; the first models hit the runway. The men’s collection started with satin charcoal grey suits and shiny pointed silver shoes; all with oh so slicked back and “unmovable” hair. Stylish track suits, complete white suits, yellow, red, and black leather jackets over jeans. There were even some multi-colored patterned shirts and jackets. But what got the strongest response from the audience was of course when a few models came out without their shirts on; wearing tight white pants and hugely oversized leather gym bags … these were not the typical emaciated, androgynous models, but fit athletic type men, certainly a nice change.

The women’s collection featured an updated, more feminine version of the “trench coat” in turquoise and tan in a light fabric allowing more movement, accompanied by a huge soccer bag, and very high platform sandals. Other models featured multi-layered mini skirts in yellows, browns, and greens and ultra feminine gauze-like patterned skirts with stiff military style jackets made a lovely contrast. Dirk also spotlighted entirely white suits for women adding just a touch of color with scarves and bags to make it interesting. It all finished with a lovely patterned bathing suit collection.

But I have to say three things about the show. Because there were so many models (at least 50), so many different “looks,” and they walked so fast -- it was very difficult to appreciate each piece, much less any important detail Dirk wanted to highlight. By the time you looked up from taking notes, they were gone. And more importantly, where were the Barça players? That’s how the show was marketed and it was one of my main reasons for going. And finally, Dirk didn’t even show up… a disappointing end to an interesting event.