Albasarí Caro in BBFW 2025: International moment, new brands and strategic growth

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, a leading global event for the bridal industry, closed its 2025 edition with a strong note, reaffirming its position as an important player in the sector. Celebrated from April 23 to 27 in Fira de Barcelona, ​​the event had its traditional fair, welcoming almost 450 national and international brands specialized in wedding clothes, formal clothing, night clothes and accessories. Albasarí Caro, who directed the event since 2022, spoke with Fashionnetwork.com about the most prominent aspects of this year, including a reorganization of important places and the historical participation of Vivienne Westwood.

Fashionnetwork.com: How would this year's edition evaluate?

ALBASARI CARO: While we still expect the final numbers of assistance, general feedback has been positive. For us, the buyer's experience is more important since businesses remain in the heart of the event. We have received overwhelmingly favorable responses, both in terms of the redesigned place and the cured brand selection. In fact, many visitors even requested an additional day to explore all brands, although that is difficult to accommodate given the significant time and financial investment that such extension would require.

FNW: How was the preparation for this edition with the previous ones?

AC: Our ultimate goal is to create a truly experimental moment and make it an unmissable date on the calendar. To achieve that, we must provide optimal service. We held a four -hour meeting with our entire team, some 500 employees, who were totally committed to the process.

This year, for the first time, we expanded to Pavilion 8 in Fira de Barcelona, ​​which allowed us to redesign Pavilions 1 and 2 and create a more logical circular design. We introduce different atmospheres and add a refined touch, with the objective of an aspirational and inspiring experience for brands in all price points. To that end, we collaborate with high -end sponsors such as Clau and Chloe, the luxury line of Casa Viva. We are very satisfied with the new space, which has been well received. For the shows on the track, some of the haute couture and clothing shows in Paris, where I saw strokes in the form of a square, and I thought we could bring a similar spirit of subtle elegance and “Savoir-Faire” to Barcelona.

FNW: What did you drive to change?

AC: It was mainly a matter of space. Previously, we were based on Univ Plaza, with a tent that serves as an area behind the stage for almost 130 people, including hair, makeup and model equipment, which was far from being ideal. With the addition of another pavilion, we were able to accommodate the growing exhibition area and provide a much more comfortable environment. Both areas attract the same audience. Although the pavilions are separated, we turn off the traffic lights so that visitors can cross the road freely. And with the Venetian towers to one side and Montjuïc in the other, it is a really beautiful environment.

FNW: One of the most prominent aspects of this edition was the participation of Vivienne Westwood on the wedding night in Barcelona. How was working with the brand and what comments have you received?

AC: It was really a historical moment for the city, the country and the bridal sector. Having such an iconic and legendary brand as Vivienne Westwood joined us was incredibly significant. The collaboration was soft and full of camaraderie. His team of around 40 young professionals, vibrant and various came to prepare and work in the area of ​​the exhibition room. That is always the formula for us: those who walk along the track should also exhibit, because selling is the main objective. Vivienne Westwood's message “I do with whom I want, how I want, when I want, and if someone does not like it, I really don't care” deeply resonated with the spirit of the city and beyond.

FNW: After presenting important fashion names such as Viktor & Rolf, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli and now Vivienne Westwood, what is ahead for the bridal night in Barcelona?

AC: Our goal is always surprising. After Giambattista Valli, known for his classic and elegant cuts, we wanted to shake things and thought that Vivienne Westwood was the perfect option to offer a change of 180 degrees. Looking towards the future, we have already confirmed the designer by 2026, although I still cannot reveal the name, and we are already exploring options for 2027.

FNW: In recent years, the main brands such as Pronovias and Rosa Clará have moved away from the event, while the new industry leaders have joined. How do you see this change and how does the selection of new brands address?

AC: As a trade fair, we believe that brands should participate if they align with their strategic objectives. Our doors and hearts remain open for labels such as Rosa Clará and Pronovias, even if now is not the right time for them. Meanwhile, we have cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of brands that we have supported over the years, brands that now remain firmly alone and bring to buyers a new perspective on bridal fashion.

Regarding the brand selection, we are lucky to have a waiting list, giving us a wide range of options. Our goal is always to surprise and cure a diverse and exciting alignment. This year, for example, we welcomed three new Australian brands, together with Wang Feng, a leading Shanghai label that made its debut on the track in Barcelona, ​​an achievement of which we are extremely proud. In total, almost 450 brands exhibited in the sales area this year. We carry out a careful selection process to make sure to offer buyers exactly what they were looking for. Our goal is to build lasting connections while we continually discover a new talent. We want to avoid repetition; It is essential to achieve a balance between established names and the new variety.

FNW: Where is the internationalization strategy currently?

AC: As in previous years, we had a strong participation of the buyer of Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom. In fact, we saw an increase in visitors from the United Kingdom, in part because the White Gallery, the London Bridal Commerce Fair, was not held this year, and we could welcome those buyers. Thanks to one of our collaborators, we have also restored ties with the Middle East, a market that had been difficult to achieve after the Covid-19 pandemic. Our team has traveled a lot and has worked hard to forge new connections, because recruiting buyers is our number one priority. That said, it is a collective effort: our exhibitors contribute significantly to attract an international audience.

FNW: How do you see the current state of the global bridal industry and what position does Barcelona have within it?

AC: The global bridal industry is experiencing a significant change and economic uncertainty. However, there will always be a need for a dedicated moment every year for professionals to meet, connect and connect. It is not just about buying or attending track shows, but it is about energy, human connections and opportunities that arise from those meetings. The Bridal Fashion Week of Barcelona has clearly established itself as the must -seeing fashion week for the sector, and our goal is to ensure that it remains so.

FNW: What are the main objectives for future editions?

AC: Our biggest challenge is now to maintain what we have built and consolidate our growth. The market is what it is, and I do not anticipate expanding in another pavilion. Instead, we will focus on managing the brands of the brand and will continue to adapt to the needs of the market. Our goal is sustainable and organic growth, not expansion for the good of expansion. It is a lesson that many fashion brands are learning: true success often lies in consolidation, not on the constant scale. With this in mind, we will prioritize the recruitment of the buyer and strengthen our strategy. We also plan to highlight the festive clothing, since wedding boutiques depend more and more not only on nuptial sales but also on guest attire and accessories, which represent an important part of the business.