Swimwear Fashion Week of Gran Canaria Moda Cálida

 

Looking back on this weekend at Swimwear Fashion Week Gran Canaria Moda Cálida, there were two particular trends that really stood out the most for me.

• The first was Model Diversity and Inclusivity. Think ethnicity, size, age and even height. Yes, you heard right! Although still not 100% inclusive, it was quite incredible to see out of 30 catwalks over three days, there was not one designer that didn’t have a curvy model in the line-up  for their womenswear collections. Popular model @imlorenaduran even did up to two look changes for a couple of the labels. Senior models also had their fair share of exposure, with Spanish models @laelvi66 and @guiomaralfaropablos also showcasing numerous looks for certain designers. And Maldito Sweet’s Tulum collection had a clever use of twinning the same pieces on different body shapes, with strong artisan detailing in the accessories, highlighted in the kaftans, as well as the intricate transparent beaded materials of the finale body suit piece.

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  Maldito Sweet

  

• The second trend was the use of natural materials and sustainable practices. Many designers have jumped onto this important bandwagon. Such as Nuria González, whose SS23 ANTROPOKINI collection explores indigenous culture through natural, hand-treated fabrics in earthy colours. Young designer Liberimmo showcased a selection of gender fluid pieces that avoided the use of trimmings and fastening in her Indigo collection, preferring to use puckering and gathering instead. Gottex used recycled fabric in the Au Naturel collection of high-quality sustainable swimwear. The brand actually launched two collections for SS23, with the Luma collection geared towards modern contemporary women, while Au Natural focuses on clean, feminine lines and second-skin fits.  Elena Morales’ collection is 100% eco from its inception, but this season the designer also wanted to showcase the importance of mental health after suffering deep depression herself. The collection features totally black looks. And new Milan based Italian designer Edelvissa is all about excellence of fabrics and the preservation of the high end traditions of Italian craftsmanship and transparency. The fabrics are light and soft using GRS certified recycled polyester and recycled elastomer in a floral terry jacquard fabric.

• Using fashion for activism was another trend – and something which is been slowly gathering pace in recent years. The concept was embraced by @diazar with his Born This Way collection utilising upcycled denim and the colours of the LGBTIQ rainbow flag. And @cphcartel had models carrying flags highlighting the damage we are doing to our oceans, while wearing reversible pieces made from recycled material from plastic waste.

• SS23 swimwear is set to be a celebration of vibrant summery hues and nature inspired prints. But If there was one colour trend that came out top, it has to be Pink; in all its different hues and variations, such as stripes, (Como La Trucha al Trucho, Bloomers) polka dots,(Agatha Ruiz de La Prada, Alexandra Miro ) transparencies, (Aurelia Gil,  San Juan, Ruben Rodriguez), metallics , tie dye (All that she Loves, Bohodot, Melissa Odabash),Silk (Carmen Gonzales), and block colour. And it wasn’t just for the womenswear, the menswear pieces features pink swimmers and trimmings as seen at new brand Muchiachio and chela clo shorts too.

• Elegance and couture style looks were embraced by new designer Victoria Cimadevilla, whose pieces redefined the concept of 2-in-1 swimwear, with detachable flowers so it can be worn from day to night. Her exquisite made-to-order SS23 Haute Couture collection is made out of Neoprene material with prints inspired by flowers, bows, femininity and lots of glamour. In usual high-end luxury style, Pedro Palmas’ Aqua collection for both men and women was full of couture looks with a retro elegance and metallic highlights.

 

Lupe Castro
Instagram: MsCastroRides
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Photographer: @santiago_Ladeiro_photos