The ‘the jornadas de moda sostenible ’ event was a vibrant celebration of sustainable fashion, set against the lush, sun-dappled backdrop of Hacienda La Rekompensa, a charming banana plantation that brought an air of serenity to the occasion. Expertly organized by Proexca with catwalk by Pop House, the event unfolded with a mix of captivating catwalks and enlightening talks, showcasing how the Canary Islands are leading the charge in eco-friendly fashion.
Industry experts and passionate advocates for sustainability took to the stage throughout the day. Aécio Dantas from SILBON, Alba Murillo from Pyratex, and ethical sourcing specialist Pilar Prior shared insights on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable practices, from innovative materials to responsible production. This set the tone for the much-anticipated catwalk, where local swimwear designers unveiled parts of their latest collections. The entire event was seamlessly orchestrated by Proexca (a Canary Islands agency dedicated to promoting exports and supporting local businesses), reflecting the islands’ commitment to sustainable growth and circular economy principles.
Waiola
Taking the runway by storm, Waiola Waiola brought a fresh, colourful flair to sustainable swimwear. Based in Tenerife, they champion a ‘km0’ production model, where every piece is designed, printed, and crafted locally. Each vibrant print is brought to life using OEKO-TEX certified processes, ensuring no harmful chemicals touch the skin or the environment. Their approach to minimizing waste—by producing only on-demand pieces, including samples—showcases a thoughtful, eco-conscious philosophy that merges local creativity with global responsibility.
Mare Far Niente
Inspired by the tranquil beauty of the ocean and the Italian concept of ‘dolce far niente’ (the art of doing nothing), Mare Far Niente presented swimwear that invited wearers to relax, unwind, and revel in simplicity. Their pieces are crafted from recycled polyamide, salvaged from waste that would otherwise pollute our seas, with each design woven from repurposed threads that are OEKO-TEX certified. Mare Far Niente’s goal is to extend the lifecycle of these materials, promoting a circular approach that merges sustainability with the elegance of slow living.
Macaronesia
Macaronesia brought a splash of local pride to the runway with vibrant designs made from recycled polyester, all produced on the islands themselves. Their ‘km0’ philosophy ensures that everything, from design to printing, remains a local affair, minimizing the carbon footprint of production. Macaronesia stands out not only for their eye-catching patterns but also for their dedication to sustainability, eliminating plastic from their packaging and using recycled materials to create functional, stylish swimwear that celebrates the Canary Islands’ natural beauty.
Daria Bae
Daria Bae captivated the audience not only with their swimwear but also through a heartfelt presentation on their sustainable approach. Founder Daria shared how her background in sustainable investments within the financial sector inspired her to combine her passion for fashion with her commitment to the environment. From the beginning, Daria Bae’s core pillar has been sustainability. Unlike brands that prioritise aesthetics, Daria insists that sustainability drives every decision, from design to production.
Daria Bae focuses on reducing waste at every step, carefully designing patterns to minimise fabric offcuts. The brand uses regenerated polyamide from ECONYL, sourced from discarded fishing nets and industrial waste, to create durable swimwear. Daria explained that unlike polyester, which degrades in quality when recycled, polyamide retains its original properties, making it “infinitely recyclable.” For swimwear, this material ensures durability, elasticity, and antibacterial properties, all essential features.
The brand is also conscious of packaging, sourcing from European suppliers who employ recycled and recyclable materials. Their efforts extend to supporting social initiatives, partnering with organizations that employ individuals at risk of social exclusion. Daria stressed that while the swimwear industry needs to innovate in materials to address microplastic pollution, her brand continues to prioritize using fabrics that maintain high durability and minimize environmental impact.
The ‘Made in Canarias’ event, under the guidance of Proexca, was more than just a fashion show—it was a showcase of how tradition and innovation can intertwine to create a brighter, more sustainable future. The exquisite setting of Hacienda La Rekompensa, coupled with the seamless curation by Pop House, set the perfect stage for these talented designers to shine. With brands like Waiola Waiola, Mare Far Niente, Macaronesia, and Daria Bae at the forefront, the event underscored a commitment to pushing boundaries, promoting a circular economy, and celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Canary Islands through sustainable swimwear.
