Gran Canaria Swim Week Dazzles with Fashion, Drives Economic Boom

Gran Canaria once again served as the vibrant epicentre of swimwear fashion, hosting Gran Canaria Swim Week 2025 from October 22nd to 25th. This significant event brought together nearly fifty national and international brands and designers at the Expomeloneras exhibition centre, commencing with an innovative open-air debut day. The latest industry figures underscore the event's substantial impact, generating an estimated €6.25 million in economic activity and significantly bolstering local sectors such as hospitality, dining, and transportation. Furthermore, fashion companies based in the Canary Islands reported a remarkable 24.58% increase in turnover for 2024, reaching a total of €1.1 million, solidifying Gran Canaria's reputation as a leading European hub for swimwear.

The 2025 edition showcased an impressive roster of 44 brands spanning local, national, and international origins. Specifically, the event featured 27 Canarian firms hailing from Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife, and Lanzarote, alongside nine from mainland Spain and eight international participants. This diverse line-up highlighted the consistent consolidation and remarkable evolution of the event over recent years. Carlos San Juan, a veteran presence on the catwalk, lauded the transformation, stating, "You can see the evolution, and the project is taking clearer shape," while praising the professional growth and expanded international reach achieved by Gran Canaria Swim Week.

The inaugural day, set against the picturesque backdrop of Pasito Blanco marina in the south of the island, captivated audiences with its unique open-air catwalks situated by the sea. Czech supermodel Karolína Kurková, the distinguished face of the event, made several impactful appearances, creating a memorable moment by arriving via boat to open the show for Victoria Cimadevilla. The Oviedo-born, Madrid-based designer unveiled a collection drawing inspiration from Truman Capote’s "Swans," described as "something glamorous, pure and that embodied the society of the time." Her designs, primarily crafted from neoprene in a sophisticated black-and-white palette, resonated with a timeless elegance.

Local creative talent remained a central pillar of the event, with designers such as Palmas, Diazar, Mare Far Niente, Pomeline, and Elena Morales showcasing the islands' rich artistic heritage. Elena Morales, one of Gran Canaria's most renowned designers, presented a collection that was notably more intimate and emotionally resonant. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "Since my first show in 2018, the brand has evolved in all aspects. It is more developed and consolidated. I also enjoy the chaos of the catwalk more now." Her latest creations, romantic and fluid in lightweight fabrics like chiffon and kaftans, were accompanied by subtle Afro-Cuban notes, a poignant tribute to her late grandfather, departing from the energetic techno beats of her previous shows.

Among the esteemed national brands, several made a significant impact. Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada once again delighted with her signature playful and colourful universe, while Bohodot presented its "Raíces del Sol" collection, inspired by the Mediterranean. Fiona Ferrer blended local craftsmanship with international references, incorporating charming Snoopy details from her FFL x Peanuts line. Veteran designer Dolores Cortés, with decades of experience on the catwalk, continued to impress. Óscar Colomer, CEO of the Castellón-based family firm and grandson of its founder, expressed enduring enthusiasm, noting, "We are delighted to come, as always," and observing a "spectacular evolution of the event" across their participation in nearly every edition. The brand showcased an exclusive selection from its "Earth" line, emphasizing neutral tones, natural fabrics, and handcrafted techniques, reinforcing its commitment to meticulous production and sustainable design.

The international dimension of this edition was enriched by notable names. British designer Melissa Odabash celebrated 25 years in swimwear with her "Cruise 2026" collection, evoking the glamour of 1970s resorts. Colombian label Macaed offered a menswear collection imbued with a Caribbean spirit and artisanal construction. Monaco-founded Banana Moon fused Western style with beach sensibilities through elements like fringing and synthetic suede, while Italian brand Miss Bikini presented "Boho Dream," a collection marrying craftsmanship and luxury with paisley prints, crochet, and eco-raffia accessories. Andrea Teofilatto, Miss Bikini’s founder and CEO, highlighted the breadth of their offering, stating, "Beyond bikinis, our dress offering also accounts for a significant share of our sales," noting that their entire range is produced in Italy using fabrics from Como.

The Gran Canaria Swim Week 2025 culminated in an awards ceremony, where three brands each received €3,000. Italian designer Dan Ward was honoured with the Best Collection Award for his elegant and functional resort-inspired designs. Canarian designer Elena Morales earned the Best Sustainable Collection Award, recognizing her artisanal work and dedication to environmental responsibility. Additionally, Gran Canarian brand Mare Far Niente received the Best Emerging Collection award for "Viaje a la calma," a collection inspired by the Mediterranean and daily life, underscored by a strong commitment to local production.

The award-winning brands were chosen by a distinguished jury, including Pepa Bueno, executive director of the Association of Spanish Fashion Creators (ACME); Simona Severini, director of White Milano; Scott Lipinski, CEO of the International Fashion Committee; Melanie Bauer, a prominent buyers' representative; Araceli Díaz, representative of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria; Grisel Fernández, international adviser to the Chamber of Commerce; and Esther García Capdevila, director of Esma Events and creative director of Gran Canaria Swim Week. With the steadfast backing of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through its Gran Canaria Moda Cálida programme (established in 1996 by the Department of Industry, Commerce and Crafts) and supported by ACME since 2017, the event further affirmed its crucial role as an economic driver and a vital platform for emerging and established talent.

Minerva Alonso, the councillor for economic development of the Cabildo, underscored the island's established position: "Gran Canaria has established itself as the island specialising in swimwear and as the leading European platform in this field." Looking ahead, she articulated an ambitious vision, stating, "the goal is to continue growing and consolidating our position not only as the benchmark swimwear catwalk in Europe, but also as a global reference point."