MBFWMadrid Celebrates 40 Years with a Grand Move to the Palacio de Cibeles
Published: September 18, 2025
Madrid’s prestigious fashion event, MBFWMadrid, has marked its 40th anniversary with a significant relocation from IFEMA to the iconic Palacio de Cibeles. This year’s edition, held in the Crystal Gallery of the palace, not only celebrates the event’s rich history but also sets a forward-looking tone for the future of fashion in Spain.
A Historic Venue for a Milestone Event
The Palacio de Cibeles, a stunning architectural marvel that serves as Madrid’s city hall, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the opening of this milestone edition. The choice of venue reflects a strategic shift under the new leadership of MBFWMadrid, with Asier Labarga as director and Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga as creative director. This move aims to bring the fashion event closer to the heart of Madrid, enhancing its visibility and accessibility.
The Crystal Gallery, known for its dramatic glasswork that allows sunlight to filter through, created an atmosphere that was both celebratory and inspiring. This setting was particularly fitting for the opening designer, Colombian fashion icon Silvia Tcherassi, who presented her Spring 2026 collection.
Silvia Tcherassi: A Global Vision
Tcherassi’s decision to debut her collection in Madrid is deeply personal. “For me, showing in Madrid is deeply meaningful because I committed to this city ten years ago; it was my first store in Europe, even before Italy,” she stated after the show. Her collection featured airy silhouettes, vibrant colors, and fluid draping, complemented by long-fringed bags that have become her signature.
The designer emphasized her brand’s global reach, stating, “We are a global brand for a global woman.” With production based in Colombia and a new store recently opened in Palm Beach, Tcherassi’s vision extends beyond fashion into lifestyle, with plans for further expansion.
Pedro del Hierro: A Celebration of Urban Life
Following Tcherassi, Pedro del Hierro showcased a collection titled “La gran metrópoli” (“The Great Metropolis”). The show was set against the vibrant backdrop of Madrid, capturing the essence of a city alive with cultural and leisure activities. The collection featured a mix of menswear and womenswear, characterized by a diverse soundtrack that included popular Spanish artists like Rosalía.
Creative director Álex Miralles described the color palette as a reflection of summer sunsets, incorporating shades from ecru and khaki to vibrant oranges and purples. The use of luxurious fabrics such as linen, silk, and organza highlighted the collection’s sophistication, while the varied textures and colors aimed to evoke the dynamic spirit of Madrid.
Adolfo Domínguez: A Return to Roots
The opening day of MBFWMadrid also welcomed Adolfo Domínguez, a brand that has been a staple in Spanish fashion for decades. Tiziana Domínguez, the design director, expressed the significance of the Palacio de Cibeles, stating, “It elevates fashion to a very aspirational place.” This year marks the brand’s return to the Madrid runway after a 15-year hiatus, during which it focused on international markets like Mexico and Dubai.
Domínguez’s collection, titled “Zenit,” explores themes of personal development and transformation. The designs featured innovative tailoring, including trousers and skirts with double waistbands and deconstructed shirts. The color palette harmoniously blended earth tones with vibrant hues, reflecting the brand’s commitment to both tradition and modernity.
Simorra: Nature’s Inspiration
Closing the first day of shows, Simorra presented a collection titled “Fractal,” inspired by the geometric patterns found in nature. CEO Eva Dimas explained that the collection aims to capture the beauty of nature through fabric, emphasizing the brand’s textile heritage. The designs featured pastel shades, deep greens, and asymmetric necklines, showcasing a blend of volume and transparency.
Simorra’s participation in MBFWMadrid is part of a broader strategy to enhance its brand visibility and desirability. Dimas noted, “Building a brand means cultivating aspiration – aiming higher.” The runway serves as a platform to project this aspiration, allowing the brand to connect emotionally with its audience.
A New Era for MBFWMadrid
From September 18 to 21, MBFWMadrid will return to IFEMA, but the inaugural day at the Palacio de Cibeles has set a new precedent for the event. The organizers aim to establish a fresh catwalk model that includes not only traditional runway shows but also presentations and parallel activities such as roundtables.
This year’s edition is not just a celebration of the past; it is a bold step into the future of fashion in Spain. By embracing a more central location and innovative programming, MBFWMadrid is poised to redefine its role in the global fashion landscape.
Conclusion
As MBFWMadrid embarks on this new chapter, the blend of tradition and innovation showcased in the opening collections reflects the evolving nature of fashion. With a commitment to global outreach and a focus on cultural relevance, the event is set to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of the fashion industry in Spain and beyond. The move to the Palacio de Cibeles symbolizes not just a change in venue, but a renewed vision for the future of fashion in Madrid.
