Madrid Becomes Fashion Centre Of The World
Madrid takes centre stage of the fashion world this week as it hosts the 2021 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
The event that brings the catwalks to life after their covid induced hibernation will feature some of the most sought-after creations by established and promising cutting edge fashion designers and visionaries from all over the world.
The Madrid show which is usually held in January was postponed due to the restrictions will finally be held from 8th to 11th April in a hybrid format, combining in-person fashion parades with performances, fashion films as well as virtual programme.
The show, which is Madrid´s first major international event this year, will have strict safety and health protocols in place with a maximum capacity of 24% of the IFEMA hall. 
The event is an important milestone for the Spanish fashion industry that has seen income falls of up to 80% due to the lockdown and pandemic.
The sector represents around 8% of Spain´s GDP generating hundreds of thousands of jobs in design, manufacure and retail.
This year 22 creators will present their collections and there will be fashion shows by 14 established designers. The exclusive on-line presentation of collections will also be streamed for a global online audience.
On the first day, 8 April, collections will be presented in different formats in which Andrés Sardá and Maya Hansen will present their new collections, Furthermore, Pablo Erroz and Otrura will participate in this event for the first time with an in-person fashion show including Fernando Claro who will present five models for the show.
On 9 April, there will be in-person fashion for the big five names being Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Hannibal Laguna, Custo Barcelona, Maite by Lola Casademunt and Brain&Beast. The shows will also be streamed through the official website.
The last day of MBFWMadrid will be devoted to established designers, with an opening by Angel Schlesser and followed by the designer, Isabel Sanchís, Ulisés Mérida and Maison Mesa who will bring the programme to an end.
On the same day, the L’Oréal Paris Prize for the Best Collection by a designer and the L’Oréal Paris Prize for the Best Model will be awarded These prizes recognise the work behind each creation.
On Sunday 11 April, the EGO Programme will focus on design by young creators as well collections designed by leading names in Spanish fashion.
