Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid introduces Business Talks, a platform for strategic discussions on fashion
One major innovation being introduced by the 40th anniversary is a programme of round-table discussions and presentations featuring top-level experts who will discuss creativity, sustainability, digital business, and emerging talent, accompanying the fashion shows to be held in Hall 14.1 at IFEMA MADRID. "Business Talks is the place where creativity, investment, technology and business come together; we want the event to be the international springboard that sends Spanish talent around the world," said Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid is launching another major innovation. A new space for dialogue on fashion has been organised. Business Talks will be supported by Mastercard as a strategic partner. It will be a programme of professional meetings with a debate forum to address the main challenges and transformations facing the fashion sector, from creativity and sustainability to the digitisation of business and emerging talent.
Get your ticket for the MBFWMadrid Business Talks.
The fashion fair, organised by IFEMA MADRID with support from Madrid City Council, will feature four days during which key figures in the industry, such as brand representatives, designers, payment platforms, specialised media, and digitalisation experts, will discuss the following main themes:
Business Talks Programme
Thursday 18 – Creativity, design & payment methods
The opening day will focus on transforming the shopping experience through the use of new financial technologies and digital payment methods. The role of creativity in building brand identity building and its cultural influence will also be on the table.
This first day will kick off with a panel discussion on innovation in payment methods and fintech applied to fashion. Led by Mastercard, there will be discussions on advances in digital solutions, including contactless payments, security, and fraud prevention in e-commerce, featuring Claudia Ojeda, an expert in blockchain, and Cristina Carranza, a consultant in Startup Tech.
Next, a panel discussion titled “Designing with soul: brands that narrate an identity” will feature Alejandro Gómez Palomo (Palomo Spain), Castañer, and Marta Rota (Tot-Hom), moderated by Charo Izquierdo.
The day will conclude with a debate called “Fashion, media and cultural power”, featuring Betty Lepina, Ana García Siñeriz and Ana Núñez Milara, also moderated by Charo Izquierdo.
Friday 19 – Sustainability and craftsmanship
The second day will focus on innovation with real impact and on the value of craftsmanship in relation to luxury, in addition to reflecting on how physical spaces—fashion weeks, fairs, and meetings—are established business drivers in the digital age.
The day will begin with the panel “Craftsmanship versus luxury: redefining value”, featuring María Alfonso (founder of Paris64) and Oteyza, moderated by Charo Izquierdo. Next, “Innovate from the origin: sustainability with real impact” will take place with Raquel Buj, Juan Ramón Meléndez (Reviste), and Javier Goyeneche (Ecoalf), in a debate moderated by Cruz Sánchez de Lara.
The afternoon will conclude with a conversation during which Sybilla will engage in a discussion with Charo Izquierdo. This unique encounter will put into perspective the relationship between creativity, commitment, and the future.
Saturday 20 – Business and internationalisation
The third day will be dedicated to business growth and international brand expansion, with a close look at the relationship between Hispanic America and the Madrid catwalk, as well as the opportunities provided by e-commerce in a global market.
The programme will start with the panel discussion titled “Hispanoamérica–Madrid: a necessary bridge”, featuring Daniela Goicoechea (founder of Goiko), moderated by Valentina Suárez Zuloaga. Later, "Building industry: how to scale up without losing the soul" will be held, featuring Ángel Asensio, Beatriz de los Mozos (Flabelus), and Borja Vázquez (Scalpers), moderated by Asier Labarga.
The same day, there will also be a session led by Mastercard, titled “E-commerce and fashion: innovation, digital payments and consumer experience”, which will analyse how digital commerce is transforming the fashion industry, focusing on security, the digitalisation of the shopping experience, and the international expansion of brands. This event will feature Susana Campuzano, founder and CEO of Luxury Advise; Silvia Leal, AI advisor at the OECD and EU; and Ignacio Suárez Zuloaga, founder of CLIDEA.
Sunday 21 – EGO & Future
The Business Talks will be wrapped up by new talents and emerging generations, in a reflection on the challenges faced by young designers and how the industry can adapt to future consumers.
The day will revolve around the panel discussion “Generación EGO: What does it mean to be a designer today?”, in which Ernesto Naranjo (EGO winner) and Álvaro Calafat will participate, with the moderator yet to be confirmed.
Mastercard, strategic partner
This new initiative will be led by Mastercard. This main sponsor will facilitate several discussions on the evolution of fashion commerce and the role of user experience in the digitisation of shopping. They will be joined by designers, journalists, cultural agents, and business leaders who provide a global perspective on where the industry is heading.
One more step in the consolidation of MBFWMadrid
With the launch of these Business Talks, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid reinforces its role not only as a major creative showcase but also as a platform for thought and knowledge generation. The Business Talks will become a meeting point between creativity, business and culture in a new area of the Cibelespacio.