Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid takes its international influence to new heights, raising the profile of Spanish fashion

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, organised by IFEMA MADRID with support from Madrid City Council, has concluded its 83rd edition, reaffirming Madrid's position as one of Europe's main creative hubs. For six days, including the inaugural show by Johanna Ortiz, the International Guest Designer, the catwalk combined established designers, emerging talent, internationalisation, and a revamped awards system that redirects its role as an economic and cultural engine.

A total of 24,650 people attended the fashion shows, while Cibelespacio was visited by 20,100. The event featured 40 shows, including contributions from 30 renowned designers and the ten emerging talents from the EGO platform, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. An event at which the international buyers programme and a programme of invited international press were massive successes, expanding the global reach of Spanish fashion.

So, another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid is over, which once again strengthened Madrid's role as a creative capital and economic driver of fashion, establishing its international dimension amid the sector’s sustained growth. The event also impacts the industrial expansion of Spanish fashion, serving as a decisive tool for boosting the brands that walk the runway. Within the same framework of showcasing and strengthening the creative scene, the Maison Pyramide Award went to Baro Lucas, whose creativity, conceptual coherence, and aesthetic sensitivity were underscored by the renowned international agency, thereby enhancing his global commercial potential. He will be invited to take part in a full season at the MP Showroom in Paris during Paris Fashion Week, completely free of charge.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid Awards – March 2026 Edition

The Teatro Real hosted the Opening Dinner of fashion week, held in collaboration with NARS, where the three awards that recognise excellence and projection were presented: National Designer Award, for Juan Vidal, in recognition of a career that helped to consolidate the aesthetic identity of Spanish design. The International Designer Award, went to Johanna Ortiz, a creator who has displayed her sensitivity and vision to new global audiences. Both were presented under the auspices of the Madrid City Council. The NARS Icon Award was also presented, awarded to Mans at the gala, recognising the brilliance of his collection.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Award for Best Collection also went to Mans. The firm won the award with a proposal that combines precision tailoring with the pictorial lightness inspired by Van Gogh's butterflies. A balanced collection between structure and fluidity that reaffirms the brand's creative maturity. The NARS Award for Best Makeup Artist, a new accolade, was handed to José Belmonte, highlighting his decisive role in the aesthetics of the Spanish runway over a career spanning more than 25 years, praising his contribution as an absolute benchmark in editorial and runway makeup.

The Best Model Award from NARS went to Julia Pachá, in recognition of her versatility and ability to elevate every collection she models.

Finally, the recognition gala included the EGO Honorary Award, which went to Andrés Aberasturi, recognising his foundational work as the creator and curator of the platform, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

EGO celebrated the 20th anniversary of a day dedicated to emerging talent, one of the week's most significant events, under the main sponsorship of the Community of Madrid. The Showroom EGO New Brand Award was received by Gorobei, proving a direct pathway for professional growth for the brand, with opportunities ranging from showcasing in the September 2026 edition to participating in fairs such as MOMAD and BISUTEX.

Likewise, the PYRATEX® EN TRAMA Award went to Adrià Egea, a prize that recognises material innovation and creative responsibility, and includes a donation of innovative fabrics and professional support aimed at promoting collections aligned with an ethical and advanced vision of fashion. At the same time, the Pelonio New Talent Award, worth 5,000 euros, was granted to Eaftimos for a proposal that stands out for its attention to detail, grounding in tradition and craftsmanship, and the ability to build its own creative language, with potential within the current fashion scene. In addition, in its commitment to the future of Spanish fashion, Pelonio will offer the ten participating designers of this edition of EGO a six-month support programme in its showroom space, aimed at boosting the visibility and development of their collections at the start of their professional careers.

So, the 83rd edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid ended after EGO, which hosted shows at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, the Palacio de Cibeles, the Palacio de Fernán Núñez, the Teatro Infanta Isabel, and the Hall 14.1 at IFEMA MADRID. The event reaffirmed its mission to promote excellence, bolster the industry and spread the news about Spanish talent within and beyond our borders.

Business support for the fashion industry 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, organised by IFEMA MADRID with support from Madrid City Council, was backed by several companies and institutions that came on board as sponsors, demonstrating their unwavering support for fashion. The main sponsor, Mercedes-Benz, continued for this edition, while NARS joined as the new main sponsor and official make-up brand. MBFWMadrid also had Iberia and La Casa de las Carcasas as sponsors, and the Diputación de Almería, Tequila 1800, UDIT, Schweppes, CEOE Castilla y León, Málaga de Moda and Comunidad de Madrid as collaborators.

The ¡HOLA!  Group was there as Media Partner, and ¡HOLA! TV as the international TV of the event.