INSIGHTFUL Q&A with ALBASARI CARO

We interviewed Albasari Caro, Director of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, the bridal industry’s annual ‘main event’! Her insightful conversation with Perfect Wedding Magazine tells her experience within the industry, her passion for making BBFW better every year, her commitment to showcase exceptional international bridal fashion while supporting local brands, the features to this year’s edition of the show and how the event is designed and produced to respect and promote sustainability were all incredibly inspiring!

 

Above: Albasari Caro, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW) director.

 

1. Albasari, can you give us a brief introduction about yourself and what led you to become the director of BBFW?

I am from Miami, so much of my education also took place there. I earned a degree in Political Science from Florida International University and completed a master’s degree in Journalism and Communication at American University in Washington, DC. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working for renowned brands such as Bimba & Lola, Mango, Tendam, and Tous, and for almost ten years, I was responsible for the international franchise expansion at Pronovias.

Working and travelling around the world allowed me to gain a deep understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of the fashion industry and how closely fashion is tied to the culture of each country. Leading the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week is, for me, an exciting opportunity to merge art, creativity, and business in an innovative format, promoting the internationalization and growth of this sector.

 

2. What is the mission of BBFW this year? The message of BBFW 2025 is just one word: ‘GO’. Can you tell us more about it?

The motto “GO” is a call to action for designers, buyers, artists, and creatives. I want to inspire movement and dynamism in every player in the sector. In this edition, we have expanded the format and distribution of the event, occupying Palaces 1, 2, and 8 of the Montjuïc venue and the Plaza de l’Univers.

The new image, inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean and by artists like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, aims to pay tribute to traditional craftsmanship while projecting an innovative and vibrant spirit. My goal is to create unique experiences that drive the market forward and showcase the talent of both established brands and emerging designers.

 

 

3. What are you most excited about in this year’s edition of BBFW?

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting moments will be the participation of the iconic British brand Vivienne Westwood, which will present its 2026 bridal collection at the Cloister of the University of Barcelona during the Barcelona Bridal Night.

It will be the first show the brand dedicates exclusively to its bridal line, and it has chosen Barcelona for the debut of such special creations. This is a great honour and, moreover, having Vivienne Westwood with her legacy of values, beauty, romance, and rebellion as the star of the gala night is a true privilege that promises to be unforgettable both for the event and for the city.

 

4. Is BBFW open to the general public? If not, how can brides follow the shows and see the collections?

Although Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week is aimed at industry professionals, we have developed strategies to bring the event closer to the general public and especially to future brides.

Through our digital channels and platforms like Instagram and YouTube, we will stream the shows live and share exclusive content so that brides can follow the trends and discover the new collections from anywhere in the world.

 

 

5. How did you select the bridal brand invited to be the star of the Barcelona Bridal Night? What are the key requirements to be the ‘guest of honour’?

We invite brands that stand out for their excellence, trajectory, and values in the world of fashion. In fact, past editions of the Bridal Night have featured designers of the caliber of Viktor & Rolf, Elie Saab, and Giambattista Valli, among others.

This year, we decided to propose Vivienne Westwood because it is one of the leading brands on the international scene, known for its avant-garde spirit and commitment to sustainability—values that we fully share.

Having Vivienne Westwood is not only a true honour but also an opportunity to celebrate rebellion and individuality in bridal fashion.

 

6. The number one task for a woman after getting engaged is to find the wedding dress of her dreams. With so many options, especially on social media, what would you recommend to a bride when choosing her wedding dress?

My recommendation is that brides focus on finding a dress that truly reflects their personality and style. I believe it is essential to prioritize authenticity by choosing a dress that embodies the bride’s personality and emotions on her wedding day. In this way, the dress becomes an integral part of her life and love story.

 

 

7. BBFW is not strictly about wedding dresses. It also includes evening wear and accessories, correct? And although there are many international brands, is there a specific section to promote ‘Made in Barcelona’ options?

Exactly. In addition to wedding dresses, BBFW includes collections of evening wear, ceremony attire, and accessories. This year, we have created the space “The Edit Barcelona” to promote local brands and artisans.

This initiative aims to preserve and enhance the Catalan textile tradition by supporting both new brands and workshops with history, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent internationally, such as Marta Marti, Immacle, Andrea Lalanza, and Mariano Moreno, who preserve the deeply rooted artisanal tradition of Catalonia.

In addition to this space, the Trade Show will feature more than 450 brands in total, 82% of which are international. This represents an exciting challenge and a great opportunity to establish Barcelona as the world capital of bridal fashion.

 

 

8. Sustainability is an important issue. How is BBFW addressing and implementing sustainable practices as an event?

Sustainability is a priority for us. We have implemented measures such as reducing the use of plastics, digitizing processes, and using recycled materials in the construction of stands and temporary structures.

Moreover, we collaborate with organizations like the ARED Foundation, and the trophies for the Barcelona Bridal & Fashion Awards are handcrafted pieces, reflecting our commitment to the environment and responsible production.

We are committed to making BBFW an event that not only celebrates fashion but also promotes a more sustainable future.

 

9. Our audience, although global, is largely from the North American market. What is the difference between NYBFW and BBFW, and why should brides pay attention to what BBFW will showcase this April?

BBFW is characterized by its international focus, with 82% of participating brands coming from more than 32 countries. I believe that our cultural diversity, combined with the European artisanal tradition, offers a unique and enriching proposal for North American brides. Moreover, the rich cultural heritage and the innovative spirit of Barcelona make BBFW an event that not only showcases fashion but also offers an immersive and emotional experience.

It is also worth mentioning that the BBFW format, which combines a trade show and fashion shows in the same space and at the same time, under one roof, provides buyers with the opportunity to discover more than 450 brands and attend the shows of 44 designers. This significantly simplifies their visit, enhancing both efficiency and productivity.

 

 

10. Finally, if it’s our first time attending BBFW as a fashion editor, can you guide us on how to make the most of a day at the event?

My advice would be to start the day by attending the most notable shows on the runway at Palace 8 to discover the key trends. Then, I recommend visiting the Fashion Village to interact with designers and the Trade Show to explore the entire offer and discover the new collections of some of the most renowned designers in the world, such as Vivienne Westwood, Giambattista Valli, Ines di Santo, Georges Hobeika, Zuhair Murad, Stéphane Rolland, Jenny Packham, Tony Ward, or Antonio Riva, who will once again be present at the Barcelona event, occupying a space called “Showroom.” I also suggest taking advantage of the networking area at Plaza de l’Univers to establish direct contacts within the industry.

I would like to recommend a visit to “The Edit” area as well, where we have brought together designers, some of them emerging talents, and artisanal workshops with great potential. Additionally, the Designers Brands space features labels such as Cortana or Sophie et Voilà. In Palace 1, you will also find some of the most powerful brands in the industry, like Yolancris, Morilee, or Justin Alexander.

And, of course, I believe that no fashion editor—or any other attendee at BBFW—should miss the opportunity to visit Barcelona and experience its light, its historical legacy, and its modernist architecture. In my opinion, this is the only way to truly discover the city’s passion for design and to turn the visit into a more complete and enriching experience.

 

All the images are from BBFW 2024 edition.

 

Learn more about BBFW 2025 in this link.