(Español) Un escaparate mundial de la moda nupcial. Barcelona Bridal Week 2025
When fabric tells stories: a look at the latest edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion
Lola Casademunt by Maite. 080 Barcelona Fashion
080 Barcelona Fashion once again demonstrated in its April 2025 edition why it is much more than a catwalk: it is a stage where fashion takes on meaning through storytelling, emotion, and material. This edition reaffirmed its essence as a hybrid platform, where commercial brands and independent designers coexist, creating a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Far from being a simple succession of trends, 080 focuses on proposals with soul, capable of telling stories through silhouette, volume, and, above all, fabric.
The Catalan runway was filled with contrasts: nostalgia and modernity, sensuality and fantasy, structure and fluidity. Each collection offered a unique perspective, but they all shared one thing in common: textiles as the guiding thread of the message . There is fashion that screams and fashion that whispers, and in this edition, the language of materials was the true protagonist.
Some designers appealed to craftsmanship and the value of manual gestures; others to theatricality or emotional symbolism. Between established names and new voices, creative freedom and an author’s vision prevailed, with exquisite attention to finishes, textures, and construction.
At this crossroads of styles and generations, brands as diverse as Lola Casademunt , Compte Spain, Anel Yaos , and Juan Vidal shone for their understanding of fashion as a form of intimate expression. These designs transform fabric into a silent narrator of emotions, ideas, and beauty. Here are the most inspiring collections.
Lola Casademunt by Maite. 080 Barcelona Fashion
The Catalan firm presented its collection “ Misty ” Coast ,” a proposal for next fall-winter inspired by the misty sunsets of the Normandy coast. An enveloping and sophisticated aesthetic, true to the DNA of Lola Casademunt by Maite, which combines the classic and the contemporary with a very feminine look. On this occasion, the nautical spirit is reinterpreted with polka dots, chunky knit stripes, embroidered wools, and touches of bougainvillea, forest green, or sorbet pink that break the sobriety of black.
Lightweight materials like silk and viscose blend with warm textures like cool wool, and shiny details add a glamorous touch . A collection designed for a woman who embraces sophistication without sacrificing comfort or personality.
Lola Casademunt was founded more than 40 years ago in Cardedeu, Barcelona, when Lola Casademunt began handcrafting hair accessories. Her daughter, Maite Casademunt, joined the project at a young age, bringing a fresh vision focused on fashion design. Since 2018, she has led the company as president and creative director, leading both the eponymous line and its premium line, “Lola Casademunt by Maite.”
With “ Misty Coast ”, the firm reaffirms its ability to create coherent, elegant collections with a touch of daring that never goes unnoticed.Compte Spain. 080 Barcelona Fashion
Fashion as a fairy tale, fabrics as catalysts of magic. This is how “ Objet” presents itself. “Found ”, the collection that Santi Mozas , creative director of COMPTE SPAIN, brought to the catwalk in 2080. A prêt -à- couture proposal that transforms the enchanted symbols of classic tales—a glass slipper, a magic mirror, a golden thread—into a contemporary metaphor. Elements that, as in fairy tales, transform the course of history.
With 25 intentional looks, the collection reinterprets feminine codes through a sophisticated and theatrical lens. Shiny tweeds, sequins, sheer drapes, feathers, and handcrafted appliqués create a visual universe of textile richness. The burgundy, black, white, light blue, and taupe colors reinforce the play between the ethereal and the intense that defines the brand’s imagery.
COMPTE SPAIN is a Spanish brand that focuses on signature fashion. Its collections—handmade in Spain—are born from the imagination of fairy tales, but decontextualized, removed from the obvious narrative. The brand is committed to ethical and local production, respecting both the creative process and the artisans who make it possible.
“Object Trouvé ” is not just a collection, but a reflection on the transformative power of small details. A tribute to slow fashion with a narrative soul.
Anel Yaos. 080 Barcelona Fashion
Anel Yaos
With “MARÍA,” Anel Yaos transforms white into a poetic canvas on which to project emotions, shapes, and textures. A deeply personal proposal—inspired by her sister, her other self—that explores all the possibilities of this seemingly neutral color, yet full of nuances: chalk, mother-of-pearl, marble, bone… Here, white becomes a symbol of purity, but also of strength and refuge.
True to his naive and dreamlike universe, the Andalusian designer brings to life silhouettes that combine delicacy and drama, with layering, organic volumes, and a rich mix of fabrics that reinforce the collection’s narrative. Neoprene, lace, wool, knit, faux leather, and silk merge into an ethereal and tactile atmosphere, where each garment seems to speak from within.
“MARÍA” is not just an aesthetic proposal, it’s an emotional statement. Anel Yaos’s fashion channels generational sentiments: insecurities, yearnings, the pressure to fit in, and, at the same time, the search for pure and genuine happiness. Through white, the designer transforms silence into a serene cry.
Trained in various disciplines related to design, art, and communication—between Seville and Barcelona—Anel Yaos has built a brand recognized for its authenticity, tenderness, and ability to move without artifice. In this edition of 080, he once again reminded us that fabrics don’t just dress, they also caress the soul.
Juan Vidal. 080 Barcelona Fashion
Juan Vidal
In his latest collection, “He loves me, he loves me not,” Juan Vidal transforms vulnerability into visual poetry. Plucking the petals of a daisy is a symbolic act of uncertainty and searching. A playful gesture that, in the hands of the Alicante-born designer, becomes an aesthetic reflection on identity, duality, and the desire for certainty in an unstable world.
With her unmistakable emotional sophistication, Vidal constructs a collection where opposites harmoniously intertwine: rigid and fluid, matte and glossy, masculine and feminine. Pistils, petals, floral woodcuts, gabardines, and washed satins make up an ethereal and profound collection that fearlessly caresses indecision, elevating it to an aesthetic experience.
Trained in Fine Arts and fashion design in Barcelona, Juan Vidal is one of the key names in contemporary Spanish fashion. From his early days—when he won the FAD award for his student collection—to becoming a winner of awards such as the Who’s From Vogue’s On Next to the National Fashion Award, her career has been defined by impeccable technique, a masterful command of volume, and a conceptual approach that draws on both art and textile tradition.
On the 080 catwalk, Vidal reaffirms her highly personal vision of fashion: dresses that not only dress, but provoke, excite, and seduce. Because sometimes, truly powerful things come from embracing doubt.
(Español) La moda portuguesa más inspiradora
(Español) Twiggy aterriza en Barcelona y mucho más en el Moritz Feed Dog 2025
Welcoming the new SS25 collection
At Gratacós, creativity and innovation are part of our essence. As creators and suppliers of fabrics for the major fashion houses, international brands and designers, our mission in each collection is to anticipate trends and offer items that define the future of fashion through the senses. Fabrics that are eye-catching, but also seductive to the touch.
Every year, we present our collections at the world’s leading textile fairs, such as Première Vision (New York and Paris) and Milano Unica (Milan). These events allow us to share our proposals with international designers and brands, as well as to obtain valuable feedback to continue adapting to a constantly evolving market.
So in February, we exclusively unveiled our Spring-Summer 2026 collection, a preview of the trends that will mark the coming seasons. But now, it’s time to dive into the SS25 Collection, the current one that we sell on our website and in our space in Barcelona.
An ode to creativity, freshness and lightness
In general terms, the SS25 collection is born from the need to explore the naive and the pure, connecting us with our most spontaneous essence. From tenderness, freshness and sweetness, the new season transports us to a universe of lightness, where fashion becomes a refuge of kind and optimistic sensations.
This collection is designed for simple, yet sophisticated, effortless and versatile fashion, perfect for those seeking elegance without sacrificing comfort. Through innovative fabrics and high-quality finishes, the new proposal creates ethereal garments that celebrate the arrival of summer.
Colour
Colour is a fundamental pillar of the season. Beyond the neutrals, always elegant and combinable, the collection explores a palette of soft and delicate tones, from the most ethereal pastels to vibrant shades inspired by sugared flowers.
The shades evoke purity and freshness, with nuances reminiscent of sunny days, clear skies and natural light. A play of colours that allows for the creation of elegant and versatile combinations for the summer season.
Textures and reliefs
Gratacós fabrics stand out for their innovation and richness in textures. In this collection, jacquards provide depth and sophistication, while embroidery adds a touch of fantasy to next spring-summer fashion.
Prints will be the main feature, with designs carefully crafted to offer a balance between modernity and timelessness. Each fabric is designed to be transformed into unique garments, ready to come to life in the hands of the most demanding designers.
SS25 not only marks a new era in summer fashion, but also reaffirms Gratacós’ commitment to innovation, creativity and textile excellence. An invitation to dream, create and reinvent summer fashion. We invite you to discover it!
(Español) Diseños inspiradores de la Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Colecciones AW25/26
Fely Campo. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
At Gratacós, we closely follow the main Spanish fashion catwalks, always looking to discover how our fabrics become unique pieces full of creativity. We are fascinated to see the transformation of our fabrics in the hands of designers, who manage to give life to collections full of personality and their own style. This connection between raw material and inspiration is, without a doubt, what motivates us the most to continue betting on innovation and quality.
During the recent edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, held in February 2025, we had the opportunity to once again see the trust that many designers place in our fabrics for their designs. Female empowerment, sustainability, experimentation with textures and the commitment to materials that combine tradition and technology have been some of the key themes of this season, where each garment not only stands out for its aesthetics, but also for the story behind it.
Below, we present a selection of the most outstanding shows of the Fall- Winter 2025/2026 season, where our fabrics have been the protagonists. It is a privilege to see how each designer explores new forms of expression and plays with textures to propose trends that inspire.
Fely Campo. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
Fely Campo
Fely Campo has presented SELF><WORLD , a collection that invites us to reflect on the relationship between our identity and our environment. What do we project to the world? How is our inner self translated into the image we show? With these questions as a starting point, the designer from Salamanca proposes luxury ready-to-wear where personal essence and external expression merge into the same language.
The autumn-winter 2025/26 collection stands out for its balance between structure and fluidity, playing with materials that evoke emotions and awaken the senses. Tweed, with its enveloping texture, brings warmth and recalls tradition, while velvet is presented as a tribute to sensorial richness, combined with sequins and embroidery that suggest restrained shine and sophistication. Silk, light and ethereal, slides between the pieces, providing movement and softness, in contrast with heavier fabrics such as wool, creating a visual dialogue between the robust and the delicate.
The colour palette breaks free from conventions, breaking the traditional boundaries of colour. Deep tones intertwine with bright flashes, reflecting the multiple facets of the ” self ” and the diversity of emotional states. The versatility of the garments allows each woman to express herself in her own way, with designs intended for everyday use that do not renounce elegance or timelessness.
True to its commitment to sustainability, Fely Campo is committed to pieces that transcend the ephemeral. Each design is conceived to last, resisting the urgency of the new and embracing the beauty that endures over time. The refined and comfortable silhouettes enhance the female figure without imposing themselves, leaving room for the personality of the wearer to be the true protagonist. SELF><WORLD is an invitation to recognize and show oneself as one is, with garments that accompany, envelop and reflect the authenticity of each woman. Because, as the designer herself says, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.”
Johanna Calderon
Johanna Calderón chose the emblematic Four Seasons in Madrid to celebrate a fashion show that represents a hymn to body diversity. Each design by the Madrid native with an Andalusian heart is a declaration of self-love, an exaltation of feminine strength and sensuality. Sequins, rhinestones and transparencies took over the catwalk, drawing silhouettes that embrace the body with strategic cuts that enhance the figure without losing elegance. Her collection immerses itself in a festive universe where each garment celebrates self-affirmation. Subtle transparencies coexist with meticulous embroidery and fabrics that shine with their own light, conceived for women who want to feel powerful and radiant. More than fashion, it is a hymn to security and empowerment, with pieces that invite you to dress with confidence and freedom.
To bring this proposal to life, Calderón collaborated with Miah Management , the first Spanish agency dedicated entirely to curvy models. “I was not able to find such a diverse cast of models in any other agency,” explains the designer, a staunch defender of the real representation of women. Diversity was thus one of the central themes of the show, with sizes ranging from 38 to 56, vindicating beauty in all its forms. In short, Johanna Calderón transforms the act of dressing into an experience full of meaning, where sensuality and diversity intertwine to pay tribute to the modern woman: strong, confident and in control of her own story.
Malne. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
Malne
In “Bohemian Future” Malne has celebrated romantic glamour and the bohemian essence under a futuristic gaze. The firm, founded in 2016 by Paloma Álvarez and Juanjo Mánez, once again opts for slow fashion and artisanal production from its atelier in Madrid, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and the creation of timeless pieces. With a narrative that fuses the boho chic aesthetic of the 70s with an urban and contemporary approach, the collection dresses a woman who plays with fashion without losing sight of environmental responsibility.
The key garments explore the duality between delicacy and structure: impeccably cut tweed layers are combined with fluid tunics and vaporous blouses that glide over the catwalk. The chiffon dresses, voluptuous and light, are dyed in intense colours such as emerald green, ruby red and classic black, the firm’s fetish tone. Jackets, another of Malne’s distinctive features, are presented in a fitted version, enhancing the feminine silhouette with a sophisticated and urban touch.
As for the materials, the collection for next winter is based on noble fabrics such as tweed, silk chiffon, cashmere, gazar and micropaillettes, which provide texture and subtle shine to the compositions. Each piece is designed to transmit strength and personality, reflecting the DNA of the firm and its focus on fashion as a form of artistic expression. “This collection speaks of a woman of the future, conscious and free, who does not give up luxury or the beauty of what is well done,” comment Álvarez and Mánez.
With this proposal, Malne not only reinterprets bohemian luxe, but reaffirms its place in the Spanish fashion scene as a benchmark for contemporary haute couture, where craftsmanship, sustainability and exclusivity go hand in hand to create unique and timeless garments.
Mans. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
Mans
The Mans collection, winner of the L’Oréal award for the best collection at the 81st edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, delves into the reinterpretation of the feminine suit with impeccable tailoring that balances tradition and innovation. Led by Seville designer Javier Álvarez, the proposal stands out for its careful construction and attention to detail, exploring structured silhouettes with straight lines and fluid volumes that adapt to the female figure, responding to the demands of comfort and contemporary elegance.
Key pieces include British-style suits with double-breasted jackets and large lapels, combined with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, fitted with cummerbunds and bows that add a playful touch to the ensemble. The coats, in different versions, down to the feet with rounded lapels and enveloping textures, while the shirts, both in their feminine and masculine versions, surprise with horizontal pleats and ruffle details that add a romantic air. This gender duality is also reflected in the sheer blouses and mini and midi skirts, which add versatility to the collection.
The colour palette, dominated by neutral tones, is enlivened by vibrant accents such as red, purple, yellow and orange, evoking a cosmopolitan and bold spirit. Velvet, the textile protagonist of the proposal, pays homage to the aesthetics of the 90s with Tom Ford as a reference, while Scabal wools – iconic fabrics that have dressed characters such as James Bond or Vito Corleone – provide an extra touch of sophistication and sartorial heritage.
The recognition of this collection not only celebrates the excellence of the design, but also the evolution of Mans towards a fashion that embraces diversity, functionality and contemporary luxury, always maintaining the essence of tailoring that defines its DNA. For Javier Álvarez, this award is a reward for a collection that is “difficult to build” and reflects the firm’s connection with the needs of a public that seeks special and timeless pieces.
Menchen Tomas. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
Menchen Tomas
BLITZ by Menchén Tomás is a collection that travels to the heart of 1980s London to revive the creative and rebellious spirit of the legendary Blitz Club. Epicenter of the underground scene and cradle of the aesthetic and musical avant-garde of the time, this legendary club inspired a proposal that celebrates freedom of expression and stylistic audacity, reinterpreted from a contemporary perspective.
For autumn-winter 2025/26, the firm led by Olga Menchén proposes pieces that invite us to play with fashion as a creative and personal act. Delicate silks, structured crepe, triacetate and chantilly make up a selection of fabrics that offer movement, texture and a feeling of tactile luxury. The colour palette evolves from the sobriety of black and white to metallic shades, eucalyptus green, porcelain blue and pale pink, evoking emotions that complement the dynamism of the garments. The silhouettes explore volumes and structures that dialogue with the aesthetic experimentation of the Blitz Club. The designs dare to decontextualise traditional garments and materials, proposing tunics, oversized blouses, straight-cut trousers and dresses that play with layers and transparencies. Each look is an invitation to break free from established norms and embrace fashion as a form of self-expression.
Beyond aesthetics, BLITZ raises a reflection on sustainability and the importance of giving materials a second life. The firm champions local craftsmanship and the value of work done in Spain, guaranteeing meticulous control of each phase of production and reaffirming its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
This collection, presented on the catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, is an ode to creative daring and free identity, where each garment seeks to inspire and empower those who wear it. For Menchén Tomás, dressing is much more than covering up: it is daring to imagine and express who we are.
Yolancris. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
Yolancris
YOLANCRIS, the Barcelona-based label founded by sisters Yolanda and Cristina Pérez, has presented its autumn-winter 2025/26 collection under the YC ready-to-wear line: a contemporary reinterpretation of the extravagance and art de vivre of the Marchioness Luisa Casati. Inspired by this iconic figure of the 20th century, the proposal pays homage to the empowered woman who turned her life into a work of art, challenging the established norms of her time.
The collection is based on three creative pillars: Catalan Modernism, the irreverent freedom of the 1970s and the artistic heritage of Mariano Fortuny. The result is a series of pieces that explore the duality between opulence and functionality, maintaining the artisanal essence that has defined the house since 2005. Wrap-around tunics and coats are combined with 70s-style trousers and maxi blouses, while straight dresses incorporate art deco details that provide sophistication without excess.
In terms of materials, Yolancris deploys a textile universe that emphasizes quality and texture. Leather and lace — the latter worked using the soleil pleating technique — coexist with rich velvets and silk gauzes that provide lightness and movement. Artisanal embroidery and hand-made ornamental details underline the firm’s commitment to excellence in tailoring and local savoir-faire. This combination of heavy and ethereal fabrics creates a visual contrast that, at the same time, reinforces the collection’s versatility.
The colour palette ranges from dark, neutral tones—such as intense blacks and deep grays—to more vibrant accents that evoke the free spirit of the 1970s. Yolancris ‘ proposal not only seeks to dress, but also to empower: each garment is a declaration of freedom, designed for the contemporary woman who values comfort without giving up elegance.
This first foray of the YC ready-to-wear line into Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid represents an important step for the brand, reaffirming its commitment to local production and sustainability. Yolancris demonstrates that everyday fashion can be a vehicle for self-expression and authenticity, fusing tradition and modernity with a sophisticated and contemporary approach.
The first major retrospective of Gianni Versace arrives in Spain

Fotografía: Paula Caballero
If there is a designer who understood fashion as a spectacle, it was Gianni Versace. He did not limit himself to creating clothes; he built his own universe, where excess was synonymous with elegance and pop culture was mixed with classical mythology. Now, his essence re-emerges in Gianni Versace Retrospective , an exhibition never seen before in Spain organized by Fundación Unicaja that lands in Malaga with more than 500 original pieces to take a tour through the mind of the Italian genius.
The exhibition is housed in the historic building of the Episcopal Palace and, across nine thematic sections, invites us to explore its inspirations, from Classical Greece to the vibrant Miami Beach scene in the 90s. Between shiny fabrics, baroque prints – such as the iconic Barocco – and looks that defined the era of the Supermodels, this exhibition reminds us that the Versace legacy is more alive than ever.

Fotografía: Paula Caballero
The designer who made fashion a spectacle
Gianni Versace didn’t just revolutionize fashion, he redefined it. In the 80s and 90s, his shows were events where supermodels walked like modern goddesses and the clothes screamed power and sensuality. His creations also dressed stars like Madonna, Prince and Elton John, cementing him as the designer of icons.
His ability to mix cultural references from different eras and geographies turned his designs into wearable pieces of art. From Greco-Roman classicism to punk aesthetics, Versace absorbed everything that inspired him and transformed it into something unique. His approach to fashion was instinctive and deeply visual: he was not afraid of colour, exuberant patterns or bold silhouettes. His brand became synonymous with daring luxury and boundless glamour.
The exhibition is unprecedented in Spain and captures that spirit, from his beginnings in Calabria, his arrival in Milan and his fascination with art and architecture to his last collection in 1997, before he was murdered. Through his most iconic looks, original sketches and previously unpublished photographs, Gianni Versace Retrospective immerses us in his creative process.

Fotografía: Paula Caballero
The keys to understanding the soul of Gianni Versace
The exhibition is structured into nine spaces that capture some of the key aspects of Gianni Versace’s imagination, evident in all of his designs.
Inspiration from Greco-Roman mythology : Versace’s fascination with classical antiquity is reflected in his recurrent use of mythological iconography. The Medusa, which became the brand’s emblem, symbolised irresistible attraction and power. His collections incorporated motifs of Ionic columns, golden friezes and depictions of gods, fusing the opulence of imperial Rome with a modern vision of luxury.
Baroque splendour : No one like Versace at mixing gold, classical motifs and excess without losing sophistication. Inspired by art, the Christian religion and Italian architecture, his use of ornamentation and rich fabrics made him a master of maximalist luxury. Despite this, the exhibition also reveals his minimalist side towards the mid-90s. An interesting exercise in stylistic contrasts.
The magic of South Beach : Miami was his refuge and his muse. The Art Deco aesthetic, classic cars and multicultural energy of the city were reflected in his 90s collections. The light, colours and vitality of the city influenced the vibrant prints and marine motifs that characterised some of his most memorable collections.
Art and pop culture : Inspired by Warhol and the repetition of images, Gianni Versace created unforgettable prints. Versace understood before anyone else that fashion should dialogue with popular culture, and his collaborations with artists marked a turning point in the relationship between fashion and art.
Supermodels of the 90s : The Italian couturier elevated Cindy, Naomi, Claudia and Linda to the status of goddesses. He not only designed for them, but helped shape the modern concept of the “supermodel” by turning his shows into media extravaganzas. His 1991 show, where top models walked to George Michael’s Freedom , is an iconic fashion moment.
The power of provocation : She redefined rebellion with leather, studs and harnesses. Her reinterpretation of punk and fetish aesthetics proved that fashion could play with boundaries without losing its sophistication. The iconic Bondage collection of 1992 turned traditionally provocative elements into haute couture pieces that challenged established norms.

Fotografía: Paula Caballero
Fashion, culture and myths of the 90’s
Beyond the catwalk, Gianni Versace’s impact on popular culture was immense. His vision was cinematic, his shows were carefully orchestrated productions, and his approach to fashion broke with many of the conventions of the time. He pioneered a strong visual identity for his brand, integrating architectural elements, instantly recognizable prints, and a use of color that defied the trends of minimalism.
Versace also understood the power of image and marketing in fashion. He was one of the first designers to forge ties with the entertainment industry, dressing artists and creating moments that transcended the catwalk. Lady Diana, Madonna, Cher, Elizabeth Hurley… they all became ambassadors of his bold and sophisticated aesthetic.
Versace also made his mark in cinema and theatre, designing costumes for operas and films. His passion for dramatization and theatricality was reflected not only in his fashion, but in the way he presented his work to the world.
The legacy of a visionary
More than 25 years after his death, Versace’s impact is still felt. His influence can be seen on catwalks, red carpets and even in urban culture. The brand he founded, now under the direction of his sister Donatella, continues to reinterpret his aesthetic, keeping the DNA of the house alive.
The 1990s fashion revival has brought back into the spotlight many of the elements that Versace popularised: the tight-fitting clothes, the baroque prints, the fusion of luxury and rebellion. Contemporary designers continue to find inspiration in his work, and his name remains synonymous with audacity and opulence.
This exhibition is not just a tribute, it is an invitation to relive the art of a designer who turned fashion into a statement of intent. To immerse oneself in his universe is to understand how fashion can be much more than clothing: it is identity, it is art and it is history.
The Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition will be open to the public until the 30th June at the Unicaja Foundation Cultural Center in Malaga.

Fotografía: Paula Caballero
Lee Miller, the model who defied war with her camera
Lee Miller, con un casco prestado por el fotógrafo del ejército estadounidense Don Sykes (sargento), Normandía, Francia, 1944© LEE MILLER ARCHIVES
When we think of the Second World War, it is difficult to imagine that in the midst of chaos and devastation there was a woman who, camera in hand, captured some of the rawest and most revealing moments of the conflict. Also the most beautiful, revealing a new, more authentic side of the people who worked at the front. Lee Miller, one of the most daring photographers of the 20th century, comes to Barcelona with the exhibition War Chronicles, which can be visited at FotoNostrum until the 20th March, 2025.
Before becoming a war correspondent, Lee Miller was a haute couture model in New York, a muse to great artists such as Man Ray, and even a pioneer in photographic experimentation with the solarization technique. However, her restless spirit led her to reinvent herself again and again. It was in London, during the Luftwaffe bombings, that she found her true calling: telling the story with her lens.
Foto del reencuentro de Picasso y Lee Miller en 1944 tras la liberación de París. Ella llegó como reportera con el Ejército de los EE UU© LEE MILLER ARCHIVES
The exhibition
War Chronicles brings together 124 photographs, focusing on the period from 1940 to 1947, that trace Miller’s career as a war correspondent for the US Army. His lens captured the liberation of Paris, the concentration camps of Buchenwald and Dachau, and the scars of Europe after D-Day. His images are raw, moving and, above all, necessary to understand the impact of war.
Miller not only documented history, he also lived it first-hand. Images of that closeness stand out, such as the iconic image of Lee Miller in Hitler’s bathtub in Munich on the same day that the Nazi leader committed suicide, or a warm meeting during the liberation of Paris in 1944, where he met Pablo Picasso, with whom he had a friendship. “It’s incredible that the first soldier I see after the liberation is a woman, and that it’s you too!” the artist from Malaga exclaimed. Intimate portraits that Lee Miller also shared with Miró.
The exhibition also shows us her most versatile side, with some of her iconic fashion photographs that portray women in the 1940s, when they began to enter the workforce in factories, demonstrating that aesthetics and drama can coexist in the same work.
After the war, Lee Miller found solace in the kitchen, becoming a culinary innovator inspired by surrealism.

Niños celebrando la liberación de París en 1944 © LEE MILLER ARCHIVES
A family legacy
The exhibition also features Antony Penrose, son of Lee Miller and surrealist artist Roland Penrose, who attended the opening. Antony, a renowned filmmaker, writer and curator, has dedicated his life to preserving his mother’s legacy through the Lee Miller Archives and the Penrose Collection. His son discovered his mother’s legacy when she died. In the attic were 40,000 photographs were found depicting the horror of the Great War, which his mother had kept quiet about due to the psychological trauma that led to alcoholism and depression. “I had no idea about my mother’s past; my view of her changed completely,” Penrose confesses. Thanks to his tireless work, Miller’s images have been exhibited in museums around the world, allowing new generations to discover their importance in the history of photography and art.
Together withhis daughter Ami Antony Bouhassane, co-director of Farleys House & Gallery Ltd., he has worked to promote Miller’s work, ensuring that her story continues to inspire future artists and photographers. Both bring a unique and intimate testimony that enriches the exhibition, offering a personal look at the life and work of this legendary photographer.

Kate Winslet reproduce la célebre foto de Lee Miller en la bañera de Hitler para la película sobre la fotógrafa. ©SKY UK
A life of cinema
Lee Miller, starring Kate Winslet and directed by Ellen Kuras , will be released in Spain on the 7th March 2025. The feature film delves into the life of this extraordinary woman, exploring the challenges she faced in a world dominated by men. Winslet ‘s performance has been widely praised, offering a new perspective on Miller’s complex personality. In fact, in the exhibition Winslet herself recalls several scenes from the filming that have attempted to maintain the essence of Lee Miller’s photographs.
Lee Miller was much more than a witness to history: she was a protagonist who knew how to capture beauty and horror in equal measure. Now, Barcelona has the opportunity to rediscover her. The exhibition will be available at FotoNostrum , at Calle Diputació , 48 in Barcelona, and promises to be an essential experience for lovers of photography and history. Totally recommended!
(Español) 2025, ¿qué hay de nuevo?
Mocha Mousse, the colour of the year 2025, according to Pantone
Mocha Mousse. Pic by Pantone
Imagine a creamy dessert that combines the aromas of cocoa, chocolate and coffee, with evocative textures and an intense brown tone that awakens both the sight and the palate. This suggestive image, which mixes everyday life and small pleasures, connects directly with the colour of the year 2025 chosen by Pantone: 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This shade, described by the company as “a soft and evocative brown, but also intense and warm”, invites our senses to enjoy pleasure and exquisiteness.
A colour that opens the appetite
Mocha Mousse, suggestive and inspiring, takes over from Peach Fuzz 13-1023, the delicate peach shade that was the colour of the year 2024. “Inspired by our desire for everyday pleasures, 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful pleasure,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, as said in the new release announcing the long-awaited reveal. “Sophisticated and exuberant, yet an unpretentious classic, this colour expands our perception of browns as humble, understated tones to embrace aspiration and luxury. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, it presents a touch of understated, tasteful glamour,” says Eiseman.
Connecting with the origins
Although some on social media have criticised the choice of brown, associating it with the current period of instability and lack of authenticity, Pantone defends its decision by highlighting the growing search for connection with nature and the origins of humanity. “Characterised by its organic nature, 17-1230 Mocha Mousse honours and celebrates the sustenance offered by our physical environment. Infused with authenticity, it strikes a balance between the demands of modernity and the timeless beauty of artistic creation,” the company explains.
Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute, describes Mocha Mousse as an extension of Peach Fuzz that came before it, sharing its essence of comfort but taking it a step further by including “the simple pleasures we can give away and share with others,” like a glass of mocha mousse. “The eternal quest for harmony permeates every aspect of our lives: our relationships, the work we do, our social connections, and the natural environment around us. This colour brings us contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm, and balance, while attuning us to the world around us. Harmony encompasses both a culture of connection and unity and the synthesis of our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being,” Pressman details, highlighting how this shade reflects that longing for connection and balance.
How is the colour of the year created?
Pantone, the global authority on colour and a set of professional standards for the design community, began defining the colour of the year in 1999. The first choice was the iconic cerulean blue (Pantone 15-4020), a shade that achieved worldwide fame thanks to the film The Devil Wears Prada, released seven years later. In this film, Meryl Streep, as the feared Vogue editor, immortalised the colour with an unforgettable fashion speech to Anne Hathaway: “What you don’t know is that that sweater isn’t just blue. It’s not turquoise, and it’s not navy. It’s actually cerulean.”
The initial goal of this initiative was to generate conversation around colour, involving both the design community and colour enthusiasts. But choosing the colour of the year is not a simple or arbitrary process. Behind this decision there is a rigorous analysis. Each year, a committee of colour experts studies cultural, artistic and social trends worldwide to identify significant references. Based on this analysis, they select an existing colour from the Pantone catalog and name it with an easy-to-remember name.
Over the years, these choices have reflected the global socio-economic context: from Marsala, which evoked the world of wine in 2015, to the double choice of 2021 – Illuminating yellow and Ultimate Grey – which symbolised the challenges of the pandemic. In 2022, Very Peri, a bold lavender shade, connected the real world with the digital one. Beyond their beauty, these colours invite a reflection on the times we live in.
In 2010, Pantone expanded its reach beyond the design niche to connect with the general public, adapting to new creative disciplines inspired by colour. This is when two key initiatives emerged: the Pantone Colour Institute and the Colour of the World. the Year. These proposals not only investigate and promote the use of colour, but have also transformed the brand’s marketing strategy, turning it into a global trend. Today, the colour of the year directly influences product development and purchasing decisions in sectors such as fashion, decoration, design and advertising.
The Pantone guide, which began with 500 colours for the graphic arts, now has more than 2,000 references. Every 18 months, new and more precise shades are added, reflecting the evolution of colour in our daily lives. Today, Pantone is a multinational with a strong global presence. Since its acquisition by X-Rite, a company specialising in colour management, the company has grown exponentially. With 17 offices around the world, Pantone markets everything from its famous guides to branded products and strategic alliances. Recent examples include collaborations with Motorola for smartphones, special editions of Jägermeister bottles , and even coffee capsules in partnership with Nespresso, a partnership that raises the question: have these capsules inspired this year’s colour choice?
In 2025, to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Pantone Colour of the Year, the company has taken the colour beyond its guides, highlighting it at global events and experiences. From New York and London to Shanghai and Mumbai, Pantone has curated public spaces and gatherings to make the colour of the year accessible to everyone.
The gentle elegance of Mocha Mousse: applications in fashion and design
In the fashion world, Mocha Mousse is positioned as a highly versatile neutral shade. Dubbed “the colour of unpretentious elegance,” this shade stands out for its ability to create warm, minimalist looks that blend with different skin tones, creating a chromatic camouflage effect. The colour of the year 2025 also redefines our perception of brown, taking it from humble and earthy to luxurious and aspirational.
Translating this to the textile world, Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities. Its sensorial warmth is reflected in fabrics with a delicate touch such as cashmere, angora, soft velvet and furry textures that envelop and comfort. It also shines in lighter materials such as airy chiffons, fluid satins or knits that provide movement and draped elegance. This shade, imbued with earthy refinement, embodies an organic and authentic luxury, promoting minimalist looks that opt for simplicity without artifice.
Mocha Mousse also adapts to various textures and finishes. From matte surfaces that highlight its naturalness to shiny or metallic finishes that give it a sophisticated touch, this colour works as a perfect base for bold colour combinations or monochromatic looks full of depth.
In decoration and interior design, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse connects with our desire for well-being and comfort. This earthy and refined brown brings a feeling of warm home, whether on floors, painted walls or decorative elements. Its presence stands out in natural materials such as wood, stone, rattan, wicker or leather, offering a balance between sophistication and homely warmth.
At Gratacós, we have selected some key fabrics that connect this colour of the year with our new collection. From luxurious textures to versatile finishes, you will find inspiration to bring Mocha Mousse to your fashion and design projects.