The island's leading fair on new trends started with new features such as workshops and talks, a photography contest and a broader revitalization program
The president of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, visited the facilities of the twelfth edition of Fashion and Friends - the event that is committed to new talent and the consolidation of fashion companies organized by the Ministry of Industry - and which celebrates until Sunday in the Insular Stadium park under the motto 'The fashion plan' with the participation of 65 fashion, technology, art and design brands in the exhibitor area, -24 of them new- and the catwalk, in addition of the picnic area and as new features, 'La Grada' with workshops and talks, a photography contest and a broader revitalization program.
Morales, who toured the commercial area accompanied by the counselor responsible for the area, Minerva Alonso, wanted to invite all citizens to come this weekend and enjoy “this fashionable plan” that is already the fair, as the campaign itself alludes to. , and which has become an event that allows you to learn about and enjoy “the extraordinary talent and entrepreneurship of the island" which, according to the president, deserve the support of all Gran Canarian residents. “This fair means betting on the local business fabric and enhance their ability to create employment and opportunities,” continued the president, who wanted to highlight the importance that has also been given to values such as sustainability.
The president of the Cabildo, who also witnessed the 'Chico Sensible Club' parade - one of the brands that took to the catwalk today, along with 'Pizco Repizco', 'Up&Go' or Gianluca Urraso, among others - also highlighted the value of that 24 of the 65 firms participating in the fair are new, "since this event wants to be the gateway to the Warm Fashion program and to professionalization, in short."
Of these 24, it is worth highlighting some such as Ysaslow for its ethical and sustainable philosophy; Pullover for its social commitment, and its objective of changing the way fashion is consumed; Dreams for the use of new technologies in production, such as 3D printing and the priority in the use of sustainable materials; Mikimimi, a pet-friendly brand of textiles and accessories for both adults and pets or 'Te las pinto', which uses the ecoprint technique to transfer colors and textures to clothing and accessories.
To them are added seven by the Moda Cálida program, a consolidated designer like Arcadio Domínguez and five new talents.
In the Commercial Area, the presence of Mercedes Ley Art should also be highlighted, as Fashion Illustrator, which makes live drawings for visitors who come to its stand, and a Dorada Especial space where you can enjoy the art of painting live by the artist Lamaro.
The original format of the picnic area is also recovered, with its charm and its fairy lights, which has been renamed the chic-nic area, which has four food trucks, four cocktail bars, a cafe and a sweet spot and is open between 12:00 and 00:00 on Friday and Saturday, and between 12:00 and 19:00 on Sunday.
One of the great novelties in the area baptized as La Grada, a creative young space provided this year for this event by the Youth Department of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council in which activities will take place such as a board talk by ' Like trout to trout'; a clothing customization and recycling workshop, by Bárbara de Mesas: or a professional makeup MasterClass.
Also the expansion of the revitalization agenda with respect to previous years, especially in the areas of music, close-up art, design and dance. The creation of the I F&F Photography Contest and the I Best Stand Design Contest (for exhibitors) to reward aesthetics and the use of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials.
Among the sponsors are Volkswagen Canary Islands, present with a stand with the Volkswagen ID.5, the brand's 100% electric SUV, in a bid to bring electrification to all audiences. Also Special Gold, con the Catando Talento platform, which was born under the “Va por Nuestros” campaign, and a “DA Experience” in one of the grass areas, where Lamaro, an artist based in Gran Canaria with a long professional career, will perform live, during all three days, a large-format work of art reflecting the essence of the brand. Finally Codorniu sponsors the “candlelight” concert on Saturday at 21:30 p.m., and will also give the first 200 attendees its new Spritz drink.
