The iconic Expomeloneras event is already in the making for Gran Canaria Swim Week 2025, the event that, once again, will determine what will be worn on beaches and pools next summer. Gran Canaria Swim Week is not just another event. It's Europe's only swimwear show and, along with Miami, one of the two must-see events worldwide. Its innovative nature and ability to bring together local, national, and international talent consolidate it as a benchmark for trends.
Although the main 2025 edition will take place in October, the pulse of fashion is already being felt on the island. ESMA, a leading fashion show production company under the direction of Esther García Capdevila, is planning a top-level show. The previous edition, in 2024, was a clear example of this synergy. Expomeloneras brought together 40 companies, a melting pot of creativity that included 23 brands from the Canary Islands. Of these, 14 represented Gran Canaria, 7 La Palma, and Lanzarote and Tenerife each contributed one brand, showcasing the archipelago's creative wealth.
But the vision of Gran Canaria Swim Week transcends the island's borders. The notable local participation was joined by eight Spanish firms from outside the archipelago and nine international brands, mainly from the United States and Europe. The president of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Antonio Morales, has repeatedly highlighted the event's "extraordinary international projection," not only in Europe and the US, but also on the continent's main runways. This global showcase is vital for the creators of the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida brand, as it directly translates into job creation, a boost to training, and the emergence of new sectors linked to the fashion and textile industry on the island. Thus, while designers refine their proposals and the models are being prepared, Expomeloneras is preparing to be, once again this year, the epicenter where the future of swimwear will take shape, projecting Canarian talent to the entire world.
For Canarian swimwear brands seeking the coveted international projection highlighted by President Antonio Morales, tariffs can be a significant obstacle. While Gran Canaria Swim Week opens doors to Europe and the US, import and export taxes can hamper penetration in those markets, making the entry of their products or the importation of key materials more expensive. Ultimately, the swimwear industry, with its brilliant catwalk at Expomeloneras, is an undeniable asset for Gran Canaria. But for this sector to continue growing and generating employment and industry, it needs not only the spotlight, but also an economic and fiscal environment that doesn't add unnecessary burdens to its already complex journey. The projection is extraordinary, yes, but the sea of business always has its hidden currents and, sometimes, its invisible walls, like the AIEM (Spanish Institute of Economic and Social Affairs).
