Runway
Drawing inspiration from the cultural and visual richness of Ndebele art from southern Africa, the new swimwear collection reinterprets its aesthetic codes with a contemporary and sophisticated look.
Updated 12:46 pm EDT, September 29, 2025
Published 01:25 am EDT, October 1, 2025
Photo Courtesy: © IFEMA MADRID
From my front-row seat, the atmosphere shifted the moment the flute started playing. It wasn’t just music—it felt like the air itself changed. What I was about to witness was more than a fashion show; it was a celebration of Dolores Cortés’ legacy, a designer who has reshaped how Spanish craftsmanship is recognized in fashion.
The room was completely full, and you could feel that quiet anticipation that comes when everyone knows something special is about to happen.
Dolores Cortés was inspired by the cultural and visual richness of Ndebele art from southern Africa; the new swimwear collection reinterprets its aesthetic codes with a contemporary and sophisticated look.
From the first look, it was clear this was about more than clothes. The braided swimsuits weren’t just pieces of lycra; each one reflected hours of skilled work, a knowledge few master today. There was a careful attention to construction that spoke of tradition, yet with a modern, contemporary feel.
The natural silk dresses with tribal patterns immediately caught the eye. They carried a natural, African sensuality, elevated by a modern understanding of movement and body. Each model’s hair was pulled back, letting the accessories and makeup shine without competing with the outfits.
The oversized bags and statement jewelry completed each look in harmony—nothing felt excessive, everything was coherent with the overall vision of the collection.
Dolores Cortés 2026 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid - September 2025
The use of gold was subtle but present throughout. Beaded tops caught the light delicately, and the long necklaces and earrings draped over the models like small cascading waterfalls, creating a strong visual impact without feeling artificial. The swimsuits, particularly those with front macramé braiding, showed how ancestral techniques can be reinterpreted with elegance and freshness.
Every look carried a sense of summer: long pants paired with tops, pleated halter dresses that moved effortlessly, and multicolor strapless dresses that looked hand-painted, with a confidence in color and design that was striking. The raffia hats, woven with golden threads, added a handcrafted, elegant touch, reminding you that each piece had a purpose beyond function.
Dolores Cortés 2026 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid - September 2025
What appeared on the runway was not just clothing—it was skill, creativity, and respect for tradition. The black fringe with sequins moved almost like living things, while the white pieces with tribal motifs carried a pure, ceremonial feeling. Every element told part of the story of the collection from start to finish.
When the show ended and the applause erupted, it was clear we had witnessed something meaningful: not just a tribute to Dolores Cortés, but an example of how Spanish craftsmanship can engage with global trends without losing its identity.
I left knowing I had experienced a moment that would stay with me this season. Dolores Cortés once again showed that passion for craft, combined with talent and vision, creates pieces that go beyond fashion—pieces that speak of permanence and values that don’t fade.
Kiki Khairy recently earned a master's degree in fashion styling & communication from IED Madrid, following his undergraduate degree in Public Relations & Communication from EU Business School Barcelona. Now working as a fashion editor, Khairy's career path reflects his dedication to the fashion industry. Born in London and with roots in Egypt, his diverse background enriches his perspective, contributing to his success in the dynamic world of fashion.
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