MILAN — The primary Elie Saab bridal collection to be paraded on the runway headlined a robust edition of the five-day Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, which closed on April 23 within the Spanish city.

The brisk business within the bridal market and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions globally helped the fair return to pre-pandemic attendance, which totaled 21,500 visitors, up 15 percent in comparison with 2022 when the trade show staged its first physical fair in two years.

Organizer Fira de Barcelona said Asian buyers, notably absent last 12 months as reported, were back in force, with key retailers from China, Japan, South Korea and other countries within the Southeast Asia region among the many 1,500 buyers who browsed through the fair’s pavilions and attended the runway shows.

“This edition confirms the take-off of the worldwide bridal fashion market after the pandemic and its good prospects for growth, in addition to the positioning of Barcelona because the undisputed appointment to see trends and shut business deals attributable to the standard and internationality of the firms it brings together,” said show director Albasarí Caro.

In line with Market Research, the worldwide bridalwear market is poised to achieve $83.5 billion in 2030, posting a compound annual growth rate of 4 percent over the subsequent seven years.

Speaking with WWD on the time of her appointment last October, Caro made it clear that she was planning to forge ahead within the sign of continuity, while further fueling the fair’s international appeal and because the industry’s point of reference.

The Elie Saab show held as a part of the Bridal Night gala event at town’s Maritime Museum was inspired by the work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, an ukiyo-e painter and printmaker whose close-ups of blooming flowers and serene landscapes were echoed within the evanescent and intricately embroidered gowns the Lebanese house sent down the runway.

“Walking the runway in Barcelona for the primary time is a remarkable occasion for us just as presenting our collection ‘A way of wonder’ during Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week in an exclusive show is an actual pleasure,” said Elie Saab Jr., the corporate’s chief executive officer. Saab followed within the footsteps of guest designers Viktor & Rolf last 12 months.

The Elie Saab collection hinged on lightweight and kooky gowns that put an emphasis on the neckline and waist, a trend seen elsewhere on the five-day event. Floral embellishments done with sequins and pearls with an iridescent finish, in addition to feathery details, added to the contemporary romantic vibe that ran through the gathering.

Jesús Peiró, Sophie et Voilà, Isabel Sanchís, Yolancris and Rosa Clará were among the many 34 bridal specialists joining Saab in showcasing their spring 2024 collections on the catwalk across the five days.

A roster of international brands was also a part of the showcase, corresponding to Vietnamese label Joli Poli, Ukrainian brands Wona Concept and Eva Lendel, Canada’s Ines Di Santo, who made her Barcelona debut this 12 months, and Polish firm Agnieszka Swiatly.

Pronovias-owned Italian brand Nicole Milano embraced the neck- and waist-enhancing trend with a younger spin, parading gowns with high slits or plunging V-necks, oftentimes featuring voluminous ruffled skirts, as in a strapless minidress with a rebellious flair.

Overall, the trade show featured 350 exhibitors, two-thirds of which were international including Tony Ward, Zuhair Murad, Jenny Packham and Stéphane Rolland, which shared the showroom area on the fairgrounds with Ines Di Santo and Saab. Around 30 percent of the brands made their first appearance on the show this 12 months.

The fair also introduced the seminal edition of the Barcelona Bridal & Fashion Awards, bestowing prizes on one of the best bridal and occasionwear creations recognizing their design, quality and sustainability credentials.

The nine winners included Vivienne Westwood for one of the best wedding dress; Viktor & Rolf Mariage for best women’s bridal collection, and Carlo Pignatelli for best groom fashion. Professor Jimmy Choo OBE, who since 2015 has been the creative director of The Atelier Couture brand, was awarded with a lifetime achievement prize.

The following edition of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week can be held from April 17 to 21, 2024.