Hours of preparation, split-second decisions, and an invisible machine:
This is how backstage works at BBFW26
When the music that marks the start of the show calendar begins and the first model steps onto the runway, surrounded by spotlights and flashes, everything seems to flow naturally. But behind those few minutes in which a creative team presents its proposal, there is another reality: a complex mechanism working in the shadows, requiring hours of preparation, split-second decisions, and hundreds of professionals from different fields working in unison to ensure every look is flawless. At Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, the runway begins long before the lights turn on.
We step backstage to discover what happens behind the scenes.
The essentials: a solid internal structure
Nothing is left to chance. This principle best summarizes backstage work. Sara Cortés, head of casting coordination and runway production at Estudio Cortés, explains it clearly: “Preparation is key so that in the 10, 15, or 20 minutes a show lasts, everything runs perfectly.”
Her team coordinates international castings, model line-ups, schedules, music, video, fittings, and communication between technical areas. A complex system that starts long before the event week.
Improvisation, she insists, must be kept to a minimum. And when something goes off plan, the only option is to react quickly and stay calm under pressure.
Xabier Rodrigues: “Metallic textures add a touch of luxury and empowerment.”
Months of work condensed into minutes
For brands, backstage is the final filter before presenting a collection they have worked on for months. Each dress is checked one last time, fitted to the model, and reviewed to ensure all elements work together.
The hands behind every look
Beyond the spotlight, there is another silent choreography. Needles, steamers, zippers, last-minute adjustments… dressmakers, pattern makers, and ironing specialists are essential to this invisible machinery.
Final touches
Makeup and hairstyling complete the visual narrative of each show. The process starts with moodboards and inspiration images, which are then translated into real, executable looks.
On the runway everything appears natural, but backstage, nothing happens by chance.
Sara Cortés: “Preparation is key so that in the 10, 15, or 20 minutes a show lasts, everything runs perfectly.”
Isabel Sanchís: The biggest challenge is making everything turn out exactly as we envisioned to move the audience with the collection.”
