With its blend of Atlantic charm and innovative design, Gran Canaria Swim Week has established itself as Europe's leading platform for swimwear. From 2026, the event will be moved from October to June to better align with the international swimwear calendar and increase its commercial and media presence. The close collaboration between Gran Canaria Swim Week and the Fashion Council Germany fosters a valuable exchange between the two markets. A conversation with Minerva Alonso Santana, Minister of Industry, Trade and Crafts of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, reveals that Gran Canaria Swim Week is far more than just a fashion event: it is an expression of identity, craftsmanship, and international networking.

How has the event evolved over the years?

Minerva Alonso Santana: The development is essentially based on two pillars: professionalization and internationalization.

Regarding professionalization, we now apply objective participation criteria that consider not only the creativity but also the business structure of each brand. We ensure the presence of trade media, buyer areas, and showrooms—all of which has made our Swimwear Fashion Week a highly professional event.

In the area of internationalization, we work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, which has expertise in helping companies expand internationally. We have made great strides—not only by opening our platform to brands and media worldwide, but also by building relationships with major European fashion organizations. These partnerships allow us to present the event at international fashion fairs and fashion weeks, such as those in Berlin, Maredamare, and Milan, as well as Copenhagen Fashion Week. These steps have been crucial in establishing our Swimwear Fashion Week on a global scale.

What challenges does organizing a Fashion Week on an island specializing in swimwear entail?

Minerva Alonso Santana: One of our biggest challenges is consolidating our position as Europe's leading swimwear fashion week. We are the only European territory—an Atlantic island—that specializes in swimwear and is home to numerous small and micro-enterprises producing handcrafted, high-quality garments. Our task is to strengthen this identity while raising global awareness, without compromising our professional standards. This is crucial.

What criteria must designers meet to present their work at GCSW?

Minerva Alonso Santana: First, participating brands must be legally established companies and meet the requirements listed in the call for proposals. There are two types of calls for proposals—one for emerging brands, where we are more flexible and adapt to the realities of new businesses, and one for established brands, which must have an existing business structure, a registered trademark, an online store, a website, a collection, and a code of ethics. They must also commit to sustainable practices and to diversity and inclusion within the company. These are some of the key criteria we consider when selecting participants.

How can German brands participate in GCSW?

Minerva Alonso Santana: International participation depends significantly on the relationships we build with European fashion organizations. Our collaboration with the Fashion Council Germany, for example, provides an important channel to connect Gran Canaria Swim Week—through the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida program of the Gran Canaria Island Council—with German swimwear brands that meet the requirements to participate in our event.

How do you support emerging designers?

Minerva Alonso Santana: Our focus is primarily on educational institutions—vocational schools and university fashion programs. We offer not only training tailored to the needs identified by instructors, but also additional learning opportunities for students. We award scholarships that allow students to gain professional experience within the Gran Canaria Moda Cálida workshops. Furthermore, there is space for emerging brands that meet the participation requirements at every local event as well as at the international Swimwear Fashion Week.

How do you see the role of fashion in shaping the cultural identity of the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria?

Minerva Alonso Santana: It's fundamental. Swimwear fashion and this Fashion Week represent who we are as people and as an island. Our designers' collections express our identity—they are closely linked to our landscapes and the multicultural essence of the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria. These influences are clearly reflected in the creations of our local designers and creators.

What is your vision for the growth and long-term impact of GCSW?

Minerva Alonso Santana: It's crucial to evaluate our communication strategy every year—to reflect on the message we're sending, the underlying concept, and our target audience. This continuous reflection has driven significant changes in our Fashion Week. We must always pay close attention to communication, as it conveys the message we send from Gran Canaria—a message of diversity, inclusion, multiculturalism, and identity, expressed through swimwear.

We want Europe to look to Gran Canaria—to its beauty, landscapes, culture, and swimwear industry—and to perceive the island as a hub of specialization and potential. Communication is crucial in this endeavor, as is ensuring that visiting buyers and media carry this message forward after each issue.

Gran Canaria, as an island, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and marine pollution. What measures are you taking to make GCSW more environmentally friendly? Are there specific sustainability requirements for participating brands?

Minerva Alonso Santana: For several years, the Gran Canaria Island Council has been developing an "Eco-Island" project that integrates sustainability into all areas of administration. Within Gran Canaria Moda Cálida , we strive to minimize waste during Swimwear Fashion Week itself.

Furthermore, our call for proposals includes sustainability commitments: brands must implement environmentally friendly waste management practices, control inventory responsibly, and use recyclable materials in packaging and fabrics (e.g., recycled Lycra). These sustainability efforts are also assessed by the Island Council when awarding grants to fashion companies—projects that demonstrate strong environmental responsibility are rewarded.