On June 13th, Barcelona emerged as the global stage for a revolution in ethical fashion with the inaugural Barcelona Sustainable Fashion Day. More than just a runway, this cultural celebration became a manifesto, where regenerative creativity, sacred femininity, and aesthetic activism walked hand in hand.
The event marked the institutional launch of International Sustainability Day, now observed every 13th of the month, spearheaded by the Academy of Sustainable Art and Fashion under the visionary leadership of Ariana Onno. This initiative aspires to realign the creative axis of the fashion industry toward beauty with integrity.
Opening the day with eloquence and emotional depth was psychotherapist and global mentor Viola Edward, President of the Academy. Her keynote, “Dressing the Soul,” invited the audience to reconceive fashion not as a superficial expression but as spiritual alignment:
“Sustainability is not preached, it is practiced.
It is not imposed, it is inspired.
It is not spoken, it is worn. It is lived.”
Purpose-Driven Runways & Regenerative Luxury
Barcelona’s commitment to conscious luxury was reflected across each design, speech, and performance. Representing Monaco’s sustainable haute couture scene were two pioneering fashion houses, presented by Ana Martín-Tejeda, Director of L’Ambassade du Luxe:
Patrice Papa, known for dressing Princess Charlène of Monaco, showcased refined craftsmanship paired with regenerative ethics.
Legends Monaco, led by Sylvia Sermenghi, unveiled visionary pieces where glamour met circular design.
A standout moment electrified the venue through the evocative performance “The Dragon’s Awakening”, directed by Lucas Lanthunes in collaboration with Mambo Couture. This piece was inspired by Lady Dragon Tequila, a handcrafted spirit from Mexico created by women. Drawing from recycled agave waste, it transformed organic remnants into wearable art—celebrating creative sustainability while empowering regional female artisans.
Also featured on the runway:
Hobe, delivers a strikingly circular collection rooted in artisanal techniques, minimal waste, and cultural storytelling.
María Jesús Jofré, known for blending traditional Latin American crafts with contemporary ethics, presented regenerative fashion that transcended trend.
The runway cast embraced inclusivity, featuring models of various ages, sizes, and backgrounds—a reflection of conscious luxury’s human-centered values.
The Academy: From Concept to Cultural Catalyst
At the heart of this movement is the Academy of Sustainable Art and Fashion, positioned as an ethical and aesthetic authority for the industry’s future. Based in Spain with global influence, the Academy is more than an academic institution—it is a cultural lighthouse.
Its leadership includes:
- Viola Edward, President and voice of conscious leadership
- Ariana Onno, Vice President and regenerative fashion pioneer
- Ana Martín-Tejeda, Treasurer and luxury diplomacy strategist
- Javier Fernández, Secretary and expert in institutional aesthetic governance
Through programs such as the Sustainable Fashion Course, Textile Activism Certification, and international creative residencies, the Academy is cultivating a new lineage of designers and artisans rooted in purpose, justice, and beauty.
It also oversees:
- The Official Calendar of Sustainable Fashion and Art
- Certification of Sustainable Haute Couture
- A Global Observatory of Cultural Sustainability to combat greenwashing and preserve ethical transparency
A Global Invitation to Redesign the Future
The Academy extends a powerful invitation to brands, institutions, and creatives to co-create this transformation. From scholarships to curated exhibitions and knowledge capsules, the ecosystem is growing—and it needs voices, visions, and values aligned with authenticity.
Because, as the Academy reminds us:
“True luxury is not appearance, but coherence.
It is beauty with impact, aesthetics with soul.”
