The 84th edition of Intermoda, held from January 20–23, 2026, in Guadalajara, reaffirmed why it remains Latin America’s leading fashion business platform. This year’s event strengthened strategic alliances, elevated social‑impact initiatives, and delivered a robust program designed to expand knowledge, spark creativity, and open new commercial opportunities across the entire value chain. From the opening day, the organization emphasized that fashion thrives on knowledge, bringing global experts to the IM Talks and Mindset stages to explore trends, business innovation, technology, and sustainability. Visitors also navigated twelve specialized pavilions and a curated red‑carpet route that seamlessly connected commercial offerings with spaces for learning, inspiration, and meaningful networking.
A Poetic Opening by Iván Ávalos
Intermoda 84 opened with Iván Ávalos and his collection *Claudio Vol. I is a deeply emotional exploration of memory, resilience, and personal legacy. With sculptural silhouettes and tactile textures, Ávalos set a reflective tone for the week, reminding the audience that fashion in Latin America is as much about storytelling as it is about business.
Programming for a Changing Industry
Intermoda’s programming leaned into the conversations shaping the future of fashion, weaving together trend forecasting with insights into 2027 consumer behavior, reflections on how cultural spaces are becoming new fashion platforms that bridge architecture, art, and retail, and discussions on sustainability as a strategic advantage for conscious brands. The schedule also included sensory‑driven creative experiences and a spotlight on emerging talent through curated runways in collaboration with Elle Mexico. The result was an energetic, collaborative atmosphere where ideas moved as freely as the collections on the runway.
Color, Creativity, and AI: Insights from Ada Jolly
One of the most anticipated talks came from Ada Jolly, Head of Iberoamérica at Future Snoops, who presented Activating Color AW 26/27 and Creation in the Age of AI. She emphasized that color is a language that reflects emotional, social, and technological shifts. The palettes for AW 26/27 move across energetic yellows and vibrant accents that respond to a collective need for vitality; calm, tech‑infused ranges of greys, whites, and softened cool tones that evoke a non‑intimidating, human‑centered AI; earthy neutrals tied to sustainability and responsible processes; and intense pops designed for sports and children's wear, where visual energy is essential.
Jolly also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process. “Creativity is born from the human being; AI only amplifies what already exists,” she stated, underscoring that technology should enhance, not replace, intuition. She explained that many brands “look too much alike” because they repeat formulas that once worked instead of developing original ideas. For her, authenticity remains the most powerful differentiator in a saturated market.
Trend Zone: A Living Laboratory of Consumer Insight
On the second floor of Expo Guadalajara, Trend Zone operated as a living laboratory of trends. As coordinator Elena Alonso explained, the curation was divided into three segments that together offer a precise reading of consumer behavior: 60% dedicated to temporal product with durable, natural, craft‑driven pieces raw textiles, crochet, raffia, 3D florals, and coastal‑bohemian aesthetics; 30% focused on seasonal fashion with vibrant colors, lace, openwork, joyful graphics, and a modern‑country spirit infused with retro references; and 10% oriented toward future vision, featuring intelligent and biodegradable materials, modular silhouettes, and a subtle futurism centered on functionality and clean design. Footwear trends highlighted woven ballerinas, sneakerinas, a hybrid between sneaker and ballerina, and heels with innovative structural forms.
Fashion with Purpose: “Una Pincelada por la Vida”.
Beyond business and trends, Intermoda 84 also gave space to fashion with a deeply human dimension. One of the most meaningful initiatives was “Una Pincelada por la Vida,” a project led by the brand Haute à Porter that brought together 100 women who survived cancer to design and create their own garments using zero‑waste techniques and recycled materials. Over several months, participants explored color, texture, and silhouette as tools for self‑expression and emotional healing. Their pieces were later showcased and sold at Intermoda, turning the runway into a platform for empowerment, visibility, and social impact. It was a reminder that creativity can also be a form of recovery and that fashion, at its best, connects aesthetics with purpose.
Abel López Closes the Edition with Epipelágica
The closing runway belonged to Abel López, who presented Epipelágica, a collection inspired by the ocean’s upper layers. Deep blues, greens, and moss tones shaped a narrative of fluidity and strength, expressed through the architectural femininity that defines his work. Organic textures evoked corals and aquatic surfaces, complemented by footwear from Dione, a Mexican heritage brand known for its craftsmanship and refined leatherwork. López’s presence at Intermoda builds on a trajectory that includes Mercedes‑Benz Fashion Week Mexico and international showcases such as Panamá Fashion Week, reinforcing his position as one of the region’s most polished voices in contemporary luxury.
A Region in Motion
Intermoda 84 captured the momentum of a region redefining its creative and commercial identity. With a strengthened program, meaningful collaborations, and designers who balance innovation with cultural depth, the event continues to shape the future of Latin American fashion one idea, one collection, and one conversation at a time.
