The school behind Spain’s most promising design voices shines at the Spanish Fashion Academy Awards

The future of Spanish fashion is taking shape inside the classrooms of the Istituto Europeo di Design. This became clear during the second edition of the Spanish Fashion Academy Awards (Premios Academia de la Moda Española), an event organized by the Spanish Fashion Academy Foundation (FAME) in collaboration with RTVE, which honors the most outstanding national talent. Designers trained within this international education network stood out with their remarkable presence.

Of the 13 awards presented at the gala, IED alumni earned eleven nominations across seven categories. Among the winners was Jaime Álvarez (Mans), a graduate of IED Madrid, further underscoring the school's excellence in design education. Another notable figure was Juan Vidal, a faculty member and creative director at IED Barcelona, who also received an award. In the Emerging Talent category, four of the five finalists had ties to IED: Luis de Javier (IED Barcelona), Luis Berrendero, Tíscar Espadas, and Jaime Álvarez (Mans), with Álvarez ultimately winning the award.

A graduate of IED Madrid’s Fashion Design program in 2017, Jaime Álvarez founded his ready-to-wear label Mans that same year. With Mans, he reimagines artisanal tailoring by blending classic craftsmanship with avant-garde aesthetics, sleek silhouettes, and textile innovation.

In recent years, Mans has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Best Emerging Design Award from the Generalitat de Catalunya for three consecutive editions of 080 Barcelona Fashion Week, the Vogue Who’s on Next Award (2020), and the L’Oréal Award for Best Collection in both September 2023 and February 2024. He was also a finalist in last year’s edition of the Spanish Fashion Academy Awards.

Mans was additionally nominated this year in the Best Collection category, highlighting the consistent quality and creativity of Álvarez’s work.

In the Best Presentation: New Formats category, the award went to Juan Vidal for his 2024 bridal capsule collection, an ephemeral showcase presented in February at his studio in Madrid. The creative director and faculty member at IED Barcelona was recognized for his presentation of 20 looks, which fused traditional, elaborate designs with more minimalist and contemporary styles. This latest accolade cements Juan Vidal’s standing as a leading figure in Spanish fashion, celebrated for his innovation, elegance, and distinct creative identity that continues to captivate both audiences and critics alike.

In the same category, Tíscar Espadas (IED Madrid) was a finalist with her project “Chapter VI. Madrid is Fashion. September 2024”, alongside Ernesto Naranjo (also IED Madrid) with “Collection 013.” These entries underscored IED’s commitment to narrative-rich and experimental fashion approaches—hallmarks of its creative training.

The brand Sepiia, founded by IED graduate Federico Sainz de Robles, received nominations in two categories: Best Business Project and Sustainability and Innovation. The brand’s concept integrates responsibility with contemporary design, exemplifying IED’s educational model, one that is holistic, current, and socially engaged.

A creative community that leaves its mark

The strong presence of IED Madrid and IED Barcelona at this year’s awards is no coincidence. It reflects an educational philosophy rooted in experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world industry engagement. In a rapidly evolving sector, IED’s academic approach cultivates creative professionals equipped to meet both today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges in fashion.

This ongoing impact was evident in the news that Luis de Javier was selected, just hours before the ceremony, as the new jury member for the popular TV talent show Maestros de la Costura Celebrity, replacing Palomo Spain. His selection further reinforces the relevance and visibility of IED-trained designers in shaping the national fashion scene.

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