According to a report by the Spanish Association of Fashion Designers, Spanish fashion designer brands experienced an 8% growth in sales in 2021. This positive recovery is a promising sign for the industry, which has been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite this growth, the figures are still 21% lower than those recorded in 2019, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced by the sector.
The report, titled ‘El diseño de moda español en cifras’, not only highlights the challenges but also showcases the progress made in certain indicators. One positive development is the increase in employment within the sector, with a 7.2% rise in direct jobs in 2021 compared to the previous year. This brings the total number of workers employed in the sector to 6,517, reaching pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, there was an 8.3% increase in the production of garments and accessories, totaling around 13.1 million. However, this figure is still 25% lower than the peak in 2019.
In terms of distribution, there was a small increase of 1.1% in the number of points-of-sale for designer brands. This suggests that despite the challenges faced, there is still growth and demand for Spanish fashion.
The role of e-commerce cannot be overstated, especially during the pandemic. In 2021, online sales experienced a remarkable growth of 55.8%, reaching €120 million. This represents the highest growth recorded since 2015 and a significant 137.2% increase compared to 2019. Clearly, digital channels have become increasingly important for the fashion industry, particularly during difficult times.
Internationally, Spanish designer labels have enjoyed success. Sales abroad increased by 30.9% in 2021 and already contribute 40.6% to the sector’s total business. This demonstrates the global appeal and demand for Spanish designer fashion.
Looking ahead, the report identifies key trends in the sector. Partnerships and collaborations are seen as important drivers of growth, especially in the wake of two years of pandemic disruptions. Internationalization is also a significant trend as designer labels seek to expand their reach and tap into new markets.
Modesto Lomba, president of ACME, emphasizes the resilience of Spanish designer fashion firms and the importance of making strategic decisions in order to recover and rebuild. Factors such as responsibility, localization of production, skilled labor, and quality are highlighted as crucial components for a successful recovery.
Pepa Bueno, executive director of ACME, acknowledges the growing demand for Spanish designer fashion abroad and the opportunities that internationalization presents for the sector.
The Spanish Association of Fashion Designers (ACME) is a non-profit organization established in 1998 by renowned designers. Currently, it consists of 84 fashion designers from all over Spain and acts as a representative for the Spanish fashion design sector. ACME works to defend the interests of fashion designers, enhance their competitiveness, and engage with institutions and entities at both national and international levels.
While the Spanish fashion designer brands have faced significant challenges, the data from the report showcases the progress made and the potential for recovery. As the industry continues to adapt to the changing landscape, partnerships, collaborations, and international expansion will play vital roles in driving growth and success.
Useful links:
1. Spanish Association of Fashion Designers Official Website
2. ACME Reports
