The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with Gran Canaria Swim Week, inviting two CFDA member designers, Alejandra Alonso Rojas and Cynthia Rowley, to showcase their upcoming swim and resort collections.
The global swimwear event will take place from October 2 to 5 on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain.
Gran Canaria Swim Week (GCSW) serves as an exclusive platform for swimwear, acting as a cultural exchange hub and offering American designers new distribution opportunities in European swim markets. A total of 36 brands are set to present their collections at the event.
Rojas and Rowley will participate as guests of Gran Canaria Swim Week by Moda Cálida and will not incur any fees for showcasing their designs.
Alejandra Alonso Rojas, originally from Madrid, drew inspiration for her recent Spring 2025 collection from the beauty and vibrancy of Andalusia. She was recently recognized by WWD during Hispanic Heritage Month as one of ten Latino designers shaping the fashion landscape.
Cynthia Rowley, a passionate surfer, began her career designing printed wetsuits for Quiksilver/Roxy after meeting the creative director while surfing. She later launched her own fashion line, where her suits retail for around $300.
“Gran Canaria Swim is an important international market for American designers to connect with buyers in an authentic way, set in a beautiful location,”
said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
“This aligns with CFDA’s mission to help members expand their business opportunities.”
He emphasized that the swimwear category is significant yet often underdeveloped, and this program aims to help American designers compete internationally while focusing on securing new distribution channels. Kolb expressed pride in partnering with Gran Canaria Swim Week and looks forward to future collaborations.
In addition to Rojas and Rowley, other brands showcasing at the event include Alexandra Miro, Aurelia Gil, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Elena Morales, Guess, and Melissa Odabash.
Promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria since 1996, Gran Canaria Swim Week has grown to reach over 373 million people. The event features fashion shows along with a selection of national and international brands presenting their swimwear and intimate collections. The last edition saw participation from 38 swimwear brands alongside international trade press and buyers, according to the show’s website.
