More than 100 students from European universities participated in the 14th edition of this initiative, which was incorporated for the first time into the European university alliance ACE²-EU

The Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) held the 14th edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Museo del Traje in Madrid, an academic and creative initiative of the School of Communication that brings together fashion, contemporary creation, research, culture, and internationalization.

This year’s event took place as part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Mythology of Wine: Fashion, Cultural Heritage, and Artistic Creation,” which is part of the European university alliance ACE²-EU. Thanks to this programme, the fashion show featured, for the first time, the joint participation of students from UFV and students from other European universities, fostering an enriching connection between different university cultures.

The project, linked to UFV’s Bachelor’s Degrees in Design and Fine Arts, has brought together more than 100 students from various fields of creation, design, and communication, who have worked collaboratively on a shared goal: to explore the relationship between mythology, wine, fashion, and cultural heritage from an artistic, interdisciplinary, and international perspective.

PasarelaEmerge26-14 UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

An international academic program for communication degrees

Pasarela Emerge is distinguished by its ability to integrate university education, applied creativity, international collaboration, and connections with cultural institutions and industry stakeholders. In this 14th edition, UFV students have worked alongside students from Goce Delcev University in North Macedonia; the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém in Portugal; the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in Germany; and the Medical University of Gdańsk in Poland at a meeting point between the legacy of textile tradition and the modernity of the creative and industrial sectors—the mission of the Costume Museum of Madrid.

Dr. Pablo López Raso, director of the Design and Fine Arts programs Fine Arts UFV, explains the international scope of the initiative: “The project, born out of a collaborative effort between faculty and students from the Emerge student society, is a testament to how culture serves as the universal language that unites Europeans.”

Casilda García, a student in the Design and Fine Arts UFV, also highlights the educational value of this international experience: “Collaborating with students from other cultures and countries broadens your horizons.”

The participation of European universities in this edition reinforces the role of the School of Communication at UFV as a space for creation, experimentation, and interdisciplinary dialogue, where students tackle real-world challenges related to culture, fashion, heritage, and new visual narratives.

PasarelaEmerge26-6 UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

An event that brings together tradition, heritage, and new narratives

This edition is based on a premise that brings together history, art, and economics: wine as a symbol of identity, territory, and ritual in the Mediterranean imagination. According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine’s (OIV) report “State of the World Wine Sector 2025,” the European Union accounts for approximately 60% of global wine production, placing this thematic focus within a cultural and economic context of particular relevance to Europe.

Building on this idea, the students have developed creative proposals that connect the winemaking tradition with fashion, artistic creation, visual experimentation, and new narratives, including augmented reality. The activity has made it possible to approach heritage not as a static element, but as a source of inspiration for contemporary creation and cultural innovation.

Maribel Castro, a professor at UFV and curator of Pasarela Emerge, emphasized the value of this initiative as a tool for knowledge transfer: “There has been a rich collaborative effort that clearly demonstrates that fashion is an art form that integrates various disciplines.”

PasarelaEmerge26-4 UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

Emerge's integration into ACE²-EU strengthens its European dimension

The inclusion of Pasarela Emerge in the ACE²-EU partnership marks a new step forward in the internationalization and positioning of the UFV within the European university networks promoted by the European Commission.

ACE²-EU, the Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial, and Engaged European University, brings together European universities with the aim of promoting academic mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of projects addressing major societal challenges. The alliance is dedicated to preparing students, faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to tackle challenges such as the digital transition, sustainability, and social transformation.

Sonia Sánchez, associate dean for Internationalization at the UFV School of Communication, highlights the educational value of this European experience: “The ACE²-EU Alliance gives students the opportunity to meet other students from very different cultural and national backgrounds. In this way, they can learn best practices and new methodologies and work together to build a higher education environment based on values and collaboration.”

This European dimension makes Pasarela Emerge an international learning experience in which students not only present their creations, but also collaborate, research, engage in dialogue, and develop proposals with students from different universities and disciplines.

PasarelaEmerge26-9 UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

Strategic links between academia, culture, and industry

The 14th edition of Pasarela Emerge also featured the participation of two strategic partners that have strengthened the connection between academia, culture, and industry: Bodegas Valduero and the Madrid Costume Museum.

Bodegas Valduero, one of the pioneering and historic wineries of the Ribera del Duero, has participated in this edition as a leading representative of Spain’s wine heritage. Beatriz Mansilla, from the winery’s Marketing Department, explains why they got involved in the initiative: “It’s very important to support these young people who have been working on their creations for months. We want to provide a little support to boost the visibility of their work.”

The Pasarela Emerge event held at the Museum of Costume has also highlighted the project’s cultural and heritage aspects. Under the Ministry of Culture, the museum is dedicated to fashion and clothing and houses collections related to the history of dress, material culture, and textile design.

PasarelaEmerge26-2 UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

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UFV is hosting a new international edition of Pasarela Emerge at the Costume Museum

More than 100 students from European universities participated in the 14th edition of this initiative, which was incorporated for the first time into the European university alliance ACE²-EU

An international academic program for communication degrees

An event that brings together tradition, heritage, and new narratives

Emerge's integration into ACE²-EU strengthens its European dimension

Strategic links between academia, culture, and industry

You may be interested

More than 100 students from European universities participated in the 14th edition of this initiative, which was incorporated for the first time into the European university alliance ACE²-EU

An international academic program for communication degrees

An event that brings together tradition, heritage, and new narratives

Emerge's integration into ACE²-EU strengthens its European dimension

Strategic links between academia, culture, and industry

You may be interested