During Paris Fashion Week, emerging Portuguese designers had the incredible opportunity to showcase their talents at a special event organized by ModaLisboa and Portugal Fashion. These two renowned fashion platforms in Portugal curated the show to shine a spotlight on the Spring/Summer 2022 collections of these up-and-coming designers. Held on October 1 at the prestigious Galerie Joseph venue in Paris’s Marais district, the event attracted a diverse audience of international industry professionals.
The show featured three exceptional emerging designers, each with their own distinct vision and style. Constança Entrudo, a designer who honed her skills at Central Saint Martins and worked for acclaimed labels like Balmain and Peter Pilotto, presented a collection that beautifully showcased her innovative approach. Drawing inspiration from elements of patchwork and upcycled garments, Entrudo skillfully wove together a theatrical dialogue between 1960s European and Brazilian poetry. The models gracefully moved across a stunning 3D stage installation, adorned in open-work dresses featuring asymmetric cuts and flowing fabrics, reminiscent of delicate fishing nets. The overall effect was an enchanting and organic atmosphere that captivated the audience.
Ricardo Andrez, known for his talent in breathing new life into fabric off-cuts, unveiled a contemporary collection that revolved around technology and body temperature-sensitive fabrics. His collection seamlessly complemented Constança Entrudo’s work, with flowing quilted sets made from denim in various washes. The cohesive color palette and lightweight layers of open-necked cotton shirts, draped dresses, and oversized jackets and coats added a modern and effortlessly stylish touch to the overall presentation.
Supported by the Portugal Fashion platform, Maria Carlos Baptista brought forth a collection titled ‘Matria,’ which emphasized the power of women. Diving into darker tones and incorporating Goth elements, her collection featured standout pieces like a long turtleneck dress in black lace and a bold bare-back dress with bright, sunny colors in the lower section. Baptista’s eclectic collection was a testament to her love for mixed textures and sustainable practices, reflecting her commitment to recycling and unique craftsmanship.
This special event acted as a prelude to the highly anticipated Lisbon Fashion Week, which is scheduled to take place from October 7-17. This will be the first physical format event since the onset of the pandemic, making it an even more significant and exciting occasion. The program for Lisbon Fashion Week includes an impressive lineup of 21 captivating catwalk shows featuring 34 designers, including the talented Constança Entrudo and Ricardo Andrez, alongside other esteemed Portuguese fashion names like Luis Buchinho, Luis Carvalho, and Gonçalo Peixoto.
In addition, Portugal Fashion is diligently finalizing the details for its event in Porto, which is set to take place from October 12-16. This event promises to be an extraordinary showcase of labels and designers such as Luis Onofre, Pé de Chumbo, David Catalan, Ernest W. Baker, and Marques Almeida. The diverse range of talent on display across these events truly solidifies Portugal’s position as a rising force within the global fashion industry.
These showcases of emerging Portuguese talent, both in Paris and at home, serve as resounding evidence of the ever-growing influence and creativity of the country’s fashion industry. Portuguese designers are making a significant impact on the international fashion stage, thanks to their exceptional blend of innovative designs, sustainable practices, and unique perspectives. Their remarkable contributions are propelling Portugal into the forefront of the global fashion scene.
Useful links:
1. ModaLisboa
2. Portugal Fashion
