ModaLisboa, also known as Lisbon’s fashion week, has once again garnered attention for its celebration of Portuguese design. As the event marked its 60th edition, ModaLisboa cemented its dedication to promoting Portuguese fashion on a global scale. Portugal, with its renowned textile industry and manufacturing capabilities, has been actively working to leverage its manufacturing prowess to propel local designers into international recognition, and ModaLisboa plays a significant role in accomplishing this mission.
In collaboration with the Lisbon City Council, ModaLisboa’s latest edition featured a wide array of events. These included conferences, the Sangue Novo platform honoring emerging talents, and a total of 23 fashion shows and presentations. The innovative and industrial venue, Lisboa Social Mitra, served as the backdrop for these events. Carlos Moedas, president of the Lisbon City Council, emphasized the importance of ModaLisboa in shaping the industry and establishing Lisbon as a prominent platform for showcasing Portuguese fashion.
The president of the ModaLisboa Association, Eduarda Abbondanza, highlighted the chosen theme for this season, ‘Core.’ She explained that while the theme focuses on the essence of Portuguese fashion, it does not restrict creative possibilities or impede response to contemporary change. According to Abbondanza, reclaiming the voice of Portuguese designers is crucial in today’s dystopian world.
ModaLisboa sets itself apart from other European fashion weeks by offering a more relaxed and experimental environment. It serves as a breeding ground for contemporary Portuguese brands to flourish. Béhen, a sustainable brand that promotes upcycling, presented a mature co-ed collection that seamlessly blended traditional techniques with innovative approaches. Constança Entrudo, who earned recognition at Paris Fashion Week, collaborated with illustrator Ema Gaspar for a performance-format collection featuring her signature deconstructed and frayed knitwear in pastel colors.
Esteemed local designer Luís Carvalho showcased his signature tailoring for both men and women, while emerging menswear designer Filipe Augusto explored notions of masculinity in his collection. Buzina and Arndes also presented their distinctive styles, with Buzina opting for voluptuous looks and dresses and Arndes showcasing minimalist and sober designs.
The significance of ModaLisboa was further underscored by the inclusion of established brand Salsa Jeans in the event. Salsa Jeans took advantage of the fashion week to unveil its new Fall/Winter 2023 collection, celebrating its denim DNA with feminine designs tailored to different body types. Portuguese footwear also played a prominent role, complementing the clothing offerings at ModaLisboa. The collective show, titled ‘Portuguese Soul,’ showcased the creations of Portuguese footwear brands, emphasizing the event’s business aspect. The Portuguese footwear sector reached an all-time high in international trade the previous year, underscoring its importance within the fashion industry.
In conclusion, ModaLisboa remains committed to shining the spotlight on Portuguese fashion design, serving as a platform for promoting local talent. With its relaxed and experimental approach, ModaLisboa not only supports emerging designers but also provides a platform for established designers to showcase their unique styles. This event plays a vital role in establishing Lisbon as a hub for Portuguese fashion and elevating Portuguese design to international recognition.
Useful links:
– ModaLisboa Official Website
– Portuguese Government Official Website
