MODAPORTUGAL LINKS BRIDGING CREATIVITY + FASHION INDUSTRY

MODAPORTUGAL LINKS, a vital platform designed to bridge the gap between emerging fashion designers and the Portuguese textile and clothing industries, recently took place in the vibrant city of Porto. This year’s event showcased the creativity and innovation of 20 promising designers hailing from six prestigious European fashion schools, including Aalto University, Institut Français de la Mode, Polimoda, Modatex Porto, London College of Fashion, and HEAD Genève. The initiative aims not only to highlight fresh talent but also to foster collaboration within the industry, thereby promoting the adoption of innovative materials and techniques.

A standout feature of the event was the opportunity for designers to visit renowned Portuguese factories such as Calvelex, Polopiqué, and Riopele, as well as the Valérius Recycling Centre. These tours provided valuable insights into the production practices of an industry that is increasingly prioritizing sustainability and environmental awareness.

 

 

Following the factory tours, the competition component allowed the young designers to present their collections to an international jury. The event garnered significant attention, culminating in a gala dinner at the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa, where Maxence Guenin from HEAD Genève was awarded the grand prize for Best Collection. Other celebrated winners included Neža Simčič from Aalto University, Carla Mignano from Institut Français de la Mode, Ian McDonald from Polimoda, Maria Nunes from Modatex Porto, and Eden Sherry from the London College of Fashion.

 

 

MODAPORTUGAL LINKS serves not just to showcase talent but also to cultivate meaningful relationships between designers and manufacturers, thereby enhancing both Portuguese and European fashion industries in an increasingly competitive global market. By providing networking opportunities and exposure to industry practices, this initiative is poised to empower a new generation of designers—many of whom may become future clients of Portugal’s flourishing textile industry.

 

 

This initiative is part of the Lusitano Project, supported by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the Next Generation EU European Funds, reinforcing the commitment to nurture brand-new talents while fostering sustainable practices. As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, MODAPORTUGAL LINKS stands out as a vital contributor to both the creative and productive sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in shaping the future of fashion.

 

 

Read more about MODAPORTUGAL here.

Runway photography by Preton Ubranko
Backstage photography by Luís Miguel Fonseca
Factory photography by Dulce Daniel