MODAPORTUGAL LINKS

MODAPORTUGAL LINKS is a crucial platform that connects emerging fashion designers with the Portuguese textile and clothing sectors, and it recently unfolded in the lively city of Porto. This year’s event highlighted the inventive spirit of 20 talented designers from six esteemed European fashion institutions, including Aalto University, Institut Français de la Mode, Polimoda, Modatex Porto, London College of Fashion, and HEAD Genève. The initiative seeks not only to showcase new talent but also to encourage collaboration within the industry, promoting the use of innovative materials and methods.

A central aspect of the event was the chance for designers to tour renowned Portuguese factories such as Calvelex, Polopiqué, and Riopele, alongside the Valérius Recycling Centre. These excursions provided invaluable insights into production practices in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Notably, Polopiqué manages extensive production for major retail brands, demonstrating the scale of modern textile manufacturing. A particular highlight was Calvelex’s fabrics4fashion program, which features the world’s largest fabric library, offering an impressive array of over 20,000 references and 7,500 ready-to-use fabrics without minimum order quantities. This innovative program proves especially advantageous for emerging designers attempting to establish themselves without the constraints of large commitments.

The Valérius 360 Recycling Centre made a notable impression with its dedication to implementing a circular fashion system. By repurposing fabric waste into new textiles, garments, and even cotton paper, Valérius showcases a practical and proactive approach to sustainability. The initiative emphasizes significant water and energy savings in their t-shirt production, reflecting the potential impact of environmentally conscious practices in the fashion industry. Following the factory visits, the competition segment allowed the young designers to showcase their collections to an international panel of judges.

This captivating event reached its culmination with a gala dinner held at the stunning Palácio da Bolsa, where the grand prize for Best Collection was awarded to Maxence Guenin from HEAD Genève. Other distinguished winners included Neża 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 not only serves to highlight emerging talent but also to establish meaningful connections between designers and manufacturers, thereby enhancing both the Portuguese and European fashion landscapes in a fiercely competitive global market. By facilitating networking opportunities and exposing young talent to industry practices, this initiative is set to empower a new wave of designers—many of whom might evolve into future patrons of Portugal’s thriving textile sector.

This initiative is part of the Lusitano Project, which is backed by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the Next Generation EU European Funds, reinforcing the commitment to foster new talent while promoting sustainable practices. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, MODAPORTUGAL LINKS remains a critical element in connecting creativity with industry, emphasizing the significance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in shaping fashion’s future.