Latest news with #ModaLisboa
Time Out
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Benedita Formosinho arrives at Relógio, in Cascais, with a timeless collection
It's a family affair. The brand carries the name of the daughter, but the mother has been involved from the very beginning – long before Benedita Formosinho even dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. 'One day, I walked into her room, which was like a proper studio, and said, 'Let's turn your talent into a business'', recalls Perpétua Formosinho, seven years on from opening their first store-studio in Setúbal and making their debut at ModaLisboa's Sangue Novo. We're at the launch of the brand's third space, which joins the original Setúbal location and their spot at Embaixada in Príncipe Real, Lisbon. Now based in Cascais, in the former Paços do Concelho building, the new store at Relógio – Slow Retail boasts 65 square metres, two entrances, neighbours like HLC Jewellery and Saints at Sea, large windows letting in plenty of sunshine, a cosy sofa, and plenty of room to explore the collections at your own pace. 'We weren't actively looking, but when the opportunity came up, it just made perfect sense. The atmosphere, the location, the space, all that light, the proximity to the sea…' lists Benedita. 'I need calm spaces and contact with nature. In Setúbal, where I'm from, I find all of that – and here too'. On the hangers, garments in natural tones shine, with cuts that blend different textures and materials. On the walls, the brand's mottos are displayed – 'What we do matters' and 'Our waste isn't waste' – alongside framed moodboards explaining the creative and production process. 'People need to be informed to make conscious choices', says Perpétua. 'We don't want to be just a space where people find pieces to buy. By sharing the story of how we make things, what materials we use, the durability, the colour, the design, we're providing important information'. Sustainability and circularity are taken very seriously here, in contrast to fleeting trends or constantly rotating collections (some pieces carry over from one collection to the next). Waste is transformed into new yarn – which is sold by the skein (€5.50) or used to create new pieces, like the Tulipa jumper (€145) and the Luna blouse (€179). 'This was a project of great resilience and dedication. We really believed in it, but it was tough convincing a Portuguese factory to accommodate the waste of a micro-business. We kept pushing, never gave up', continues Perpétua, the more practical half of the duo. The use of Portuguese raw materials and a deep connection to heritage are other core values – and they led to the brand's big new addition: unisex shoes made with Alentejo wool blankets. 'My mum and family are from Alentejo, and we want to reconnect with our roots. When we visited the blanket factory in Reguengos de Monsaraz, where they still use traditional 20th-century looms, it was truly inspiring – we were amazed. We started with coats [Selenite, €456], but we really wanted to introduce shoes', explains Benedita. Currently available in a single design, they come in sizes 36 to 44 and cost €176. The latest collection, Terra, blends the fresh feel of linen and hemp with soft, breathable organic cotton. Alongside the natural tones, terracotta brown adds warmth to the colour palette. Key pieces include the Amarílis blouse (€110), featuring burel netting, the Hibísco top (€110), and the Buganvília dress (€142) – both with gathered straps, horizontal pleats, and delicate buttons down the back. Another new development is the expanded size range, now from 32 to 44. After all, Benedita Formosinho is a family affair, and the pieces are designed for all ages. Praça 5 de Outubro, 75, Cascais. Mon-Sun 10.30-13.00 and 14.00-19.30
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
ModaLisboa and PVH Foundation empower young talent with full fashion scholarship
With a mission to champion inclusion and elevate emerging talent, ModaLisboa —backed by the PVH Foundation—has wrapped the second edition of its 'Tomorrow' program. This year's standout moment: the awarding of a €15,000 scholarship to Celízia Tavares, a young woman of Cape Verdean descent, who will pursue an 18-month fashion course of her choice at Modatex Porto. The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and meals, providing Tavares with the opportunity to pursue advanced training and make a meaningful contribution to the Portuguese fashion scene. 'In 2025, the 'Tomorrow' program once again mobilized the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto,' ModaLisboa stated in a press release. The initiative included outreach activities in secondary schools, engaging 500 classes through workshops designed to challenge industry stereotypes and foster diversity. From this outreach, 10 young participants were selected through a rigorous process that emphasized talent and diversity. They were invited to Lisbon for a five-day immersive residency, where they participated in intensive, multidisciplinary training led by industry professionals known for innovative and socially conscious work. The program concluded with the awarding of the 'Amanhã' scholarship (Portuguese for 'Tomorrow') to Tavares. ModaLisboa described the award as a way to 'enable continued specialization with potential impact on the national market.' For Tavares, the opportunity is deeply personal. 'The scholarship will have a big impact on everything I stand for—and everything my parents stand for,' she said. 'I want to study fashion design and bring Cape Verde's lost culture into everyday life. There's a lot of culture that young people are forgetting. I want to reflect that richness in fashion and show the world what Cape Verde has to offer.'
Fashion Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Lisbon fashion week ModaLisboa launches new Sangue Novo designer competition
As part of its ongoing commitment to creative innovation, ModaLisboa —the organization behind Lisbon Fashion Week—has opened applications for the 2026 edition of Sangue Novo, its platform for emerging Portuguese fashion designers. Submissions are being accepted through July 17, with full competition details available online. The 2026 edition introduces a newly appointed jury and updated prize structure that reflects the shifting priorities of the global fashion landscape. ModaLisboa emphasized that the competition remains rooted in its core mission: to champion innovation, nurture emerging talent and drive responsible production within the Portuguese fashion industry. 'Sangue Novo has always been a platform for creative freedom and critical thinking,' the organization said. 'It is built to empower a new generation of designers with the vision and courage to reshape the industry and challenge conventional models.' The program follows a development-led structure, combining expert mentorship with textile partnerships to support each finalist in advancing their collection. As in previous editions, Calvelex / Fabrics4Fashion, RDD Textiles and Riopele are supplying sustainable materials, reinforcing the initiative's commitment to responsible production. ModaLisboa emphasized that a core objective of Sangue Novo is to strengthen ties between emerging designers and a more agile, technology-driven textile and apparel sector. The competition maintains its annual format, with two major prizes to be awarded in March 2026. These awards will highlight international education, craftsmanship innovation, brand development and ethical manufacturing. Open to recent graduates from higher education and vocational fashion programs—as well as young designers building their own labels in Portugal—Sangue Novo encourages technical excellence, distinct creative identity and authentic storytelling. ModaLisboa concluded, 'This platform remains committed to giving new voices the space to grow, evolve and shape the future of fashion in Portugal and beyond.'
