Latest news with #Tulipa
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
BBC News
23-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
The late Queen will be commemorated with a garden in Regents Park
Work is underway in Regents Park's on new garden to commemorate life of Queen Elizabeth II which is due to open this time next Royal Parks said the garden, described as biodiverse and climate-resilient, will be a space in central London for reflection and connection with the natural of the plant species will be native to Commonwealth countries, selected for both their beauty and their ability to thrive in a changing garden is in addition to the UK National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, which will be in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace. The late Queen became the patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1952, the year she acceded to the throne, and attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show regularly during her 70-year Regents Park commemorative garden, due to open in April 2026, the centenary of the late Queen's birth, is designed to transform a redundant brownfield site into a thriving green space rich in includes 2,000 sq m of wildflower meadows for invertebrates and more than 5,000 sq m of climate-resilient, pollinator-friendly two-acre site is four months into the 16-month build, and key features are emerging, which include newly laid has also begun on a circular pond, designed to enhance habitats for local than 200,000 bulbs and 40 trees have been ordered to create a colourful, nectar-rich garden. The garden will reference Queen Elizabeth II's life and service by using plants significant to the late monarch or with royal associations, such as the specially bred Narcissus "Diamond Jubilee" or Tulipa "Royal Celebration". It will also include her favourite plants like lily of the Royal Parks said recruitment was underway for a dedicated team of horticultural staff to look after the will join other renowned gardens in Regents Park, that includes Queen Mary's Gardens, home to London's largest collection of Pottage, head of horticulture and landscape strategy at The Royal Parks, said the garden would be "a space for reflection, biodiversity, and connection with the natural world".
