Connecting Creativity and Industry: An In-Depth Look at MODAPORTUGAL LINKS
MODAPORTUGAL LINKS, a significant platform aimed at bridging emerging fashion designers with the Portuguese textile and clothing industries, recently took center stage in the dynamic city of Porto.
This year, the event spotlighted the innovative work of 20 talented designers from six prominent European fashion institutions, including Aalto University, Institut Français de la Mode, Polimoda, Modatex Porto, London College of Fashion, and HEAD Genève. The initiative is dedicated not just to showcasing fresh talent but also to fostering collaboration within the fashion industry, encouraging the integration of new materials and techniques in design.
A hallmark of the event was the opportunity for designers to tour esteemed Portuguese factories such as Calvelex, Polopiqué, Riopele, and the Valérius Recycling Centre. These factory visits are instrumental in offering participants valuable insights into modern production practices, especially within an industry that is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Observations from the tours indicated a notable shift in focus toward environmentally conscious operations, with many factories implementing solar energy solutions and other green technologies. This reflects a positive evolution since the last factory visits six years ago, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices that resonate throughout the industry.
One of the most compelling elements of the event was Calvelex’s fabrics4fashion initiative, renowned as the largest fabric library in the world. This program features an extensive collection of over 20,000 fabric references, allowing emerging designers access to high-quality materials without the burden of minimum order quantities. Such accessibility is particularly beneficial for new talent looking to establish themselves in the competitive fashion landscape, providing them with essential resources to bring their creative visions to life.
The Valérius 360 Recycling Centre also made a significant impression during the event, exemplifying a commitment to a circular fashion economy. By transforming fabric scraps and waste into new textiles and garments—as well as cotton paper—the Valérius Centre demonstrates a practical approach to sustainability. Their production practices highlight the potential for significant water and energy savings, showcasing the real-world impact of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Following the insightful factory tours, the competition segment provided a platform for designers to present their collections to an international jury. The event culminated in a grand gala dinner at the stunning Palácio da Bolsa, where the awards were presented. Maxence Guenin from HEAD Genève emerged as the standout winner, taking home the grand prize for Best Collection. Other talented designers recognized that evening 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 London College of Fashion.
Overall, MODAPORTUGAL LINKS serves a dual purpose: it not only highlights the capabilities of emerging fashion designers but also strengthens the connections between these creatives and established manufacturers. This collaborative approach enhances both the Portuguese and broader European fashion landscapes, particularly in an era where global market demands continue to rise.
Supported by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the Next Generation EU Funds, the MODAPORTUGAL LINKS initiative emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the fashion industry. As the sector undergoes constant transformation, this platform stands out as a vital contributor to the future of fashion, empowering the next generation of designers while fostering a more sustainable and interconnected industry. In doing so, it not only nurtures new talent but also contributes to the longevity and resilience of Portugal’s textile industry in an increasingly competitive global market.
Read more about MODAPORTUGAL here.
Runway photography by Preton Ubranko
Backstage photography by Luís Miguel Fonseca
Factory photography by Dulce Daniel
KREEP. 