In October, Lisbon unfolded the 63rd edition of its iconic ModaLisboa fashion week, titled Singular, proving once again that the city is not only a backdrop but a vibrant participant in the fashion narrative.
Photography © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera | Portuguese Soul
The event offered an engaging mix of heritage, sustainability, and forward-thinking design that resonated across its storied venues—Pátio da Galé, MUDE – Museu do Design, and the SNBA. Over four packed days, Lisbon celebrated fashion as an art form, cultural expression, and statement of sustainability.
Photography © ModaLisboa | Photo: João Padinha | LAB
Designers Who Stole the Spotlight - ModaLisboa Singular was a testament to Lisbon’s dual nature: historical yet contemporary. Luís Carvalho’s Round & Around SS25 epitomized this balance with his collection that featured sophisticated, flowing silhouettes and meticulous tailoring, capturing the essence of renewal and cyclical beauty. Joana Duarte’s BÉHEN presented deeply personal pieces, incorporating delicate Portuguese embroidery inspired by her grandmother’s wartime letters. Each stitch was imbued with sentiment, blending memory with modern fashion. Carlos Gil’s DREAM collection added a touch of fantasy, showcasing silks and tropical motifs that were playful and captivating, as if inviting the audience to dream alongside him.
Luís Carvalho’s Round & Around SS25
Joana Duarte’s BÉHEN
Photography © ModaLisboa | Ugo Camera, Photos 1-6: Carlos Gil, Photos 7-9: Ricardo Andrez
A City That Breathes Fashion: Lisbon’s cobblestone streets echoed with the sound of heels and conversations as ModaLisboa Singular extended beyond the runways. The FAST Talks at MUDE explored fashion’s technological evolution, posing questions about how digital innovations could steer the industry towards a sustainable future. Meanwhile, the WORKSTATION NEW MEDIA exhibition at SNBA drew attendees into an immersive experience that showcased how fashion intersects with digital art and new media technologies.
Photography © ModaLisboa | Gonçalo Vilardebó
Attendees, whether industry veterans or newcomers, found themselves part of an intellectual and sensory journey. The Green Circle project and beat by beat initiatives demonstrated ModaLisboa’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, illustrating how sustainability is not just a trend but a cornerstone for future-focused fashion. These showcases featured groundbreaking practices in circular economy models and responsible textile production, reminding the fashion community that design should be as kind to the earth as it is compelling to the eye
Photography © ModaLisboa | Ugo Camera
Rising Stars and the Cultural Pulse - The SANGUE NOVO competition further infused the week with energy, spotlighting ten up-and-coming designers whose works were as daring as they were thoughtful. This competition isn’t just a platform; it’s a launchpad that reinforces ModaLisboa’s role in fostering creative innovation and setting the stage for the next generation of sustainable design.
Photography © ModaLisboa | Luís Miguel Fonseca, Photos 1-3: Backstage, Photos 4-6: Duarte Jorge, Photos 7-9: Toque Amargo
Elsewhere, the pop-up store at Locke Santa Joana allowed attendees to shop ethically crafted clothing and accessories that reflected Lisbon’s design ethos—authentic, local, and meticulously made. This initiative, alongside the lively Social Lounge at Pátio da Galé, exemplified how ModaLisboa isn’t just about watching fashion—it’s about living it
Photography © ModaLisboa | Luís Miguel Fonseca, Photos 1-3: Francisca Nabinho, Photos 4-6: Ihanny Luquessa, Photos 7-9: Void
Heritage, Sustainability, and Future Ambitions - Every aspect of ModaLisboa Singular emphasized a harmonious balance between honoring the past and exploring the future. Whether through the historical references in Duarte’s work or the innovative strides in sustainable fashion shown in the Green Circle, Lisbon underscored its commitment to being a city where fashion isn’t just worn, but experienced and remembered.
Photography © ModaLisboa | Photo: João Padinha | LAB
As the final show concluded and guests lingered in Lisbon’s twilight, there was a palpable sense that this fashion week had not only showcased collections but posed meaningful questions: What does it mean to create with integrity? How can fashion evolve without compromising its soul? ModaLisboa answered these with an embrace of the singular, proving that in a world moving at breakneck speed, Lisbon stands as a beacon of thoughtful, transformative fashion.
