ModaLisboa: Where Heritage and Innovation Embrace
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.
The event offered an engaging mix of heritage, sustainability, and forward-thinking design. Which 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.
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. Which 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.
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. Which showcased how fashion intersects with digital art and new media technologies.
Next 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
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. Setting the stage for the next generation of sustainable design .
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
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.
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.
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Patrick Duffy is the founder of Global Fashion Exchange, a company catalyzing positive impact through strategic consulting roadmaps focusing on supply chain transparency, worker rights, responsible production for B2B as well as consumer facing programming and community building focusing on aligning people or communities with the SDGs.
Experience developing networks and activating ideas, guiding creative teams globally, and working with institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and UNESCO, and iconic spaces such as Federation Square Melbourne, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park in New York City, and The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Patrick has produced clothing swaps all over the world from, with GFX Active in over 100 countries. Each GFX event focuses on building community, education and transformational business models. Partnering with global brands, key stakeholders, and academia to help create awareness and positive impact through conscious consumption
Patrick harnesses the power of media to create positive social and environmental impact. Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, he raises awareness, inspires action, to catalyze change. By highlighting issues and solutions, Patrick creates strategic campaigns to engage audiences, influence attitudes and behaviors, and contribute to a more sustainable and just world. Additionally, Patrick is the Sustainability and Positive Impact Director of Paris based @IRKMagazine and Editor In Chief of @IRKLiving
Patrick has produced and co-curated events and marketing/PR campaigns for recognized brands across art, fashion, and tech spaces including @virginhotels @britishfashioncouncil @mspdid @moethennessy @microsoft @lagosfashionweekofficial @perutradenyc @fashionimpactfund @istitutomarangonidubai @peaceboatus @lisboafashionweek and more spanning 15 years and hundreds of events in 5 continents.
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