It's been a while since the last time we were in Porto for Portugal Fashion. The last editions were remarkable and showcased a wide variety of talents and proposals, clearly demonstrating why Porto, despite not being the capital of Portugal, could become a fashion capital in the region. After skipping some seasons for various reasons, the event is celebrating its 30th anniversary by coming back, a gift for the audience, for the creators and designers, and for the city that is always blooming with creativity. The added word "Experience" is the key to describing what we lived during the first week of July: different locations, some of the best local talents, a growing interest in international expansion, and the Portuguese industry showcasing what they are made of.
When it comes to countries having more than one fashion week, there's always a tendency to compare. The parameters are usually not only how strong proposals are or how well-made the calendar is but also how fun or entertaining the event is in general; sometimes the glam and fun of it all blurs the meaningful purpose of events that are meant to highlight and become a boost for the local industry, the producers, and the designers. Portugal Fashion has always had a big focus on putting the spotlight on the most pure and raw side of the industry, which they excel at and are well known for, with Porto being a key city in the garment production ecosystem.
Taking this goal of sharing with the world their local talents and strengths and blending it with interesting experiences around the city where the attendees are able to discover a new side to it, Portugal Fashion aims to make a comeback to the calendars by opening the doors once again with this spring/summer 2025 season with fashion shows and showrooms from some of the most important Portuguese brands, like Ernest W. Baker, or initiatives like the Bloom Incubator Program or the BLOOM PWD by Salsa Jeans Contest that are all meant to highlight, support, and give visibility to the local and young industry of a country that has much to offer.
Ernest W. Baker





During the first days of the fashion week, the beauty of the breathtaking scenery of the Douro served as the backdrop for the showcase of Marques Almeida's latest collection. A representative duo of Portuguese fashion that has reached high levels of international recognition presents a collection where the florals and the colour palette blend seamlessly with the vineyards that played as a runway, with casual but elevated silhouettes that are wearable but at the same time distinctive.
Marques Almeida






Meanwhile, the Spanish David Catalán, a name we always expect to see in the Porto calendar, shared his collection Careto, where the exploration of duality, whether in materials, colours, or concept, is ever present. The streetwear silhouettes have a hint of formality and vice versa; the shades are vibrant but elegant, and the materials are raw and rough but also delicate and refined. Presenting at Milan Fashion Week or having showrooms in Paris, it's clear the Portuguese-educated designer is en route to something great.
David Catalán






Hugo Costa brought the darkness to the sunny Porto with L U T O, a collection that, in his own words, explores pain, healing, and personal transformation. This notion was translated in the form of a sombre yet contrasting colour palette thanks to the different fabrics and textures used in each garment and look; some technical or leathery materials spoke about protection, while sheer fabrics or light knits gave a soft, vulnerable turning point. The layering, the oversized shapes, and the inclusion of pieces like crop tops or kimono-looking outerwear signify a different take on menswear.
Hugo Costa






The Brazilian designer Davii remains loyal to the futuristic silhouettes enhanced by equally forward-looking materials we saw some years ago, this time under the name of Moon Safari. Evoking a balance and at the same time a contrast between the natural and the artificial, the shapes of the patterns are human-looking, but the execution makes them seem like artificial parts of an android of some sort; they look sturdy and angular but at the same time are flowy and soft.
Davii






Different initiatives included during the same fashion week enhanced their determination to not only reach international audiences and creators but also the tight commercial relationships that might become a bridge between cultures that in the end result in a profitable collaboration for both parties. The Canex Platform, focused on highlighting African designers and being an opening door for them to the European markets, is still one of the most prevalent parts in the calendar, with shows from brands like Ola Relay, Naked Ape, and Haus of Stone, while a new partnership with Saudi Arabia has also been announced, one that promises to bring a new market to the country while also resulting in the exchange of creative codes and inspiration.
Ola Relay






Naked Ape






With a firm mindset and strategy to become the main fashion event in Portugal, the never-ending talent of their local creators, and an organisation truly passionate about the craft, we can't wait to see how the Portugal Fashion story evolves and reaches new highs.