MODALISBOA BASE SS26: A Celebration of Fashion’s Foundations at Lisbon's Fashion Week

The highly anticipated fashion event, MODALISBOA, returned to Lisbon this October, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for creativity, talent, and innovation. As Portugal's largest fashion gathering, this 65th edition invited a diverse audience—from designers and artists to entrepreneurs and spectators—to immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere that characterizes the Portuguese capital. Positioned as a platform for both established and emerging talent, MODALISBOA epitomized Lisbon’s spirit as a city of endless opportunities, where creativity flourishes and the unimaginable becomes attainable.

In the years following previous editions, MODALISBOA has emerged even stronger this time around, establishing itself as a constructive real platform that offers invaluable opportunities to a new generation of creatives. This edition showcased a deep blend of art and fashion, highlighted by the unique presentation venues that enhance the overall experience. A highlight of this year’s event was a stronger collaboration with MUDE(Museum of Design and Fashion), which served as a focal point for a wide array of events as part of its partnerships with the Lisbon Architecture Triennale and MODALISBOA. From October 1st to 5th, MUDE hosted various programs that reflect a rich engagement between fashion and other artistic disciplines. The MUDE is very important as location and creative core because MUDE Collection is boasting 15,000 documentary inventory entries and 20,000 museum inventory entries across 23 collections and six typological design nuclei—including Scene, Editorial, Graphic, Fashion, Contemporary Jewelry, and Product—provides an invaluable context that enriches the fashion conversations taking place during MODALISBOA.

In addition to MUDE, the stunning Palacete Gomes Freire added historical depth to the event. Built in 1878, this ornate palace, with its roots in the legacy of the Portuguese Crown, sets a captivating backdrop for fashion presentations. With the initials of its original owner, Francisco Maria Ceraque, engraved on its main entrance door, the palace has a storied history that complements the innovative spirit of MODALISBOA. In its early years, the first floor of the house housed the Chamber Court, illustrating the building’s transition from a private residence to a site of public interest until the late 1960s. Hosting events in such venues is a testament to MODALISBOA's commitment to connecting fashion with cultural heritage.

At its heart, this year's theme, “BASE,” urged participants to explore the fundamental principles of fashion, prompting us to consider the materials and ideas that constitute its essence rather than merely focusing on surface-level aesthetics. This conceptual approach is refreshing and relevant, as it resonates beyond the confines of the fashion industry, inviting reflections on deeper societal, political, and economic structures. By encouraging a dialogue centered on foundational elements, MODALISBOA positions itself as a vital contributor to ongoing discussions about the evolution of fashion in a rapidly changing and challenging world.

The event’s structure further enhances its impact, intertwining fashion shows with thematic debates, workshops, talks and exhibitions. This interdisciplinary networking allows for the convergence of various knowledge areas, techniques, and experiences, facilitating the emergence of innovative concepts and languages within the fashion sphere. By bringing together established names and emerging designers, MODALISBOA fostered an environment ripe for collaboration and creative exploration, encouraging fresh narratives and ideas to flourish. Crucially, MODALISBOA extended its reach beyond traditional venues, making fashion accessible to both locals and visitors. From exhibitions at MUDE to vibrant programming along Avenida da Liberdade, the entire city resonated with the themes and energy of this significant event. Such accessibility not only benefits fashion aficionados but also engages a wider community, stimulating interest and participation in the art and business of fashion.

This edition of MODALISBOA challenged participants not to seek easy answers or prescriptive formulas. Instead, it recognized fashion as a collective endeavor—with contributions from professionals, local communities, and curious onlookers alike. The event underscored the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of creativity, sustainability, technology, and artisanal heritage. By celebrating this blend, MODALISBOA exemplifies the potential for growth and innovation rooted in collaboration.The event also introduced a new level of strategic expansion in partnership with the Municipality of Lisboa and the Portugal Events program from Turismo de Portugal. These collaborations signal a commitment to enhancing the fashion ecosystem, reflecting a deeper understanding of the significance of social and economic impact in a climate of transition. By coupling creativity with practicality, MODALISBOA aims to stimulate local designers’ businesses within an increasingly globalized context.

Join us in celebrating MODALISBOA, where the boundaries of fashion and society blur, reminding us that the future is constructed from our shared narratives and collaborative visions. We look forward to discovering the transformative power of fashion and honoring the designers that inspire us throughout this remarkable event.

IED – Istituto Europeo di Design made an impact, presenting a collaborative showcase that featured multiple emerging designers, emphasizing innovation and the future of fashion education. REPEAT THE ACTION was the fashion show on 30 September 2025 at the Italian Embassy in Lisbon, celebrating a new partnership between the festival and IED.

On the runway: selected looks by 13 designers from the IED Network — Carlotta Gadda; Haiqi Zhou; Daniele Dargenio; Simone Smeriglio; Denise Vecchi; Anna Serra; Arianna Pejrani; Roberto Niutta; Natalia Arroyas; Miguel Conde Garcia-Mochales; Michel Mahfoud; Eloi Sacristan; Ainhize Ganzabal Santiago. The show explored repetition as a tool for transformation, bridging education and industry. Each piece serves as a statement about identity, culture, and the importance of dialogue in our ever-evolving society.

With the support of SEASIDE, the SANGUE NOVO initiative showcased a remarkable lineup of emerging talents who explored innovative ways through their collections. Among the exciting designers featured was Adja Baio, a fashion designer born and raised in Guinea-Bissau, who moved to Portugal seven years ago. Adja’s collection, PANO DE PINTI, beautifully reflects her personal and cultural identity, with hair as a central element of self-expression. By fusing Guinean cultural references with streetwear and maximalism, Adja celebrates identity through shapes and textures.

Ariana Orrico, born in Lisbon with Cape Verdean roots, has developed a passion for the arts from an early age. Currently completing a Master’s in Fashion Design, her 75 collection confronts gender norms in menswear, utilizing fabrics like leather and denim to liberate the male body from visual neutrality. Her designs encourage self-exploration while promoting sustainability through the use of textile waste.

Eva do Cruzeiro Seixas, trained at Escola de Moda do Porto and Modatex – Porto, delves into the intimate concept of HOME with her collection A CASA MORREU. Her work intertwines the physical, emotional, and philosophical aspects of home, embodying themes of memory and belonging through textile experimentation and critical narrative.

Élio Ramos, through his project ELIO, challenges societal norms around masculinity with his collection LUBE. Using raw and recycled materials, he reveals vulnerability in the male body, encouraging a discourse around identity and exposure that has often remained hidden.

Inês Almeida, currently completing her Master's degree in Fashion Design at ESART, presents SETTING UP THE TENT. This collection serves as an aesthetic and political reflection on disinformation and emotional distance in society. Inspired by those experiencing homelessness, Inês employs discarded materials to provoke critical thought about contemporary societal issues.

Mafalda Simões presents her DAYDREAM collection, a poetic exploration of the transition from childhood to adolescence, showcasing meticulous artisanal processes focused on yarn manipulation. Each piece celebrates the resilient and imaginative spirit of youth, connecting fantasy and reality in a dreamlike quality.

Xavier Silva, under the brand Usual Suspect 1of1, presents ÚLTIMO EMPREGADO (The Last Worker), which draws on experiences and the history of hard, undervalued work. Utilizing family uniforms and repurposing emotional "battle scars," he transforms into unique fashion statements that highlight resilience and authenticity.

In the WORKSTATION segment, Çal Pfungst showcases his collection HEALING BLUSH, embodying "carewear" that creates emotional connections through clothing, evoking narratives that engage the body in a sensory experience.

Constança Entrudo, a notable designer, presents a collection reflecting the intersection of textile research and humor. Her collaboration with Humana critiques fast fashion while promoting sustainability, emphasizing the transformative potential of secondhand garments.

ALVES/GONCALVES, known for their conceptual approach and distinctive designs, showcase their latest collection that reflects on modern relationships and identity. Their work blends avant-garde aesthetics with a narrative that prompts reflection on contemporary society.

Valentim Quaresma combines fashion and art as a designer renowned for his jewelry and accessories. His work showcases the fusion of distinct artistry with fashion, offering pieces that go beyond mere decoration.

Olga Noronha, a visual artist and researcher, bridges art and science with her Medically Prescribed Jewellery® concept. Her innovative practice fosters a connection between technology and aesthetics, reimagining the human body through sculptural objects.

Luís Carvalho’s collection UNION serves as a tactile manifesto exploring love, connection, and the invisible threads uniting humanity. Utilizing over 80% deadstock and recycled fibers, he champions sustainable practices while crafting pieces that resonate with complexity and care.

Bárbara Atanásio embraces the concept of memory through her ANARCHY OF INNOCENCE collection, while Ana Margarida Feijão’s FREEDOM IS A WOMEN’S NAME intertwines personal and historical narratives of Portuguese women, crafting garments that embody the struggles and triumphs rooted in the past.

The Mestre Studio brand was founded in 2023 and presented its first collection at Sangue Novo, ModaLisboa’s Young Designers Competition, immediately establishing its nostalgic vein and the importance of memories in shaping its identity. Diogo Mestre, the brand’s director and Designer, primarily focuses on knitwear and the deconstruction of traditional techniques and aims to craft narratives that deeply immerse his audience in his universe.

Sara Maia’s work, NOTHING HAPPENED. AND YET, EVERYTHING CHANGED, explores the evolution of self amidst silence and transformation, showcasing contrasts between rigidity and fluidity in her designs

Joana Duarte, founder of the BÉHEN brand, showcases her collection LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT, which features unique pieces crafted from antique materials and found treasures. This collection reflects the skill of craftsmanship and the dialogue between memory and contemporary forms.

Ana Margarida Feijão, presenting FREEDOM IS A WOMEN’S NAME, intertwining personal and historical narratives of Portuguese women, crafting garments that embody struggles and triumphs.

Lidija Kolovrat, with her brand KOLOVRAT, deeply integrates her commitment to sustainability with a focus on spirituality and intuition in fashion. Her artistic approach speaks to the connection between clothing and individuality.

Ana Duarte, founder of DUARTEHAJIME, redefines urban streetwear through unique prints and sustainable practices, focusing on creating garments that reflect an active lifestyle and a commitment to a better world.

Red Eye World is proud to highlight the collections that resonate with us the most. The creativity displayed at MODALISBOA not only showcases innovative fashion but also serves as a vital platform for cultural conversations and societal reflections. A movement that invites us to explore the foundational elements of the fashion industry. MODALISBOA challenges us to reflect on our values, ambitions, and collective responsibility as we build upon our bases for the future. This edition was a transformative experience, paving the way for real possibilities in the evolution of fashion, community, and creativity.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MODALISBOA team, Audi Portugal, and the Palácio do Governador Hotel for creating a magical atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Thanks to their support and vision, we could feel and celebrate the creativity in Lisbon with huge excitement.

RED•EYE WORLD