Portuguese fashion is deeply rooted in a rich artisanal tradition, especially in the regions of Minho and Alentejo, where weaving, embroidery and lace-making are ancestral crafts. And good news : these techniques are still alive today !

Over the centuries, these skills have evolved, influenced by trade and cultural exchange, eventually giving rise to a modern, inventive and… brilliantly dynamic textile industry !

Since the 1990s, events such as ModaLisboa (the famous Lisbon Fashion Week) and Portugal Fashion have acted as true springboards for local designers. They have provided national, and more importantly, international exposure. These gatherings have literally propelled Portuguese fashion onto the global stage. And let’s be honest : what a national pride !

The Pioneers

It’s hard to talk about Portuguese fashion without mentioning the duo Alves/Gonçalves, a name that has become iconic. Not familiar with them yet ? Since 1987, they’ve been showcasing their collections at ModaLisboa and Portugal Fashion. Their signature: a style that blends tradition and modernity with ease. The result ? They’ve conquered Paris, New York, Barcelona, London, and even São Paulo.

But Alves/Gonçalves aren’t just about catwalks. The duo has also collaborated with theatre, film and dance. They’ve designed image projects and uniforms for several major Portuguese institutions and brands such as Galp, Hotéis Altis, Fundação Gulbenkian, Vodafone, TAP and TAAG.

Fun fact: in 2008, they even designed a stamp for CTT, the Portuguese postal service, a stylish nod to Portuguese culture and design.

© portuguesesou

The New Generation, Emerging on the International Scene

Marques’Almeida

Founded by Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, the brand made waves with its bold, deconstructed creations. Raw denim is their signature fabric, with sharp cuts, frayed edges and unapologetic rips.

From the start, denim became their creative playground. Their rise has been meteoric: London, Milan, Paris… the duo attracts celebrities and fashion journalists alike.

They even launched a magazine, See-Through, and a foundation supporting local craftsmanship. If that’s not altruism, what is?

And for the record: Beyoncé wore several pieces specially designed for her by the duo during her Cowboy Carter Tour (2025). Among them, a raw denim jacket with worn edges, handmade in their Porto studio. And between us, when Beyoncé chooses a Portuguese atelier, you know the world is finally looking in the right direction.

Ernest W. Baker

The brand Ernest W. Baker, led by Portuguese designer João Magalhães, has made its mark with minimalist, elegant and flawlessly executed collections.

Present at ModaLisboa, the brand quickly rose to prominence thanks to its participation in Portugal Fashion Experience. Its creations are now stocked in prestigious boutiques such as Galeries Lafayette and SSENSE.

In 2025, Ernest W. Baker presented its Spring-Summer 2026 collection in Paris, officially part of the Men’s Fashion Week calendar, a historic first for a Portuguese brand.

And as for celebrities? Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh both wore Ernest W. Baker pieces at the 2023 Grammys, a red bomber for him, black for her. Justin Bieber fell for a pair of leather-effect trousers, and Harry Styles, ever the eccentric, chose a pair of the brand’s leather gloves.

Estelita Mendonça

Based in Porto, designer Estelita Mendonça combines innovation with sustainability. Her world is decidedly contemporary, somewhere between menswear and unisex fashion.

A strong advocate for ethical fashion, she upholds values often highlighted at Portugal Fashion Experience.

Her collections have walked international runways including MQ Vienna, London Collections Showroom, Alta Roma and Pitti Uomo. Not bad, right ?

The Platforms of Support

Portugal Fashion, founded in 1995, has become a strategic platform for Portuguese fashion. In 2025, it was rebranded as Portugal Fashion Experience, with a stronger focus on innovation, sustainability and international partnerships.

As for ModaLisboa, it remains the cornerstone of Portuguese fashion : a space where young talent meets established houses, and where each show feels like a celebration of Lusitanian style.

Emerging Designers to Watch

Carlos Gil : known for his contemporary and elegant creations, he catches the eye of buyers and journalists at every edition of ModaLisboa.

Béhen : founded by Joana Duarte, this brand stands for ethical and sustainable fashion. Its collections, showcased at ModaLisboa, celebrate responsible production and traditional craftsmanship.

Mara Flora : a young designer discovered in 2018 through the Portugal Fashion contest, she embodies avant-garde, practical and daring fashion. Her collections have also been presented in Rome.

International Collaborations

Portuguese designers have also mastered the art of collaboration, teaming up with major names to shine beyond borders.

Carlos Santos Shoes & Met Gala (2025)
At the iconic Met Gala 2025, Carlos Santos Shoes hit the red carpet on the feet of Maluma and designer Willy Chavarria. The Saymon model (and its cousin Tyler) showcased Portuguese leather and artisanal craftsmanship in all their glory.

Bianca Saunders x Valuni
British designer Bianca Saunders collaborated with Valuni, a Portuguese footwear company supported by APICCAPS. Together, they created six styles entirely made in Portugal, unveiled at the Paris Fashion Week Homme SS25.

Everlane x Marques’Almeida
A standout collaboration: Marques’Almeida reimagined Everlane classics,  barrel-leg pants, alpaca sweaters, and more, through their oversized, asymmetrical and sustainable aesthetic.

Joana Vasconcelos & Dior
Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos partnered with Dior on several textile installations, including Miss Dior Valkyrie, a monumental piece displayed in boutiques and on the runway for the Autumn-Winter 2023-2024 show.

Production and Sustainability

Most Portuguese designers prioritize local production, often in ateliers based in Porto, Guimarães or Lisbon. This proximity ensures rigorous quality control, supports the local economy, and promotes more sustainable practices.

Many brands already incorporate recycled materials and waste-reduction initiatives into their production processes.

A Fashion Balancing Heritage and Modernity

Portuguese fashion is rich in history and craftsmanship, yet firmly forward-looking. A new generation of bold designers, supported by platforms like ModaLisboa and Portugal Fashion Experience, is redefining the rules, blending tradition, innovation and sustainability.

And one thing’s certain: Portugal has truly earned its place on the world fashion map.

JDA