Modtissimo 39th

Hi everyone!


Today I went to a fashion or textiles fair! It's called Modtissimo and it's an important part of the fashion industry here in the North of Portugal.


Did you ever wonder how and why were designer collections so much alike, therefore setting patterns and trends, that are then publicized by magazines, advertisements and us bloggers? Well, this is why! Every year, the Trend Forecasting companies study behavioral patterns in different cities and countries, enquiry about favorite pieces and fabrics and learn about new movements and trend-setters. Then they try to separate color palettes and themes. Finally, they reveal their findings and the fashion industry starts working according to this: fabrics are weaved, accessories put together and knits knitted. And only about 2 months afterwards do the creators of the final fashion garments have access to these.
There is the mystery revealed for those who aren't part of the industry: fashion designers come up with collections centered in the same colors and materials because they choose from what has previously been set has a trend. And so we can say that the trends are born long before they hit the catwalks... 


Some of you, especially those living in the North of Portugal, might have heard of Modtissimo. But for those who haven't, here's a description from their site:

About Modtissimo 

Created in 1992, the MODTISSIMO Trade Show started out by being a restricted exhibition of foreign fabrics. It was held, at that time, at the Hotel Solverde, in Espinho. MODTISSIMO was created by Selectiva Moda, composed by the Federation Française de la Maille and APIM (Portuguese Association of the Knitwear and Garment Making Industries) and its number of exhibitors has been growing year after year since its first exhibition. From the third edition the trade show moved to Exponor, in Matosinhos (Oporto), and took its first big step by accepting the participation of Portuguese exhibitors. Another big mark in the brief history of this trade show was a partnership agreement with APT (Portuguese Association of Textiles and Garments) and ANIL (National Association of the Wool Industry) from its seventh edition. It was an evolutionary leap and MODTISSIMO became the only fabrics and accessories trade show in Portugal, for it boasted the majority of national manufacturers, and from the 12th edition united Portuguese garment makers. From its 15th edition the Federation Française de la Maille gave up its position in favour of APT and APIM (since 2003 joined in the new association ATP), now associates in the Association Selectiva Moda, which organizesMODTISSIMO, and maintaining its strategic partnership with ANIL. The 27th edition of MODTISSIMO (March 2006) is a turning point in the history of the only existing Exhibition of Fabrics and Accessories, Portuguese Garment Makers, Textiles for Tomorrow and Portuguese Tanneries, as it moves to the heart of Porto. MODTISSIMO take place in the Edifício da Alfândega do Porto, completely renewing its image and concept. So, now that you know all you need to know, let's see some pictures! My favorite color palette with some gorgeous materials! My favorite print (Ink Jet print) from Metro Creativo  El Suso was the only not portuguese brand represented to impress me! I had never noticed their work before and really liked it Another beautiful, very clean print, from El Suso Beautiful knit body from El Suso Dress detail from a portuguese fashion student The dress Dress from Katy Xiomara, one of my favorite portuguese fashion designers Another beautiful piece from Katy's Collection Evening gown by Miguel Vieira Detail of the dress I liked the construction of the jacket, it was very nicely done too. From a portuguese fashion student Me in front of the Customs Building I'm a bit ill at the moment with a sore throat and didn't get much sleep last night, therefore avoided any close-ups and this is the only photo of me outside, since I didn't want to get cold. Sorry about it, but I'll be sure to show you this and other work appropriate outfits! I hope you liked this post, I very much enjoyed this edition of Modtissimo! In my next post I'll showing you the merchandising  products that Selectiva Moda was selling in this edition of Modtissimo and a part of the room organized by Citeve, about Textiles of The Future.

Busy, busy, busy!

For those who haven't read it yet, I'm designing my first collection, for the brand Queens, and it is a lot more work and a lot less glamourous than you might think!

This week I've been terribly busy and haven't dedicated much time to the blog, for which I apologize. Some of the paper models are done, and yesterday and today I've been cutting the pieces and buying the accessories. My fingers are sore from the heavy fabric scissors and I just want to rest a little now =)

Monday was my father's birthday and we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Shis. This beautiful restaurant set by the seaside serves amazing food and we had an amazing time!

I can't find a decent photo of the restaurant, so if you want to check it out, click here.

Next time I go there I'll try to take some nice photos of the space and atmosphere.

The restaurant serves sushi and author food by the chef António Vieira.

Sushi Mix for one

Pork tenderloin with alheira and watercress puree

Filet with Foie-gras and truffle 

Tiger Shrimp risotto

Tart Tatin

Chocolate Glacé with strawberry and raspberry sorbet

Caramel Fondant with Red Berries

I have to go now, going over my boyfriend's for his sister's anniversary!

Vila do Conde

Hat_Parfois | Sunglasses_ Ray Ban | Coat_Vintage | Bag_Guess

Today I went to Vila do Conde, second time this week, since that's where I spent Valentine's. But this time, I went for lunch in my favorite part of this beautiful city, the historical riverside. The weather was so great that I didn't resist going somewhere where I could calmly enjoy the sun.

The photo above was taken by my boyfriend on the 15th, in the morning, when we went for a walk by the seaside!

The ship below is a reconstruction of what a vessel from the 1500's would have looked like.

This city has so much to offer, beginning with grilled fresh fish that would make anyone hungry at the thought of it (if you've had grilled fish by the shore in Portugal, you know what I'm talking about), to historical building, traditional craftsman working with their doors open and a relaxed way of life!

All of this adds up to the people who really know Vila do Conde, not wanting to leave, and the proof is that while having lunch and taking a walk I over-heard 5 different languages! Even I was amazed!

If you are visiting Portugal, the best way to get here is either by car or via the Porto subway.

Hope you like it!

Valentine's over...

How was your Valentine's day?

Even though it isn't a huge celebration here in Portugal, everyone adds a special something to this day to make it a memorable day!

Me and my boyfriend have been together for almost 3 years now (seems like such a long time, and at the same time, it feels like yesterday was our first date!). This year was the first time we had the possibility to spend it as we would like it

Since I now have my drivers license and my father lets me drive his Land Rover (which is not exactly the easiest car to drive, or park, for what that's worth) we took off to Vila do Conde, a town near the sea that we both really like! A good friend let us have the apartment, we arrived in the afternoon and went out for dinner in the evening! It really was a perfect day, even though I was terribly busy in the morning and barely had time to lunch.

I hope you had a lovely day, whether you spent it with your sweet heart or friends!

Guimarães and yesterday's outfit

Have you heard about Guimarães? No? Well, you did now.

Guimarães is the European Capital of Culture 2012, which means it is the perfect year to visit it because the city itself is looking tidier than ever and there are lots of events taking place every week.

Today I went to Guimarães because it is not only the birth place of Portugal, but also the birth place of Queens, the brand I am designing for! When designing for an existing brand one must take into consideration its history, and since the brand has had this store I am showing you bellow for a very long time, I thought it made only sense to share it with you before presenting the actual things I have created so far!

So I made a quick detour in between meetings and visits to jeans and shirt makers, had lunch in the city and photographed the shop! This is the last time you'll be able to see it like this, since it is going to close in the next days and for about a month for a major renovation... The shop is already quite beautiful, especially in its architecture, but I promise, the results are going to amaze you!

Center of Guimarães, you can read on the wall 'Portugal was born here'

Detail of the ceiling, skylight

Left wall of the shop, hanging there are old Logos and publicity of the brand Queens

Basement downstairs the shop, which is going to be rehabilitated

Skylight from the basement to the ground level, directly above is the other skylight

I'm also sharing with you these photos that my boyfriend took me yesterday, wearing this black blouse. I really like this blouse not only because it is lovely but also because the fabric has a little stretch, which allows me to move freely and carelessly, comfortable all day long!

Blouses are one of my favorite pieces, in fact, at least a third of my wardrobe is occupied by shirts and blouses, which I used to think I could wear more often, and now I actually do because I'm working!

Blouse - Self-made last year, Cardigan - Guess f11

Follow me if you want to keep up to date with this great adventure I'm having designing my first fashion collection!

Porto

This is the city I live in (more accurately, I live in the outskirts of this city) and I think it is such a beautiful city!

As I told you, I have been very busy, and therefore I didn't have the time to prepare something special for you this week. But since I go to the centre of Porto at least twice a week, today I decided to take my camera and take a few photos to share with you!

I can now share with you one of the projects I have been working at: free tourism routes of the city of Porto, which will be available for download in the internet. It is still going to take some time, it is a project between friends, one of us is creating the website, the others collaborating with photos, historical content and the creative part!

Today I'm just showing you some details of Avenida dos Aliados, or simply Aliados.

Hope you liked it and find some time to come visit!

Get creative!

Hi everyone!

I've been super busy lately and I will keep up the pace for the next week, at least, which is why I haven't been paying you much attention (sorry for the comments i haven't answered, I will get to it!).

That said, I have been doing something quite exciting, that I will share with you the moment I feel at liberty to =)

For now, I would like to share this amazing video about Tom Ford, I found it quite inspiring, hope you do too!