ModaLisboa’s platform for emerging Designers returns stronger than ever, with a renewed structure that empowers and celebrates the consistency of new voices in Portuguese fashion.

In a time of systemic transformation, and with a new generation deserving of recognition, this intentional shift goes beyond talent scouting: it is essential to create the conditions for their visions to thrive. WORKSTATION, the multidisciplinary platform of the Associação ModaLisboa, is committed to nurturing creativity and experimentation, promoting new methodologies and innovative fashion presentation formats. With a history of embracing divergent approaches in photography, illustration and new media, WORKSTATION now reconfigures its Fashion Design area, reinforcing its dedication to the development of new talent and offering structured support at a crucial stage in Designers’ growth.

Thus emerges WORKSTATION DESIGN supported by Jean Louis David, making its debut during the 65th Lisboa Fashion Week, and featuring ARNDES, Bárbara Atanásio, Çal Pfungst, Francisca Nabinho, Gabriel Silva Barros and Mestre Studio. This strategic project unfolds across two essential fronts: on one hand, all Designers participating in the platform will be provided with a presentation space, full event production, casting, support teams, and hair styling by a specialised Jean Louis David’s team. Beyond this operational support, Jean Louis David will also award a Capacity-Building Prize to three Designers from WORKSTATION DESIGN supported by Jean Louis David, worth €2,600 each.

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“With WORKSTATION DESIGN supported by Jean Louis David, ModaLisboa is creating an acceleration platform for its emerging designers. Beyond offering a space for creative freedom and experimentation, it is vital to give to these designers the tools to strengthen their businesses and build brands that can flourish in an increasingly competitive market.” Eduarda Abbondanza, President of the Associação ModaLisboa.

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The Capacity-Building Prize aims primarily to boost projects that are at a more advanced stage of development, contributing to the consolidation of Designers’ business models, encouraging innovation, and enabling a more strategic and consistent market presence. The selection of awarded Designers — which may vary each season — considers both conceptual maturity and responsible production, as well as continued presence at Lisboa Fashion Week and the brand’s growth potential. For October 2025, the awarded will be ARNDES, Bárbara Atanásio and Mestre Studio — Designers on a rising trajectory with strong internationalisation potential — who will receive this boost to invest in the areas of their business they deem crucial for expansion.

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“We want to support the talent of those just starting out, and that’s exactly why this partnership with WORKSTATION DESIGN makes perfect sense for the Jean Louis David brand. When it comes to fashion presentations, hair is not merely a detail — it’s a defining complement in building a concept. Fashion is a central pillar of our DNA, and we want to be part of this future shaped by fearless, disruptive designers. Together, we’ll make a difference over the next two seasons.” Jean Louis David

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With this new project, ModaLisboa reinforces its mission to empower the new generation of Designers, providing them with concrete tools to transform talent into structure, and creative vision into a solid presence within the fashion system. WORKSTATION DESIGN supported by Jean Louis David is more than just a support programme: it is a platform for the future, where innovation, authorship and strategic thinking come together to propel a new wave of Portuguese creative strength and assert it on the global stage.

HIGHLIGHT PHOTO: Luís Miguel Fonseca / ModaLisboa

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