A ModaLisboa programme supported by the PVH Foundation
Aligned with the core mission of Associação ModaLisboa, amanhã (which means “Tomorrow”) aims to make Portuguese fashion a more representative and diverse field of talent, by communicating the many opportunities for growth that exist within it ang giving young people the tools to thrive.
Designed for students finishing highschool, the programme is structured in three stages: presentations in schools on the professions that shape Portuguese fashion; five days of hands-on workshops at the ModaLisboa headquarters; and two scholarships in highly employable fields.
WHY?
There are two main reasons behind the creation of the amanhã programme.
The first is the ongoing need to foster representation in the fashion industry, both nationally and internationally. Only by creating equal opportunities for diverse voices, different life experiences and varied social and economic backgrounds can we truly claim to be part of an inclusive and welcoming industry.
And the word “opportunity” brings us to the second reason.
In recent years, the creative areas of fashion have flourished, but technical professions have not been communicated as attractively. It is no longer possible to speak about fashion without mentioning Sustainability, Innovation, Craftsmanship or Technology — these are the areas that are genuinely growing, and they represent the future.
But if young people don’t know about them, how can they ever apply for these emerging roles?
amanhã was created to respond to these two challenges: to build future opportunities for young talents in high-employability areas within the Portuguese fashion industry.
HOW?
There is no single or simple answer to fulfilling the goals we have set. So, we have divided amanhã into three phases, allowing us to reach different people at different stages. And to make a difference.
WORKSHOP
In April and May, the ModaLisboa's team visited high schools in Lisbon and Oporto to share what the fashion industry is and all the exciting future opportunities it offers.
The presentation covered sustainability, craftsmanship and technological innovation. We also talk about the different jobs in fashion and finish off with a practical workshop where we customize a piece donated by the PVH Foundation.
RESIDENCY
All the students who take part in the first workshop can apply for the second stage of the amanhã programme. ModaLisboa selected 14 young students who meet the criteria defined by the programme – motivation, aptitude and diversity – and, between 1 and 5 July, welcome them to the Association's headquarters for a week-long residency.
There will be five days of practical training and workshops in strategic areas of the contemporary fashion industry.
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION DESIGN, with ANA DUARTE (DUARTEHAJIME)
This workshop explored environmental, social and economic responsibility in the creation and development of a project.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CRAFTWORK, with JOANA DUARTE (BÉHEN)
This workshop highlighted the importance of preserving and applying traditional techniques to the contemporary context.
TEXTILE CREATION, with CONSTANÇA ENTRUDO
This workshop explored the fascinating intersection between manual labour, digital tools and creativity in the development of materials.
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE DIGITALISATION OF FASHION, with João Pedro Fonseca and Carincur (ZABRA)
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING, with the CODE FOR ALL team
Integration of new digital tools and Artificial Intelligence in the Fashion Industry.
VISUAL CULTURE, with SÓNIA JESUS
The importance of amplifying cultural references from different fields to encourage thinking in fashion work.
SCHOLARSHIPS
After the residency, ModaLisboa and the mentors evaluated each student based on criteria such as interest, motivation, and talent. The panel of judges selected Chelson Vunge as the winner of the scholarship, worth 15,000 euros, which includes an 18-month course at Modatex Porto, in a fashion-related area of his choice — Textile and Fashion Design; Merchandising and Visual Merchandising; Styling; Arts & Crafts; Garment Making; Textile Transformation; Pattern Making; Fashion Marketing; Digital Systems and Software; Management and Logistics — as well as accommodation and meals.
"This project has a very personal role in my life — it's about finding myself. Where I come from, things weren’t easy, and the opportunity I have now is incredible. I have to make the most of it. The message I want to share is for the boys who lived with me, or in my country: you can do it. We all have big opportunities — it’s just a matter of seizing them, and we’ll get there together."
Chelson Vunge
The 14 young participants also had the opportunity to choose an Introductory Technology Course — in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Product Management, or Web Development — at Code For All, offered by ModaLisboa. The goal is to provide each student with versatile tools to thrive in this growing area.
