The Next Generation is Here.
The fashion industry is always on the move, and MODAPORTUGAL LINKS 2024 gave us an exciting peek at what’s next. Lisbon might be the usual hotspot for Portuguese fashion, but this time, Porto shook things up—and wow, what a vibe. With its mix of old-world charm and modern flair, the city was the perfect stage for the event.
Set in the mind-blowing Palácio da Bolsa, the competition brought together 18 talented young designers from six top European fashion schools, each showing off three original looks. The collections were all about bold ideas, personal expression, and a nod to sustainability—proving that the future of fashion is in good hands. The lineup of schools was as impressive as the collections themselves: Aalto University (Finland), Institut Français de la Mode (France), Polimoda (Italy), Modatex Porto (Portugal), Head Genève (Switzerland), and London College of Fashion (UK). These budding designers didn’t hold back, giving us a glimpse into their unique visions and next-gen fashion philosophies.
The ideal jury—including Jenny Hytönen, Serge Carreira, Mira Wanderlust, Miguel Flor, and Johnson Gold—was there to evaluate the collections, dropping pearls of knowledge along the way. The jury, chaired by Eduarda Abbondanza, had the tough task of deciding who stood out the most in concept, technique, and overall wow factor. While all the students presented impressive looks and designs, some of them stole the spotlight by winning: Neža Simčič from Aalto University stunned with natural, fluid designs; Carla Mignano from France had us all swooning over that knitted piece blending into denim; and Ian Morris McDonald from Polimoda nailed technical precision with bold patchwork. Modatex Porto’s Concei.to_normal turned heads with vibrant, energetic looks, and Eden Sherry from London College of Fashion brought a youthful, fresh edge.
And the big question—who snagged the main prize? Drumroll, please… Maxence Guenin from Head Genève! His collection hit the spot, merging between both innovation and technique, cementing his place as the ultimate winner of the night.
Take an exclusive look at the backstage shots below.
Photo Credits: Emil Huseynzade
