Fashion Lusófona LAB 0.2 Showcases Sustainability, Talent, and Creativity

Creations by students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Production moved from the studio to the runway during the LAB 0.2 – Fashion Show, held at the Porto University Centre (CUP) on 18 June. The event became a joint Fashion Lusófona initiative, showcasing projects developed by first- and second-year students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Production at ULusófona – Porto University Centre, alongside collections created by third-year students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Production at ULusófona – Lisbon University Centre.

According to Luís Buchinho, lecturer and fashion designer, “During the first year, students worked in groups to develop collections based on upcycling processes, transforming existing garments through deconstruction and reconstruction to create new visual narratives. Second-year students explored streetwear and sportswear concepts, with a particular focus on knitwear and denim. Meanwhile, the graduating students from Lisbon presented the final projects they developed as part of completing their degree.”

Among them was Gonçalo Teixeira, a second-year student, who presented a collection inspired by the Inuit, the Indigenous people of the Arctic regions. Through the deconstruction and layering of knit fabrics, he sought to recreate the protective clothing systems traditionally used by these communities to withstand extreme weather conditions.

“I really enjoy working with knitwear and deconstructing it to create new patterns and layered textures. I wanted to translate into the collection the way the Inuit make use of the resources available to them, through layering, patching, and reconstruction. It was a highly demanding technical challenge, but also an incredibly rewarding one,” he explained.

Beyond its creative dimension, the fashion show represented an important learning experience for students involved in every stage of the production. Beatriz Lourenço, a second-year Fashion Design and Production student, highlighted the impact of the experience on her academic and professional development.

“It’s always a challenge, both in preparing the backstage and presenting the collections on the runway. There’s a lot of pressure involving the models, makeup, and hairstyles, but in the end it becomes a very enriching experience for our professional future, while also inspiring us as emerging designers,” she said.

This view was shared by first-year student Maria Barros, who emphasised the importance of these opportunities for developing practical and creative skills, considering them essential in preparing students for the fashion industry.

Luís Buchinho also highlighted the students’ strong commitment throughout the creative process. “Our students are eager to learn and to showcase their work, and the challenge of presenting their collections on the runway becomes a genuine motivation to develop mature, highly professional garments that are ready to hang on a shop rail,” he said.

More than a fashion show, the LAB 0.2 – Fashion Show was an opportunity for learning and creative expression, allowing students to transform concepts, techniques, and processes into garments presented on the runway. The initiative highlighted the role of Fashion Design and Production education in preparing the next generation of professionals capable of responding to the challenges of the fashion industry.

View Backstage Photos on ULusófona’s Facebook Page

View Event Photos on ULusófona’s Facebook Page

Text
Bruna Pereira and Susana A. Oliveira

Photography
Bruna Pereira, Gabriel Motta and Susana A. Oliveira

Video (Coverage)
Bruna Pereira, Gabriel Motta and Susana A. Oliveira

Video (Editing)
Gabriel Motta