All eyes are on Portugal - House of Fashion and IMC models are set to rival traditional Fashion Weeks
By Gena Aspinall-Martin
House of Fashion and IMC Model agency recently debuted their 5th runway show in Portugal. In collaboration with Paris Runway Official, House of Fashion and IMC Models Agency hosted an international show on the 14th March for over 1,000 guests at the renovated Fábrica Spinning and Weaving Factory in the City of Santo Tirso, near Porto in Northern Portugal. An area known for its textile history, architecture, culture, and vibrant prints and designs. The show welcomed global brands, industry professionals and creatives, providing a dynamic platform for innovation and style. Portugal is set to become a European Fashion Capital, strategically positioned to rival London and Milan, and thus, signalling a dramatic shift in Europe’s creative landscape.
Northern Portugal holds historical significance in the fashion and textile industry. Since the 18th century, with the Industrial Revolution, Porto has been a centre for textile production. Today, modern textile manufacturing techniques co-exist with traditional textile craftsmanship, a cohabitation of Portuguese innovation and cultural heritage.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Porto has positioned itself as a main contender for emerging and international fashion talent. The city’s commitment to the fashion industry and perfectionism has ensured its continued relevance and newly established international influence. On the night, the show's energy was euphoric, with guests eager to witness yet another spectacular show hosted by Daniel and his team at IMC.
Model Diana Shlapak walking for Conceição Leite - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
The show was full of anticipation, flawlessly run behind the scenes by creative visionary and CEO Daniel Esteves, Operations director Joana Silva, and casting director Raquel Carvalho, and was accompanied by an immense team of MUA’s, hairstylists, fashion stylists, visual artists, and production team. The show featured 11 collections from established and emerging designers, offering a platform to new and raw talent. From colourful children's wear and streetwear with an edge to the secret launch of a bridal fragrance, described by its founder during an interview with Paris Runway Official as “a woody oriental bouquet”. The House of Fashion entranced audiences with new, daring collections. A fusion of cultures and heritages all on one runway.
THE DESIGNERS
Micaela Oliveira:
The night opened onto a cloud of white. Micaela Oliveira, a Portuguese couture bridal house, combines lace, brocade, and ethereal elegance to create alluring and seductive gowns for the modern bride. Oliveira designs are made for romance and sensuality. Veils, elongated capes and trains cascaded down the runway, alluding to a fairytale. Fabrics elegantly traced the floor, accompanied by graceful models who embodied the brand's vision.
Micaela has a clear vision for her collections. “ My inspiration comes from the feminine universe, from dreams, fairy tales, and the essence of each woman. Every piece is created with the intention of expressing timeless beauty, combining elegance with boldness, and achieving a balance where delicacy and strength coexist.”
Micaela Oliveira defines Portuguese couture and demonstrates a commitment to emotive and empowering designs. Each creation evokes beauty and strength, setting the standard for Portuguese couture. The house's distinct approach to bridal ensures that every garment is designed for the bride who wants to feel sophisticated and alluring.
Model Rita Ferreira walking for Micaela Oliveira - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Laure Siassia:
A Belgium-based Designer who captivates audiences through her sharp tailoring. Refined structure and daring silhouettes that transcended the House of Fashion runway. Laure Siassia designs for the female heroine, those who exude confidence. Laure’s inspiration is a combination of female empowerment and her faith as a Christian, to lead her actions through grace. She incorporates capes into her tailoring to symbolise power. As someone who has questioned her identity since childhood, the cape symbolises her faith, confidence and inner strength.
“Knowing that I am a woman, I am a reserved yet strong, gives me the strength to say here I am and the cape placed me in my style”.
Her business attire is designed in mono colours and aims to be elevated, modern, and symbolic of her inner power. Designed for women who want to exude strength and feel empowered.
Maria Vilaça walking for Laure Siassia - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Glovika:
Glovika designs across nations, combining traditional prints and garment attributes of differentiating cultures to create pieces that express cultural appreciation. Her collection showcased a bold symphony of print and colour.
“When it comes to fashion and design, for me, a lot goes into it. It isn’t always easy to balance commerciality vs Couture. I want to tell a story. I source my fabric globally to unite cultures through my designs, and sourcing indigenous fabrics can be a challenge”.
Her designs are a love letter to the world, a collaboration between heritages. One dress, for instance, featured African fabric with a masquerade print on one side and traditional Chinese Jin fabric with dragons printed on the other. This juxtaposition is her signature, “no country left aside”, sometimes even designing traditional Chinese garments using African fabrics. This unique perspective in couture allows for many interpretations and possibilities for the future of design.
Model Francisca Bastos for Glovika - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Lezon Atelier:
Designed entirely in-house, Lezon Atelier is made for individuals who value originality. Curated and sharp, streetwear with an edge that transcends fashion fads and took the House of Fashion Runway by storm, complemented by IMC Models, who brought fierce energy to the collection. Miguel describes his creations as “streetwear with a pinch of difference” for consumers who want to be noticed and “like to be different”. The collection included a nautical theme with stripes, asymmetric denim sets, PVC, cinched waists and Berets, contrasting bold punches of yellow with black and indigo blue. A sharp contrast of complementary hues. Lezon Atelier is designed for the fashion fanatic who rejects the mundane and appreciates the wonderful and androgynous. His designs were sharp and unapologetic.
Model Pedro Falcão for Lezon Atelier - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Punch-Oh!:
A sustainable streetwear brand which utilises dead stock fabrics as a bold statement against the fast-fashion industry. The textile industry is responsible for 92 million tonnes of discarded textiles annually, a combination of deadstock fabrics and general consumer waste. Of this, only 1% is reused into new textiles. Therefore, Punch-Oh!’s ideology is admirable, cutting out damaging environmental factors in their product pipeline. Such as, water wastage and the chemicals used in the fabric dyeing process. Therefore, Punch-oh! is creating a small difference with a large impact.
Unapologetic, fierce, genderless and enriched with strong ideologies for what the world of fashion could be. The collection included jersey sets entwined with rope and oversized t-shirts.
“We want people to live without limits and embrace their authenticity without being afraid of who they truly are. Our designs are created to be innovative and to communicate an important message: no one should be afraid to be themselves.”
Inspired by Lucha Libre fighters and Mexican culture, further instilling the idea that we are all, in our own right, warriors and should feel confident and empowered. Punch-OH! Sets the tone and the trajectory for what streetwear can be in the fashion landscape. They are definitely a brand to have on your radar.
Model Eduardo de los Santos for Punch-oh! - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Princess Vogue:
Blessing is an African-British designer whose contemporary formal designs are deeply rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Inspired by cultural dialogue between the elegance and traditional craftsmanship of British heritage and the Vibrancy and storytelling associated with Nigerian Fashion. She crafts unique pieces for women, men, and children, seamlessly blending tradition with Western modernity. Traditional African prints, electric colours, and bold embellishments are featured in her collection, creating a fun, inviting showcase. Cross- cultural innovation is at the heart of her brand, a reflection of her personal journey.
“I believe that fashion can connect cultures, inspire dialogue, and celebrate diversity”.
African Fabrics with traditional origins often tell a story or have symbolic meaning. They were known to show status and wealth or be used for specific occasions.
“African textiles such as Ankara and Aso-Oke carry deep cultural meaning. I reinterpret these fabrics through modern silhouettes and contemporary tailoring so they can resonate with a global audience. Through this fusion, my designs celebrate identity and heritage”.
Model Francisca Bastos for Princess Vogue - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Escola Profissional Do Ave:
Founded in 1999 in Portugal, Escola Profissional do Ave has been educating young fashion professionals. Over the years, the school has also participated in fashion events and competitions, earning multiple awards that highlight the raw talent and creativity of their young designers; creating opportunities for talented young people to break into the fashion industry. The school demonstrated the students' sheer talent during the House of Fashion and IMC show, and gave them an opportunity to showcase their creativity and professionalism on a global scale. Platforms like House of Fashion are imperative for supporting young people in an industry that is not only competitive but also difficult to enter without experience, connections, or wealth.
Model Emilly Reis for Escola Profissional Do Ave - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Agatha Ruiz De La Prada:
Agatha is a Spanish designer for women's and children's wear, bringing whimsy back to the catwalk. Her collections are a symphony of vibrant colours and unexpected silhouettes. Her Children’s Wear was showcased during the evening. She creates an immersive fashion landscape for children seeking cognitive enrichment; in a world often devoid of colour and inspiration for young, imaginative minds. Each piece is designed to bring an ideology of joy and playfulness, based on a child’s drawing, transforming everyday wear into a lively experience for children. Clothes that they are excited to see in their wardrobes. Thus, giving children who like fashion a space to style themselves. Maximalism plays a crucial role in her product pipeline. Design attributes include hairbands with balloons on them and rainbow skirts made of tulle.
“My perspective is of a child’s world. One that is colourful, optimistic, slightly theatrical and very joyful”.
Agatha prioritises comfort in her garment structure. So that children who wear her designs can “jump, dance and run without restrictions”.
Models Sofia Carvalho and Heloise Bueno for Agatha Ruiz De La Prada - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
By Vel
By Vel is a curated children's couture collection, founded by Ukrainian sisters. Deeply rooted in their Ukrainian heritage and inspired by botanical elements, femininity and beauty. Designs reminiscent of a traditional fairy tale, featuring pastel hues and avant-garde silhouettes that mirror a fairy garden, are designed for dreamers and lovers of fantasy. Vel believes that children deserve the same level of storytelling and artistry as adults, as “elegance and character can be present from a very young age”.
“Our inspiration comes from the purity of childhood combined with the beauty of nature. Flowers reflect growth, delicacy and harmony – values we associate with children”
Their designs are an oracle of tulle and frill, situated on asymmetric silhouettes. By Vel is quickly becoming internationally recognised; recently showcased during Paris Fashion Week at the Paris Fashion Days runway, with a quick turnaround to House of Fashion in Santo Tirso. This couture house is showing no signs of slowing down.
Model Tatiana Dinis for By Vel - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
VDR:
Founded by Luigi Midulla, Via Delle Rose is a contemporary, fashion-forward brand. An eclectic mix of performative streetwear and smart casual. Designed for individuals who admire urban trends and bold statements. VDR is cultivated, taking utilitarian jumpsuits, colourful patches, oversized t-shirts, varsity jackets and faux fur to create a collection of omnipotent grandeur. Guided by a long-term brand vision to create collections that do not conform to trends.
“I was inspired by a controlled multiplicity, retro graphics, college style stereotypes, street imagery and movement, different elements all united by the same character”.
It is a collection that starts conversations and opens spaces. Each piece is unique yet complementary, open to conversation and interpretation. Contemporary designs that are relevant and dynamic. For VDR, contemporary fashion represents the now and self- expression, “blending culture, lifestyle and social context”.
Model Benedita Rodrigues for VDR - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Conceição Leite:
Conceição Leite was the most anticipated designer of the night and closed the show with a captivating collection of couture bridal dresses and debuted their new signature eau de parfum, “Tissé” a woody-oriental fragrance designed to smell like a bridal bouquet, floral and aromatic. The fragrance was a well-kept secret and was launched exclusively for guests that evening before national release, with model and influencer Sara Cunha debuting the fragrance on the runway as the face of the fragrance and brand.
Model Carolina Pires walking for Conceição Leite - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
Conceição Leite designs are a tangible expression of love and encapsulate both traditional bridal wear and modern fashion-forward design elements. Corsetry and lace and conservative necklines in some creations are met with daring capes, a bombardment of pearls, exaggerated puff sleeves and rose-tinted prints in other gown designs. Fashion-forward accessories for the contemporary bride also made a debut, including a pearl handbag bouquet made from cascading strings of pearls and lilies, a huge global trend for the 2026 bride.
Conceição Leite designs for the bride, each design is a love letter and a collaboration between the designer and the bride to be.
“ When I start working on a new dress, I always begin with what the bride shares with me, the key elements, feelings, and details she imagines for her gown. Those ideas become the foundation of the design. Over time, my mind has absorbed so many references, techniques, and design solutions that when I begin creating, it instinctively brings together different inspirations and details. It is almost like assembling small fragments of experience, texture, and silhouette”.
Conceição Leite collects a mental scrapbook of personal knowledge. Shaped by years of experience and observation, each design is well structured and meticulously crafted. Authentic and beautiful.
Model Erika Venancio walking for Conceição Leite - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
THE MODELS:
The models commanded the audience, with presences and walks that were fierce and striking. Able to adapt per designer and own the runway with professionalism. The models included nationalities from countries such as, but not limited to, Portugal, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, the majority of the models were from the IMC Model agency. IMC Model agency has been dedicated to elevating model platforms and creating runways and global fashion experiences since 2015. 200 models aged 5-45 participated in the show. Designers noted how incredible and talented they were on the evening, able to adapt with ease, a true testament to IMC Models.
CEO Daniel Esteves and Operations Director Joana Silva of IMC Models being interviewed for Porto Canal News.
THE SHOW:
The show invited guests down a red carpet and onto a catwalk with multiple runways and large screens to showcase close-up detailing. IMC and House of Fashion are a testament to what Portugal has to offer the fashion industry. A hub of talent and innovation that is not afraid to be noticed internationally. The House of Fashion by IMC Models is an elevated modelling agency and fashion platform meticulously designed to create opportunities for emerging local talent on a global scale. The show has not only showcased different cultures and heritages; but also proven that Portugal needs to be on the map for fashion spaces.
Model Miriam Alves walking for Glovika - Photography by the IMC Models Production Team.
The show is a powerful contributor to Portugal's influence in the fashion industry, as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Portugal continues to be a place where fresh talent and bold ideas are both celebrated and encouraged. The country’s fashion sector is becoming increasingly confident, unafraid to be noticed and ready to expand its influence beyond borders; proving to the world that the city of Santo Tirso not only deserves recognition for their dedication to emerging talent and the textile industry but also is a frontrunner for new designs and fashion trends.
The IMC Models Team closing the show.