ModaLisboa 2011: Salsa

Portugal's Denim dominator, Salsa, showed for the first time at ModaLisboa's Check Point. Their Fall Winter 2010/2011 collection producing edgy, denim wear reminiscent of some of the world's most well-loved kings of casual.

Multi-colored denim dresses were interesting additions to the women's wear with samplings from several of their much-loved lines from Premium Denim to more street-inspired offerings. Men's wear in cropped puffer jackets of midnight blue with an abundance of metal detail are sure to fly off the rack.

The line Urban Emotion was launched among the company's many offerings, inspired by the tales of Oliver Twist. Ochre, black, khaki and peacock blue emanated an orphan-esque style that the cool-kids-club love to flaunt.

A family-owned company, established in 1994, Salsa continues to expand at a rapid rate. From Spain to Asia it won't be long until they have you moving. Most recently, Salsa has become a best seller in Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Photo credit: Rui Vasco/ModaLisboa
Text: Angela Gilltrap

For more photos head to UnitedEditorsatLarge.Blogspot.com

ModaLisboa 2011: Filipe Faisca

Entitled "Nanban," Filipe Faisca's 2011 Winter Collection was among the best of ModaLisboa's Check Point. Flowing silhouettes under the guise of "Female vs. Male; Urban vs. Rural" sashayed down the catwalk - china crepe, muslin and silk velvet creating feminine looks in bold winter-warming colors.

A striking silhouette got the collection off to a bang with, what seemed like fluorescent leggings making a showstopping appearance. Upon closer inspection these leggings where in fact, boot covering, all-in-one, light grey fabric tights created to reflect the light. Not for the faint hearted these are a definite must for the disco diva in us all.

Throughout the collection, multi-layered fabrics added interest to simple cuts with solid colors conversely highlighting intricate designs. Faisca played with stripes on figure hugging forms that tapered to curves (no androgyny here!).

For the confident women, Faisca managed to create wearable power wear for the chic, modern fashionista.

Photos: Rui Vasco/ModaLisboa
Text: Angela Gilltrap

For more photos head to UnitedEditorsatLarge.Blogspot

ModaLisboa 2011: Vitor

Held in Portugal's Museum of Fashion & Design (MuDE), Vitor showed without a doubt, that he is the rising star of ModaLisboa. His collection last season saw him quickly become the media darling with an audience keen to see if he could live up to his reputation as "the next big thing." Thankfully he did and in my opinion, surpassed it.

Deconstructed knits for both men and women, were created to be worn — shown to be innovative. Each piece was distinctly "Vitor" in a well edited show of unique winter wear.

The unassuming Brazilian born designer is definitely one to watch with an evolution each season that will see him continue to climb the fashion ladder.

Photos: Rui Vasco/ModaLisboa
Text: Angela Gilltrap

ModaLisboa 2011: Katty Xiomara

By far, one of my favorite Portuguese designers, Katty Xiomara's 2011 Winter Collection was a little disappointing. Perhaps it had more to do with the number of pieces shown rather than the creations themselves however, the styles did not seem to evolve in an engaging manner in regards to form, concept or silouette. Saying that, this particularly runway observation, does not detract from the commercial appeal of this collection which remains a highly-wearable, fun, flirty offering that would compliment any figure.

The theme was "To think, to imagine, to day dream, to construct," this was undertaken in a myriad of simplistic style dresses with embellishments that included oversized shoulder lines, ruffled detailing and various neckwear. The lengths remained uniformly mid-thigh, an occasional pair of shorts thrown into the mix. The color palette included celestial blue and grays with highlights of mauve, yellow and toasted almond tones. More definitive styling and a good edit would have helped this collection really sing.

Photo credit: Rui Vasco/ModaLisboa
Text: Angela Gilltrap

For more photos head to UnitedEditorsatLarge.blogspot.com

ModaLisboa 2011: Alexandra Moura

Neutrals were the name of the game as opener Alexandra Moura kicked off Moda Lisboa's Checkpoint, WINTER 2011. One of the country´s up-and-coming designers, Moura sent out a cohesive collection of see-through fabrics and loose fitting winter favorites for both men and women. However, it was perhaps the accessories that garnered the most attention with gold-capped gumboots and to-die-for wedges, oversized leather bags with intricate details and various clutches guaranteed to keep any fashionista happy.

Figure-hugging jumpsuits hit the catwalk first, soon to be followed by loose fitting dresses playing with the concept of multi-textured, fabric layering. High finish cotton, jersey and wool made an appearance alongside cotton/elastin with a resin finish. Opaque at times with feminine silouettes, it was an easy-to-wear women's wear collection. Conservative knee length skirts with contrasting color, underlayed with ruffled petticoats where a highlight.

Leapord fur trim made a recurring appearance as the show continued, culminating in some less-than-memorable slip dresses. Menswear made a fleeting showing, rolled neck sweaters in complimentary color schemes, various black jackets, featuring interesting cuts and zipper features with accessories rounding out Moura's offerings.

Recently selected as one of the most talented future designers for Taschen´s Fashion Now series, it was a great way to start Checkpoint 2011.

For more photos check out UnitedEditorsatLarge.blogspot

Photo credit: Rui Vasco/ModaLisboa