"I believe that there's a market for luxury, for the ones who love and can afford to pay the quality prices, and another market for affordable fashion, weather it is in lingerie or fashion in general, for the ones who like but have not the economic possibilities to pay. Each one has an important pos

"I believe that there's a market for luxury, for the ones who love and can afford to pay the quality prices, and another market for affordable fashion, weather it is in lingerie or fashion in general, for the ones who like but have not the economic possibilities to pay. Each one has an important pos

Fibre2Fashion: What are the current fashion trends among women in Portugal?

Fatima Lopes:

Portuguese women love fashion. The trends are exactly the same as in Paris or in any other European capital. As fashion is now very accessible, everybody can wear current trends in creations by fashion designers, or in copies from labels of big distribution.

F2F: What cross cultural influences can be seen in Portuguese fashion? Which cultures have influenced Portuguese dresses most?

FL:

Fashion in Portugal is a result of globalization. There is no such thing as Portuguese fashion, but there is fashion made by Portuguese designers. All the designers are distinct and different in their styles.

F2F: Brand Fatima Lopes was begun in 1992. Since then, what are the major transitions it has gone through?

FL:

F2F: The common thought is that runway styles are avant-garde and they cannot be placed in everyday wear wardrobe. Please comment.

FL:

I always have two collections, one for the show and another one for commercial purposes. The collection for the show is spectacular and very avant-garde. When I design them, Im not thinking of sales. The commercial collection is big, diverse, prepared for all occasions from the casual to the sophisticated. The theme and style are the same as the show, but adapted for real people, for all sizes and different ages. 

F2F: Sustainable fashion is still not well accepted by customers. What is your opinion?

FL:

I respect all styles, different designers and originality. I do not like common clothes and I cannot accept copies, although I believe that there are clients for everything.

F2F: A lot of research and inspiration from various sources goes into design. What is your s?

FL:

My inspirations are around my life, what I do, the places I visit, what I see, the art around me. Each collection has a different theme which I work with my own vision and style.

F2F: Luxury lingerie is not affordable for many. What is your opinion about the global luxury lingerie market?

FL:

I believe that there is a market for luxury, for the ones who love and can afford to pay quality prices. There is another market for affordable fashion, whether it is in lingerie or fashion in general, for those who like, but have not the economic capability to pay. Each one is important.

F2F: Are there any new ventures you are planning?

FL:

The continuation of my labels internationalisation is my goal for the near future.

F2F: Where do you see your brand in the coming years?

FL:

I see my brand growing and expanding all over the world, whether it be in fashion, perfumes or cosmetics.