Get ready to be blown away by Marques'Almeida, a fashion brand that's taking the industry by storm with its unique and rebellious spirit!
This Portuguese powerhouse has been shaking up the fashion scene for years, infusing London Fashion Week with a vibrant, punk-inspired energy. From their kaleidoscopic color palettes to their raw-edged denim and feather-trimmed fantasies, Marques'Almeida is a force to be reckoned with.
Behind this dynamic brand are founders Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, a couple who met at fashion school in Portugal and later relocated to London. Together, they've built a namesake label that's garnered international acclaim, winning the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2015.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Marques'Almeida has cultivated a dedicated following of customers who crave designs that are both daring and wearable, luxurious yet accessible. It's a delicate balance, and one that the brand has mastered.
Marta and Paulo's journey is an inspiring tale of passion and perseverance. Growing up in Portugal, their exposure to fashion was limited, but their love for the industry was ignited by magazines, TV, and DVDs. Marta's grandmother, a seamstress, played a pivotal role, sparking her interest in fashion design. Paulo, on the other hand, was drawn to product and architecture before finding his true calling in fashion.
So, what's it like running a brand as a couple?
"It's similar to running a brand with anyone else, but we have a great relationship," Marta explains. "Our skill sets complement each other, and we have a really good rapport. We do argue a lot, as we're both passionate about our areas, but the brand is a coming together of those skills. I think that's what makes it so special."
And this is the part most people miss...
Marques'Almeida's success lies in its ability to create effortless, easy-to-wear pieces with a unique technical structure. Their wide-leg and boyfriend jeans are iconic, versatile, and made to last. The brand's turtleneck puff-sleeve top is a more recent bestseller, blending statement satin sleeves with sporty jersey for an evening look that's both chic and effortless.
When it comes to celebrity fans, Marques'Almeida has some big names on its list. Beyoncé and her backing dancers wore the brand during the Houston leg of the Cowboy Carter Tour, and Rihanna was an early supporter, telling the founders how much she loved the brand at the British Fashion Awards.
But it's not just celebrities that Marques'Almeida adores. The brand often works with 'real' people and communities in its campaigns, believing that authenticity is key to its storytelling.
"Including real people brings energy, personality, and life to our campaigns," Marta says. "Real people tell real stories, and that's what makes our collections feel alive and connected."
Looking back at their early work post-Central Saint Martins, Marta and Paulo reflect on how their design language has evolved.
"Saint Martins was all about pushing boundaries. Even after that, it was about being defiant - no one was doing denim like we were. No one was doing the family casting we were doing, or the heavy, frayed edges. From there, we evolved denim into satin, furs, and even crystal."
And when it comes to inspiration, Marques'Almeida draws from an unexpected source - people.
"When we're in London, we love just hopping on a bus and watching people as we go, especially teenagers. When we were working on M'A Kids, our childrenswear line, we were fascinated by how freely kids dress, completely untied to society or social norms. So yes, I'd say people are our biggest inspiration."
As they look ahead to the next decade, Marques'Almeida is focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
"If M'A could be remembered for one thing, it would be what we can pass on to the next generation. Paulo and I would love to share our knowledge and support future generations - we already teach and mentor students in Portugal. But M'A as a whole? I'd say we'd love to be remembered as 'quietly defiant.'"
The brand's partnership with Dylon, a detergent company, is a perfect match. Dylon's mission to rejuvenate and renew colors and fibers aligns with Marques'Almeida's focus on longevity and sustainability.
"All of our pieces are designed to last and to be passed down from generation to generation. That's why Dylon feels like such a natural fit. Their ethos is all about revitalizing color and keeping fabrics strong so they can be loved for years to come. In the end, we're both sharing the same story - keeping pieces alive across generations."
What do you think? Is Marques'Almeida's unique approach to fashion a breath of fresh air, or is it just another trend? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
