Credits - Compete

What would you like to change in
ModaLisboa, beyond fi nancial issues?
Accelerating its internationalization, which
would benefi t everyone, Portugal most of all.
Footwear is one of the sectors that have
been more successful at trading abroad
during the past three years. Do you
think the changes made by this industry
could be applied to the fashion sector
(restructuring, researching which markets
to invest in, being present at international
fairs and other platforms)?
The footwear industry has always been one
of the most traditional in Portugal, and for
the past three years it has shown it has a
fairly well thought-out strategic plan. And
it’s one that has been producing results. The
fashion industry is larger and more complex.
The 90s should have been used to restructure
the sector and that didn’t happen. Now, new
brands are appearing and industries that are
unable to adapt to the future are dying. This
is part of the renovation of the industrial
fabric. There are many things that can be
achieved at this time, such as encouraging
our protectionist side in what concerns our
manufacture, which would make the heads
of industry pay more attention to our fashion
designers.
Her name is fundamentally connected to
Portuguese fashion, as she is responsible for
the most important platform for creativity
made in Portugal. Along with Mário Matos
Ribeiro (currently working on other projects),
Eduarda Abbondanza founded ModaLisboa
20 years ago, where twice a year the cream
of Portuguese fashion design is shown. A
Lisbon native, former designer, mother and
teacher, Eduarda Abbondanza strives to
promote and expand Portuguese fashion
as a whole, and so we asked her opinion on
the current state of this sector, and on what
needs to be done to achieve a successful
internationalization, as was done with the
footwear industry.
Portugal is being sought again by large
international brands and product buyers
to create and produce both textiles and
footwear. Could this be a sign that new
designers may have a future working in
the industry?
Yes. The investment in design, creativity
and innovation was always central to the
success of every brand, keeping in mind both
communication and strategic marketing.
What pleases you in this successful path,
of international development, of footwear
brands?
I am happy to note its example that could and
should be followed by other areas.
As a woman of fashion and a fashionable
woman, what do you think is lacking in this
sector?
The creation of more brands, since a brand
always adds further value to the product.
What are your favourite brands?
Carlos Santos, Armando Cabral, Eureka when
partnering with Miguel Flor and Nuno Gama,
Miguel Vieira, Ana Salazar, Nuno Baltazar, Fly
London, and many more.