ModaLisboa No.50 (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

The biggest event in Portuguese fashion, Moda Lisboa, took place from 8 - 12 March 2017 at the newly renovated Pavilhão Carlos Lopes. This year, the fashion week celebrated its 50th edition and it won't be an exaggeration to say that it was better than ever before.

From all-black looks at Aleksandar Protic to futuristic plastic details at David Ferreira and Imauve, Autumn/Winter 2018-19 season will be highly inspiring, bold, and creative. Let's have a look at some of the most memorable fashion trends presented at the event!

1. New Romantic

Duarte, David Ferreira, Filipe Faísca © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera

Pastels (often combined with darker colours), soft lines, white blouses, slip dresses, plush velvet, satin, lace up, puff sleeves, ruffles, and moody florals – that's New Romantics trend in a nutshell.

According to Fashion Snoops, "the New Romantic woman believes in leveraging the past to bring us closer to the future". Key accessories include pearl earrings, fishnet stockings, statement ring set, embellished mini bag, optical cat eye, and updated Mary Janes.

This fashion trend (shown mainly through clothes, not accessories) was present in many collections for Autumn/Winter 2018-19 including Duarte, Filipe Faísca, Carolina Machado, and Ricardo Preto.

2. Plastic Dreams

David Ferreira (L,R), Imauve © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera

"The most out-there trend of 2018 is transparency, or plastic to be particular", says The Guardian and we couldn't agree more.

From transparent boots at Imauve to ultra-bold tops at Luís Carvalho and see-through coats at David Ferreira, this futuristic trend seemed to be quite popular with Portuguese designers.

3. Statement (faux) Fur

David Ferreira (L,R), Imauve © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera)

From fur trims, sleeves, collars, tippets, scarves and stoles, to statement jackets and coats – all (faux) fur lovers will be able to choose something for themselves next season.

Our favourite looks included elegant black fur details at David Ferreira, stylish white stoles at Imauve, and feminine coats at Luís Carvalho.

4. Black Is The New Black

Ricardo Preto, Dino Alves (R) © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera

Classic black was seen in many Autumn/Winter 2018-19 collections including Aleksandar Protic who presented all-black looks, Federico Cina (black mixed with bright red), Isidro Paiva (black combined with white or brown), Carolina Machado (thigh high boots and black accessories), and David Ferreira (black fishnets and voluminous sleeves).

Eye-catching colour combinations such as black with golden beige and apricot orange could be seen at Dino Alves show. The versatile Autumn/Winter collection featured a lot of hats and colourful sunglasses as well.

5. Kaleidoscope Of Colours

Gonçalo Peixoto, Awaytomars, Imauve © ModaLisboa | Photo: Ugo Camera

Some designers went in a totally opposite direction and presented bold colourful looks featuring colours traditionally associated with spring such as pink, bright red or yellow.

While in many of those collections colour was taking centre stage, some of them were also enriched with the use of unique prints and patterns (Awaytomars, Kolovrat).

If you are not sure how to wear this trend, there is only one rule that applies: use your imagination and mix various colours and patterns together. The brighter, the better!

 Photo courtesy of DM Jewelry Designs

It's not a secret that women love jewellery. Receiving it makes them feel and look special. ELENA Earrings by DM Jewellery Designs will make an unforgettable gift for someone who appreciates high quality, artisan products and timeless chic. Made with imported Black Onyx which beautifully accents the sterling silver filigree beads and finished with sterling silver earring findings, this beautiful piece of jewellery is an accessory staple in every woman's wardrobe like the LBD. "The best part of gifting jewellery is that whatever it costs, once gifted it becomes a piece on which you simply can’t put a price tag. It works like a photograph, the memory associated with the gift will carry through with the person for life," says Urban Cocktail and we couldn't agree more.

About

Based out of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, DM Jewellery Designs was established as a result of a life-long enchantment of manifesting visions of radiant jewellery including custom bridal designs. Their mission is to create exquisite pieces of jewellery that celebrates every aspect of a woman. Debora Ann Malouf, owner and creative designer of DM Jewellery Designs, explains, “I will design and re-design a piece until it perfectly captures not only my vision, but also the vision of the client who is involved in the entire custom design process. I refuse to finalize a piece until each one of us experiences what I term as the “WOW” factor.” She continues to state, “Nothing excites me more than manifesting the visions of designs that capture the essence of a woman.”


Photo courtesy of Claycult Cambodia

Bring back those holiday memories and a carefree beach mood with a limited edition of Rudraksha Seed and Ceramic necklace. This stunning long, slightly chunky style necklace, uses three silver capped Nepali seed beads in combination with the specialty ceramic beads. This unique item of jewellery, featuring a beautiful palette of earthy colours, makes a memorable gift which will be treasured for years.

About

Claycult Cambodia brings the culture of the Khmer people and the colours of Cambodia into their designs. The brand offers a range of exquisite necklaces, bracelets and earrings in addition to ceramic beads. All items are handcrafted at their studio / workshop in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat and the great Angkor temples.

They employ mostly women and adapt the workplace to their lives as much as possible, outsourcing to those who are unable to come to the workshop because of family commitments. Claycult Cambodia encourages education and their staff is paid a fair wage, many of them being the sole supporter of an extended family.


Photo courtesy of LaBante London

Red is officially l y the hot test colour for Fall /Winter 2017. This gorgeous handbag by LaBante London, a Peta-Approved Vegan Brand, will brighten up gloomy winter days and add a touch of glamour to even the most simple outfit.

This elegant and compact bag is perfect for a day (wear it with a casual jacket or coat) or evening out (as a striking addition to an all-black ensemble). Finished with a bow detail to give an extra twist of femininity, it comes with two handy inner compartments to help you stay organised. The shoulder strap can be detached so that the bag can be used as a hand held clutch. Two in one, how smart!

About

Established in 2009, LaBante London designs and produces accessories with an ethos of 'Fashion With Respect.' What do they mean by that? Their bags and jewellery are not only covetable but also vegan, environmentally friendly, and ethically produced. The brands want to give consumers the experience of luxury, of the finest craftsmanship, of a timeless aesthetic, while respecting the world we live in.

Happy holidays! :)

New York City

The Lexington NYC (Photo by Eva Fydrych/ Fashion Studio Magazine)

With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, it is high time to think about the hotel accommodation for September. While there are many luxury hotels in the city, only some of them offer a truly memorable experience and combine both comfort and style.

One of my favourite properties, ultra-modern YOTEL, has already been featured in the “Fashion Diary - New York”. You can read more about this funky hotel here.

Below you can find three more options that I would recommend for a stylish stay in New York City.

ELEMENT BY WESTIN

Photos by Eva Fydrych and courtesy of Element Times Square

During my recent trip to New York, I had a chance to stay at a very interesting hotel - Element New York Times Square West. Inspired by nature and created to be an oasis of natural light, this eco-friendly hotel is a perfect place to unwind and relax(especially during busy events such as the Fashion Week).

Unique design elements of the hotel include flooring and furniture made from recycled fabrics, wall art mounted on a base made from recycled tires, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to improve air quality, energy efficient light bulbs,and low-flow faucets.

Each room features a flowing, functional layout with multi-use furniture which allows you to adjust the space to your own needs and make the most out of your stay. Nature-inspired colour palette encourages relaxation. According to some design experts, such as Barbara Huelat, "exposure to natural materials and images have the benefit of reminding humans of their evolution and connections to nature".

Bringing earth tones into the hotel interior provides a soothing, calming environment that promotes the sense of well-being.

View from the rooftop patio (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

One of the hotel's main attractions is a rooftop patio overlooking the bustlingMidtown Manhattan and a fully equipped gym, where you can maintain your healthy lifestyle when away from home. Element Times Square also offers complimentary Bike Lending Program, available on first-come, first-served basis.

There is also a really innovative service which is becoming more and more popular with the hotel guests. "We offer a special stationary bike in our fitness centre that has a pedal-powered generator. This lets our guests charge their tablet or smart phone as they exercise." - explains Lynn Woods, Assistant General Manager.

THE LEXINGTON NYC

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

As a member of the exclusive Marriott Autograph Collection, The Lexington NYC won’t disappoint you. This trendy hotel has not only excellent location, but also veryinspiring interior design. You will experience personal service and world-class amenities that exceed your expectations.

“The Lexington New York City itself is a work of art, melding high-end architectural design with chic, historic accents to maximize style and comfort.

Rows of winged lions decorate the building’s façade and terracotta figures flank the Lexington Avenue entrance, reminiscent of those adorning Notre Dame.

The spacious marble-floored living room features sky-scraping pillars and plush décor echoing the glamour and sophisticated style of the 1920s, while the hotel’s hallways present Soho-style black and white prints of the city’s most notable landmarks.

The artists featured in the Lexington New York City’s collection are both local and internationally renowned and work within a wide range of mediums – murals, photography, three-dimensional installations and more. Through curating this magnificent collection, Powell has commissioned works that reflect the property’s commitment to preserve its uniquely New York jazz age past while also providing fresh new perspectives on classic works.” - lexingtonhotelnyc.com

LIBRARY HOTEL

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

If you are looking for something a little different for your next stay in Manhattan, the Library Hotel may be just what you need. This luxury 4 star property is conveniently located on Madison Avenue, just a few blocks away from Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and unlimited shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Featuring a trendy rooftop terrace, an impressive collection of books, and lots of complimentary amenities (including super-fast Wi-Fi internet access), the Library Hotel is a perfect destination for both business and leisure traveler.

The concept behind the Library Hotel is unique and inspiring. The hotel follows the Dewey Decimal System - there are 10 floors dedicated to one of the 10 majorcategories of the system: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts, and Religion.

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Every room is decorated with carefully selected books and art pieces exploring a topic within the category it belongs to. The Library Hotel’s collection consists of over 6,000 books. You can experience a different room theme every time you stay at the hotel... How exciting!

Located on fashionable Madison Avenue, just steps away from the famous Fifth Avenue, the hotel is in the middle of all the action. There are several shopping and dining options waiting just around the corner.

You are within walking distance to major NYC attractions and close to several subway lines. It simply can't get any better than this.

Eva Fydrych in New York City, September 2014

See you in New York! :)