Italian Embassy in Lisbon Hosts Innovative Fashion Show Featuring Young Designers
On September 30, 2025, the Italian Embassy in Lisbon became a vibrant hub of creativity as it hosted a groundbreaking fashion show titled “Repeat the Action.” Organized in collaboration with the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Milan and ModaLisboa, the event showcased the works of 13 emerging designers, each bringing a unique perspective to the world of fashion.
A Showcase of Emerging Talent
The designers featured in the show included Ainhize Ganzabal Santiago, Anna Serra, Arianna Pejrani, Carlotta Gadda, Daniele Dargenio, Denise Vecchi, Eloi Sacristan, Haiqi Zhou, Michel Mahfoud, Miguel Conde Garcia-Mochales, Natalia Arroyas, Roberto Niutta, and Simone Smeriglio. This diverse group represents a new wave of talent in the fashion industry, each with their own distinct style and vision.
Thematic Exploration of Repetition
The theme of the show, “Repeat the Action,” delves into the concept of repetition as a transformative practice. This idea was inspired by a dialogue between choreographer Lenio Kaklea and curator Caroline Bourgeois, who discussed the works of the influential American artist Bruce Nauman. Nauman, known for his exploration of the relationship between art and performance, posited that “freedom is a form of discipline,” suggesting that repetition is essential for progress.
IED elaborated on this theme, stating, “Fashion is presented as a virtuous system that challenges the conformity of traditional staging.” The show aimed to create an open dialogue where individual creative expressions coexist with hybrid forms of art, including music, dance, and performance. This convergence of various artistic disciplines highlighted common themes such as the body, sociability, and collective exchange.
Breaking Traditional Boundaries
“Repeat the Action” sought to transcend the conventional fashion show format by embracing a performative dimension that is integral to the narrative. The event also featured local Lisbon talent, fostering new encounters and enriching the dialogue between different cultural and artistic contexts. This approach not only showcased the designers’ creations but also emphasized the importance of collaboration in the arts.
The embassy’s catwalk served as a symbolic space, described as “a threshold, an enclave, a border, but also a bridge, a door, a refuge.” This duality reflects the role of the embassy as both a diplomatic institution and a cultural venue, linking diverse worlds through the lens of fashion. The event was a testament to the “Made in Italy” ethos, showcasing the rich heritage and innovation that Italian fashion represents.
A Commitment to Cultural Exchange
The Italian Embassy in Lisbon took to social media to share highlights from the event, describing it as part of the “Grand Tour for Higher Education in Art and Music (AFAM).” This initiative, coordinated by the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program, aims to promote educational experiences for art students both in Italy and abroad.
The project underscores the embassy’s commitment to supporting Italian creativity while fostering dialogue with Portuguese artists. It emphasizes the ethical dimension of artistic projects and their sustainability, aligning with broader trends in the fashion industry that prioritize responsible practices.
The GTA Grand Tour AFAM Program
The “Repeat the Action” fashion show is part of the biennial GTA Grand Tour AFAM program, an international initiative funded by the European Union. This program promotes Italian culture and creativity through artistic and educational experiences, connecting younger generations with the professional world. Coordinated by CNR ISPC and RUFA, the GTA program consists of two phases: “Creating in Italy” and “Networking.” The primary goal is to facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue, enriching the artistic landscape for both students and professionals.
Conclusion
The “Repeat the Action” fashion show at the Italian Embassy in Lisbon not only highlighted the talents of young designers but also served as a platform for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. By embracing themes of repetition and performance, the event challenged traditional notions of fashion and showcased the potential for innovation within the industry. As the world of fashion continues to evolve, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in fostering creativity and dialogue across borders, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and dynamic field.
