Emerging Talents Shine in Sangue Novo Young Designers Competition
Published
October 6, 2025
The Sangue Novo ‘Supported by Seaside’ young designers’ competition has unveiled its five finalists, showcasing a diverse array of talent and creativity. The finalists-Adja Baio, Ariana Orrico, Mafalda Simões, Mariana Garcia, and Usual Suspect-represent a blend of cultural backgrounds and innovative design philosophies, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown in March 2026.
A Platform for New Voices
The Sangue Novo competition, a significant event in the Portuguese fashion calendar, aims to spotlight emerging designers and provide them with the resources to elevate their careers. This year, the finalists will not only compete for prestigious awards but will also receive mentorship from industry experts, enhancing their skills and visibility in the competitive fashion landscape.
Profiles of the Finalists
Adja Baio: A Fusion of Cultures
Adja Baio, hailing from Guinea-Bissau, brings a unique perspective to the competition. With a degree in Fashion Design from ESAD, Baio’s work is characterized by genderless pieces that draw inspiration from Guinean culture, streetwear, and maximalism. This innovative approach reflects a growing trend in fashion that seeks to transcend traditional gender norms, making her a standout in the competition.
Ariana Orrico: The Experimentalist
Lisbon-born Ariana Orrico, who has Cape Verdean roots, is known for her experimental designs that explore the plasticity of materials and manual techniques. With degrees in Artistic Production and Fashion Design from the University of Lisbon, Orrico’s academic background complements her creative endeavors. Her participation in an exchange program at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, further enriched her artistic vision, allowing her to incorporate diverse influences into her work.
Mafalda Simões: Artisanal Innovation
Mafalda Simões, a designer from Coimbra, has made a name for herself through her strong connection to artisanal techniques. A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon, Simões has interned with notable designer Constança Entrudo, who recently received a SIC Golden Globe. Her innovative approach to manual processes was recognized at the 2023 National Young Creators Exhibition, where she won the Fashion Design category with her collective collection ‘Entulho’.
Mariana Garcia: Movement and Functionality
Mariana Garcia, from Vila Nova de Famalicão, explores the relationship between body and movement in her designs. A graduate of ESAD, Garcia’s work seeks to create experiences through clothing, blending functionality with elegance. Her transformative clothing collection, ‘Mutante’, won the ‘My Project Is Entrepreneurial’ competition in 2019, showcasing her ability to innovate while addressing practical needs.
Usual Suspect: Sustainability and Aesthetics
Xavier Silva, the creative mind behind Usual Suspect, focuses on unique creations that merge sustainability with contemporary aesthetics. A recent graduate from ESAD, Silva’s collection ‘O Último Desempregado’ (The Last Unemployed) addresses pressing social issues, including the plight of recent war refugees. His commitment to sustainability reflects a broader movement within the fashion industry, where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly vital.
The Road Ahead
The five finalists will now embark on the next phase of the competition, developing new collections to present at the final event in March 2026. They will benefit from mentoring sessions with a jury of fashion experts, as well as access to press office and showroom services provided by the Showpress communications agency. This support is crucial for young designers, as it equips them with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry.
A Historic Context
The Sangue Novo competition is part of a larger trend in the fashion world that emphasizes the importance of nurturing young talent. Historically, fashion has often been dominated by established names, but recent years have seen a shift towards inclusivity and diversity. Events like Sangue Novo not only provide a platform for emerging designers but also challenge the status quo, encouraging innovation and fresh perspectives.
Conclusion
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, competitions like Sangue Novo play a pivotal role in shaping the future of design. The five finalists-Adja Baio, Ariana Orrico, Mafalda Simões, Mariana Garcia, and Usual Suspect-are not just competing for awards; they are part of a movement that seeks to redefine fashion through cultural expression, sustainability, and innovative design. As they prepare for the final stage of the competition, the fashion world watches closely, eager to see how these young talents will influence the industry in the years to come.
