Every year, new values emerge in national fashion. In some specific areas there is apparently inexhaustible potential. Here Portuguese Soul introduces the New Boys in Town.
Diogo Gomes
Just Models
It was during ModaLisboa in 2019 when Valentim Quaresma introduced Diogo Gomes to the public. It could not have gone any better, as he became a hit with professionals in the sector.
Diogo was born in Portugal 23 years ago, but he grew up in the south of France. Fashion was an early passion. “I always liked fashion, looking for inspiration in collections, from designers and even in the materials and textures.” Just Models opened the doors to a world inhabited by Ottawa Kwani and Alton Mason, “two models I admire very much and who represent the excellence of our community.”
With labels such as Jacquemus, Moncier and Valentino on his CV, Diogo confesses that he still has “many dreams to fulfil.”One step at a time. One day, he will consider “working in another area of fashion: in production or styling.”
Fábio
Just Models
“It was my friend Vanderson who introduced me to the world of fashion,” says Fábio, the Cape Verdean model who, at just 18 years of age, never ceases to amaze. Just recently, he charmed the Balmain catwalk.
His career has been short. “My first job with for Allan Crocetti,” he recalls. But there is no limit to his dreams. “I would love to model for Louis Vuitton — one of my favourite labels.”
Shall we, Fábio?
Martim Canavarro
Dabanda
He is young, very young, handsome, a bit irreverent, but with an immediately captivating personality. Captivating traits, for example, such a Calvin Klein choosing this 16-year-old model from Santarém.
“Fashion was an opportunity that came about just two years ago, and I held on to it as a priority,” he says.
He debuted at ModaLisboa, but it was the American label, Calvin Klein, that introduced him to the world. “I watch and learn from those I work with and with the better-known top models, always with the intention of improving,” he confesses.
Yet to take his first steps in the world of male modelling, Martim Canavarro has big dreams. “I want to be able to work abroad, to model at the main international shows.”
Vanderson
Just Models
From Benguela in Angola, at just 20 years of age Vanderson has been catapulted into the world of fashion. He recently charmed the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week.
“My career in fashion began unintentionally. Living in this world was never one of my ambitions, until the moment it was introduced to me.” He is still only at the start of a career that is expected to be long and successful. Vanderson’s main goal is to “achieve independence.”
And he took the first steps to realising this at Portugal Fashion. He has big dreams. The biggest is to model for Golf le Fleur. “A label created by Tyler, The Creator: a singer I greatly admire,” he revealed.
“I believe Portuguese models are regarded with a great deal of respect and pride, with more and more names adding to this success.”
