Sangue Novo Finalists Poised to Redefine Fashion's Future

The highly anticipated Sangue Novo 'Supported by Seaside' young designers' competition has officially revealed its five talented finalists. These promising creators, poised to shape the future of fashion, are Adja Baio, Ariana Orrico, Mafalda Simões, Mariana Garcia, and Usual Suspect.

Adja Baio, originally from Guinea-Bissau, holds a degree in Fashion Design from ESAD. Her distinctive work, as highlighted on ModaLisboa's website, is celebrated for its focus on genderless pieces that masterfully blend references to Guinean culture, contemporary streetwear aesthetics, and a bold sense of maximalism, creating a unique and impactful design language.

Hailing from Lisbon with a rich Cape Verdean heritage, Ariana Orrico is recognized by ModaLisboa.pt as a true experimentalist. Her creative process delves deep into exploring the plasticity of various materials and employing intricate manual techniques. Ariana's extensive academic background includes a degree in Artistic Production from the António Arroio Art School, a degree in Fashion Design from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon (FAUL), where she also completed a master's in the same field, and an enriching exchange programme at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

Mafalda Simões distinguishes herself with a profound connection to artisanal techniques and an innovative approach to manual processes. Her impressive resume includes an internship with the acclaimed Constança Entrudo, who recently received a SIC Golden Globe, and a significant win in the Fashion Design category at the 2023 National Young Creators Exhibition with her collective collection titled 'Entulho'. The designer, from Coimbra, also earned her Fashion Design degree from FAUL, where she is currently advancing her studies with a master's degree.

Designer Mariana Garcia, who previously interned with Susana Bettencourt, explores the intricate relationship between the body and movement in her work. At BECRI, she endeavors to create immersive experiences through clothing, harmoniously combining functionality with elegance. A Fashion Design graduate from ESAD, Mariana, who originates from Vila Nova de Famalicão, achieved recognition in 2019 by winning the 'My Project Is Entrepreneurial' competition, promoted by the Famalicão Empreende Municipal Network, with her innovative transformable clothing collection, 'Mutante'.

Rounding out the finalists is Usual Suspect by Xavier Silva, a recent Fashion Design graduate from ESAD. His brand is dedicated to crafting unique creations that are "the result of a creative process that combines sustainability, innovation and contemporary aesthetics." Silva's impactful collection, 'O Último Desempregado' (The Last Unemployed), thoughtfully addresses pressing social issues, notably including the plight of recent war refugees.

The journey for these five exceptional young designers continues as they embark on developing new collections. These will be presented at the highly anticipated final stage of the Sangue Novo 'Supported by Seaside' competition, scheduled for March of next year. During this crucial period, they will benefit immensely from dedicated mentoring sessions with the esteemed jury and various fashion experts. Additionally, a press release confirms that they will receive invaluable support through the press office and showroom services provided by the Showpress communications agency.

Looking further ahead, the press release concludes by announcing that in March 2026, these five burgeoning talents will compete for two prestigious accolades: the ModaLisboa X IED - Istituto Europeo di Design award and the ModaLisboa X Burel Factory award, marking significant milestones in their burgeoning careers.