This international initiative celebrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and the heritage of the Portuguese textile and clothing industry, highlighting locally developed materials and processes rooted in sustainability.
From June 12 to 15, visitors to the Portugal Pavilion—especially its Multiuse Room, which opens directly onto the Expo grounds—can experience a unique live draping performance held twice daily. The event features 15 young Japanese designers and one Portuguese designer working with sustainable Portuguese textiles.
In partnership with three Japanese fashion schools (Osaka Institute of Fashion, Marronnier College of Fashion Design, and Kobe Bunka Fashion College), this creative collaboration blends art, tradition, and innovation. Draping on busts made from eco-friendly materials will demonstrate the expressive potential of Portugal’s most sustainable fabrics.
The installation also includes a photo exhibition featuring iconic Portuguese models interpreting these materials, a miniature doll display (Marias Paperdolls by Cláudia Oliveira), and an informative video explaining the eco-conscious production processes behind the showcased textiles.
Curated by Paulo Gomes, the installation highlights textile solutions made in Portugal, including:
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Natural wool and linen, responsibly sourced and rooted in traditional craftsmanship
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Bio-based artificial fibers from food industry by-products
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Recycled synthetic fibers, such as polyester from PET bottles
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Seaweed-based finishes that reduce water usage and offer unique effects
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Natural, eco-friendly dyes with low-impact processes
Together, these elements create a living dialogue between tradition and innovation, between Portugal and Japan—where textiles become a medium of artistic expression and a symbol of a transforming industry.
ATP extends its heartfelt thanks to the Portuguese companies (Albano Morgado, Burel Factory, Lemar, Positive Materials, and Trimalhas), curator Paulo Gomes, designer Renato Luiz, the Japanese fashion students, and all contributors including Cláudia Oliveira (Marias Paperdolls), interpreters Kazuha Toriyama and Ayu Adachi, photographer Sorin Opait, models Elsa Correia, Isabel Sousa, Milene Veiga, and Telma Santos, graphic designer Rui Guimarães, video producer Liliana Alves, Saiunion Co., Ltd (mannequins), and sponsors Aquitex and Mind.pt.
With this initiative, ATP reaffirms Portugal’s textile and apparel industry as a global benchmark for sustainable innovation—presenting itself to the world through art, design, and the material that defines us: textiles made in Portugal – FOR A BETTER WORLD.
