Ryan Rodrigues

Portugal is the source of inspiration for the collection “A Portugal Memorável!”. This love for Portugal comes from an unforgettable vacation, which has left a lasting memory in terms of the friendliness of the people, the soothing weather and the vast and rolling landscape. One can almost feel the present simplicity, a freedom and nature echoing the historical past that was religious, pioneering and conquering. The more one knows about the past, the more one appreciates the present. Thus “A Memorable Portugal “ is a collection about the remnants of the adventurous Portugal.
Belem Tower was built in 1519 to protect the Lisbon from the enemy, to pray for the King, and to give spiritual support to seafarers that left the city to discover the New World. One may see the rich Manueline style that is inspired by these voyages of discovery, through nautical themes that include rope and coral in twisted stones topped by armillary spheres and the Cross of the Order of Christ. The design of the Renaissance Loggia attached to the Belem Tower stands out for its interest. The design is adopted and experimented with in this collection.
The Portuguese pavements are another striking feature that speaks about Portugal loudly. The stones are arranged in geometric rows, in irregular sized hexagons. It is the square and row type of limestone pavement that is most typical of Portugal. Design ideas are played on this square and row alignment, eventually being expressed in pattern on the fabrics.
The maze in Jardim Does Sentimentos was another place in Portugal important in terms of inspiration. It draws your thought and mind to new images and new discoveries; it keeps one’s mind searching to new horizons. The maze idea is utilised in the patterning process.