London Fashion Week welcomed back the daring and innovative Marques Almeida brand on Monday, February 19th, 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, their AW24 show marked a bold return to the city that birthed and nurtured the brand.
Throughout its journey, Marques Almeida, affectionately known as M’A, has tried to redefine the ethos of independent fashion in the fashion industry. From launching REM’ADE, a manifesto committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, to fostering collaboration with artisans through M’AKERS, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries.
Their AW24 catwalk was a show of diverse ages, ethnicities, and personalities, displaying structured silhouettes and fluid fabrics. The runway came alive with voluminous satin, sheer fabrics, leather outerwear, and intricate organza detailing. Classic M’A staples were reinvented as the brand explored themes of age and nostalgia, showing a collection of its signature grungy denim pieces alongside Renaissance-style heavy satin shirts with embroidered lace.
True to its roots, Marques Almeida celebrated diversity and community on the catwalk, casting a diverse array of models ranging from older women to fresh faces and even young kids, including their own two daughters. “We’ve been playing around with these elegant historic references,” says Marques. “We explored the whole ’90s youth-culture look for so long, but for all of the harmful stereotypes we’ve been trying to break, we still gravitated towards a younger look, Now, we’re rethinking what “old” really looks like.” This inclusive approach not only reflects the brand’s commitment to empowerment but also challenges ageism within the fashion industry.
Founded by the Portuguese couple, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, the brand first captured the fashion world’s attention with their raw denim creations in the mid-2010s. While they temporarily shifted their focus to Porto during the COVID era, the return to London Fashion Week signifies a renewed commitment to its roots. “The reality is that London is home,” says Almeida, reaffirming their stance.
Their show proved worth the wait, as the runway was littered with a riot of colours and textures, from sheer skirts and trench coats to leather ensembles and ruffled accents. Pastel prints mingled with bold hues of red, pink, and blue, creating looks that exuded an air of blending couture with everyday wearability.
Looking ahead, Marques Almeida aims to expand its reach into new markets, including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while strengthening its direct-to-consumer channels. Their return to London is more than just a comeback; It’s a reminder that true fashion thrives on inclusivity, authenticity, and a constant push towards a better future in fashion.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
