António Castro, Cristina Real, Filipe Augusto, João Oliveira and Filipe Augusto presented their collections fon Thursday, as part of the 'Workstation' platform, which initially was only for photographers but last year was extended to illustrators and now to fashion designers.

Two of the five youngsters have already won ModaLisboa’s ‘Sangue Novo’ competition, which is for young final-year fashion design degree students or designers just starting out with their brand: João Oliveira at the 48th ModaLisboa and Filipe Augusto at the 50th.

Two others, Cristina Real and Tiago Loureiro, have been finalists in the same competition.

The five designers presenting their collections in the opening show will be available to Sunday at 'Wonder Room', a pop-up store open to the public that is showcasing 24 brands and designers from Portugal, near the Carlos Lopes Pavillion, across the Parque Eduardo VII park from the Estufa Fria.

This 51st ModaLisboa marks a new departure for fashion in Portugal, with the industry associations of Lisbon and Porto now working more closely together.

On 11 September, the association behind ModaLisboa and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs, which organises Portugal Fashion, a rival event, signed an agreement that foresees a new joint Portuguese fashion week. The beta version of that event started on Thursday in Lisbon and carries on with the 43rd Portugal Fashion, from 18 to 20 October.