The collection, Meia-Lua, follows women's journey from innocence to self-awareness of their womanhood, while probing the moments they loose control over their bodies and whether they can ever reclaim it.
Initially, the collection delves into a state of innocence. Childhood, with its minimal influence of social constructs, permits unconventional ways to dress and unpredictable styles, reflected in Meia-Lua through oversized silhouettes, unexpected pattern combinations, and colorful prints.
As the collection follows women into pre-adolescence and adulthood, it challenges the over-sexualization of the female form while normalizing body exploration and discussing typically censored aspects of women's bodies. See-through lace, cut-outs, and form-fitting garments signify a deliberate embrace of female sexuality. Yet, while advocating for women's agency over their bodies, the collection also critiques society's misogynistic and patriarchal norms that restrict women's choices. Drawing inspiration from artists like Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin, prints such as "You Were Still There" directly address topics such as abortion and menstruation, aiming to destigmatize public discourse on these issues.
Finally, the collection introduces padded silhouettes that distort the body, referencing both the pressure on women to conform to beauty standards and societal expectations of motherhood and pregnancy acceptance.
Titled Meia-Lua, a term used by Portuguese children to describe a distorted kiss - half-on-the-lips, half-on-the-cheek, - the collection balances both the positive and negative aspects of womanhood. Through vibrant colors and playful silhouettes juxtaposed with political motifs and prints, it amplifies women's perspectives, struggles, and evolving experiences.
This collection was made possible with the help of:
Model Filipa Mendes
Photography Rúben Carrilo and Jacques Delacroix
Cake print in collaboration with Cracked Bolos