Biography
The Portuguese pair are quickly becoming established stars of the London scene after Opening Ceremony discovered them at their very first collection in 2011. The brand's stockists are now spread across global cities in retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Farfetch and 10 Corso Como. Widely credited with reinventing denim, their frayed-edge creations have spawned copies the world over. The pair share the role of designer and CEO of the brand.
Marques and Almeida met studying at Portugal’s CITEX fashion school, moving to London together in 2009 to take up internships at Vivenne Westwood and Preen respectively. At Central Saint Martins, they studied under Louise Wilson and as the course drew to a close, the duo joined forces and presented their final collection together.
They showed their first two seasons under Lulu Kennedy 's Fashion East, after which, they were awarded NEWGEN sponsorship from the British Fashion Council and Topshop, showing on schedule at London Fashion week from Spring/Summer 2013. As seasons have passed, they have branched out from their signature denim to include leather, silk and brocade. Their work has featured in British Vogue, Elle UK, Vogue Paris, Twin, Tank, i-D and Dazed & Confused.
In 2014, Marques'Almeida won the Emerging Womenswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards. In May 2015, the designers were awarded the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.