First northern pop-up shop established for growing fashion brand
Three Portuguese designers have chosen Leeds as their first pop-up shop location in the north of the UK.
Marques/Almedia, a fashion brand that is was created when the three friends moved to London after studying in Portugal, is having a week-long spell in Harvey Nichols in Leeds.
As part of Leeds International Festival, the creative trio gave a talk about their business and its vision, at which point they spoke about the need for them to “do their own thing” rather than follow trends.
The three said it was important for them to stay grounded while being informed about changes in the fashion industry; but also that they follow their own instinct in order to make their business successful in the UK. The trio also said that with changing trends in how people browse and purchase their items, including internet shopping and apps such as Instagram, it was always essential to be ahead. This includes investing in the right people who are as passionate about the brand as they area.
The brand has gone from employing the three of them to now employing 25. Fashions shows and magazine exposure has meant the brand has become widely recognised and there are plans for further expansion of the team.
Marques/Almedia was founded by Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, who moved to London together in 2009 to take up internships at Vivenne Westwood and Preen. After winning several prestigious awards, they set about starting thier own business.
Marques said: “It is interesting to be here in Leeds and hear how people are living their lives and interacting with brands and fashion. It is important for us to understand the customer and understand how they shop.
“We are so surprised by how many people here are so interested in fashion and have responded incredibly well to our collection. We can’t to come back to Leeds more.”
Rita Tavares, chief brand officer, added: “We have held pop-ups in London and talked to clients but it’s not always realistic because London is a place you can wear anything but that isn’t the case everywhere else.”
