The Portuguese Textile and Apparel Association (ATP) is showcasing the national textile industry at Expo 2025 Osaka through the installation TEXTILE LIVE – Draping with Sustainable Materials, made in Portugal, featured in the Portugal Pavilion under the theme Ocean, the Blue Dialogue.
This international initiative celebrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and the rich heritage of Portugal’s textile and clothing industry. It shines a spotlight on materials and processes developed in Portugal that respect ecosystems and place sustainability at the heart of creative practice.
From 12 to 15 June, visitors to the Ocean Made Room in the Portuguese Pavilion (with doors opening directly onto the Expo grounds) will be able to witness a unique live performance: 15 young Japanese designers and one Portuguese designer will work with sustainable Portuguese textiles, bringing them to life through original draping techniques.
In partnership with three renowned Japanese fashion schools — the Osaka Institute of Fashion, Marronnier College of Fashion Design, and Kobe Bunka Fashion College — this initiative blends art, tradition and innovation. The designers will drape on busts also made from sustainable materials, showcasing the creative potential of Portugal’s most eco-conscious textiles.
The live draping performances will take place twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
The experience is further enriched by a photography exhibition featuring Portuguese textile materials interpreted through the elegance and talent of iconic Portuguese models from past generations. Visitors will also find the Marias Paperdolls installation by Cláudia Oliveira, as well as an informative video explaining the sustainable processes behind the featured materials.
Together, these elements offer a compelling reason to visit and anticipate the event, which reaffirms the Portuguese textile and clothing industry’s commitment to leading the way in the Circular Economy.
This international initiative celebrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and the rich heritage of Portugal’s textile and clothing industry. It shines a spotlight on materials and processes developed in Portugal that respect ecosystems and place sustainability at the heart of creative practice.
From 12 to 15 June, visitors to the Ocean Made Room in the Portuguese Pavilion (with doors opening directly onto the Expo grounds) will be able to witness a unique live performance: 15 young Japanese designers and one Portuguese designer will work with sustainable Portuguese textiles, bringing them to life through original draping techniques.
In partnership with three renowned Japanese fashion schools — the Osaka Institute of Fashion, Marronnier College of Fashion Design, and Kobe Bunka Fashion College — this initiative blends art, tradition and innovation. The designers will drape on busts also made from sustainable materials, showcasing the creative potential of Portugal’s most eco-conscious textiles.
The live draping performances will take place twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
The experience is further enriched by a photography exhibition featuring Portuguese textile materials interpreted through the elegance and talent of iconic Portuguese models from past generations. Visitors will also find the Marias Paperdolls installation by Cláudia Oliveira, as well as an informative video explaining the sustainable processes behind the featured materials.
Together, these elements offer a compelling reason to visit and anticipate the event, which reaffirms the Portuguese textile and clothing industry’s commitment to leading the way in the Circular Economy.
Together, these elements offer a compelling reason to visit and anticipate the event, which reaffirms the Portuguese textile and clothing industry’s commitment to leading the way in the Circular Economy. Curated by Paulo Gomes, the installation presents textile solutions made in Portugal, including:
Through this initiative, ATP reinforces the position of the Portuguese Textile and Apparel Industry as a global reference in sustainable innovation — presenting itself to the world through art, design, and the essential element that defines us: textiles made in Portugal — for a better world.
- Natural wool and linen, responsibly sourced and rooted in traditional craftsmanship
- Bio-based artificial fibres derived from food industry by-products
- Recycled synthetic fibres, such as polyester made from PET bottle waste
- Seaweed-based finishes that reduce water consumption and create unique effects
- Natural and eco-friendly dyes, applied using environmentally conscious methods
Through this initiative, ATP reinforces the position of the Portuguese Textile and Apparel Industry as a global reference in sustainable innovation — presenting itself to the world through art, design, and the essential element that defines us: textiles made in Portugal — for a better world.
