We interviewed the talented @mariacarlosbaptista who shared how her dance background shapes her unique approach to sustainable fashion. Her sensitivity to movement inspires her to design versatile, timeless pieces that not only flow with the body but also minimize environmental impact.
@MOCHIS Your background in dance directly influences your work as a designer, especially in the choice of fabrics and forms. How has this sensitivity to movement also guided you towards more sustainable and conscious fashion?
@MCB Dance gives you a profound awareness of how fabric interacts with the body, in the way it moves, drapes, stretches, and flows. This sensitivity naturally leads me to seek materials that not only perform beautifully in motion but are also kinder to the environment.
Dance emphasizes fluidity, ease, and minimalism — qualities that translate into creating timeless, versatile pieces which I’m very fond of. Instead of focusing on fast fashion trends, I design garments that adapt to different settings always encouraging longevity while reducing waste.
And just like a choreography, which requires thoughtful sequencing and repetition, I apply similar method in reducing excess and focusing on what’s essential — whether in pattern cutting to minimize fabric waste or using modular designs that allow garments to evolve.
@MOCHIS What challenges and innovations do you encounter in your creative process?
@MCB In my creative process, one of the main challenges is balancing aesthetics with functionality. I always want my garments to look stunning, but they also need to be comfortable and practical. Especially when working with sustainable fabrics, which often lack the luxurious feel I’m aiming for, it can be tricky to create eco-friendly pieces that still feel high-end.
To address this, I’ve started designing modular garments that are versatile, so they can be worn in different ways or adapted over time.
It allows customers
to be creative with a singular
item and invest in pieces
they can wear longer.
While I haven't yet explored smart fabrics, I'm eager to integrate technology that enhances functionality. And collaborating with artisans is a big part of my process — it’s inspiring to mix traditional techniques with modern fashion, and that combination often leads to innovation.
I also focus on zero-waste pattern-making and upcycling. This approach forces me to rethink how garments are made, and sometimes the constraints of the fabric lead to beautiful, unexpected designs. In fact, some of my most popular pieces have come from these challenges.
@MOCHIS How do you perceive the market's acceptance of sustainable and conscious design?
@MCB It has grown significantly, especially among younger consumers who prioritize transparency and values.
However, challenges remain, particularly in luxury, where sustainability can still be seen as lesser in quality or aesthetics. Price sensitivity is another hurdle, as eco-friendly materials often cost more.
Despite this, I see the market's acceptance gaining momentum, with sustainable design becoming an integral part of fashion as innovation and education continue to evolve.
@MOCHIS How do you see the future of fashion in Portugal within the context of more sustainable and technological practices?
@MCB I believe the future of fashion in Portugal is promising, especially in sustainability and tech innovation. Portugal's strong textile heritage and eco-friendly focus position it to lead in sustainable fashion.
With our growing tech presence, we can integrate advanced technology into production and embrace closed-loop systems, where old garments are reused to create new ones—something my brand is deeply committed to.
By leveraging its manufacturing excellence, embracing technological innovations, and staying true to its artisanal roots, Portugal will carve out a niche as a forward-thinking, sustainable fashion hub in Europe.
@MOCHIS And how do you see yourself positioned within that future?
@MCB As the founder of Maria Carlos Baptista, my goal is to position the brand at the forefront of sustainable luxury in Portugal, with craftsmanship, upcycling, and sustainability at its core.
I’m committed to building a relationship with customers that encourages conscious
consumption and loyalty to both the brand and the environment. I also aim to expand internationally, bringing my Portuguese roots to a global audience seeking authentic, sustainable luxury.
I see my brand
leading by example, proving
that sustainable luxury is not only
possible but essential.
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