Ana Marques

Ana Marques is a womenswear designer with focus on creative pattern-cutting, textile development and digital fashion. Marques' designs often originate from drapes on the stand, which are then transformed into innovative patterns. In the design process, she carefully studies colour combinations that are later embedded into textile print designs while also exploring new textile techniques. In the process, Marques prioritises sustainability by utilising dead stock and upcycled materials from the initial stages to the finished outcome. As an environmentally conscious designer, she has a strong interest in digital fashion with proficiency in digital softwares, such as Clo3D, Cinema 4D, and Unreal Engine.

Marques' digital project was recognised by the SYKY competition, earning her a Keystone membership pass in 2023. Additionally, she was selected by Ravensbourne University London, to present her Nouveau LV project to the Louis Vuitton Accessories Design Graduate Initiative. Her design submission, Before Rosa, for the British Library - Ahluwalia competition, earned her personalised feedback and praise from Priya, the creative director of Ahluwalia, who highlighted the strength and desirability of Ana's collection.

Marques' final collection, The Seven Skirts, celebrates female empowerment and history by merging two distinct yet inspiring worlds within the fishing community. It draws inspiration from the traditional fishermen's wives of 1950s Nazaré, Portugal, known as the 'women of the seven skirts', who dedicated their lives to fishing and their families. The collection is also influenced by the Haenyeo, the indomitable diving grandmas of Jeju Island, South Korea, who dive over 10 to 20 meters without oxygen tanks and challenged norms by becoming their households' breadwinners. Ana's collection combines the zero-waste and upcycling practices of the Nazaré fisher wives with the contemporary, functional style of the Haenyeo's scuba diving attire whilst conveying a positive message through storytelling.
Marques' final collection, The Seven Skirts, celebrates female empowerment and history by merging two distinct yet inspiring worlds within the fishing community. It draws inspiration from the traditional fishermen's wives of 1950s Nazaré, Portugal, known as the 'women of the seven skirts', who dedicated their lives to fishing and their families. The collection is also influenced by the Haenyeo, the indomitable diving grandmas of Jeju Island, South Korea, who dive over 10 to 20 meters without oxygen tanks and challenged norms by becoming their households' breadwinners. Ana's collection combines the zero-waste and upcycling practices of the Nazaré fisher wives with the contemporary, functional style of the Haenyeo's scuba diving attire whilst conveying a positive message through storytelling.
Ana Marques
Ana Marques
Ana Marques
Photos: Lily Mackintosh 
Models: Holly Shawyer, Viva Msimang and Winona Odell
Photos: Lily Mackintosh Models: Holly Shawyer, Viva Msimang and Winona Odell