Interview
Paulo Duarte Gomes de Senna Fernandes
1 Congratulations on your achievements in the French Fashion Awards! Could you share a bit about your awarded design, yourself or your studio?
It is a profound honour to be recognised at the 2026 French Fashion Awards. My award-winning entry, 'Je t'attendrai au Louver,' represents a culmination of technical rigour and high-fashion storytelling. This piece was designed to challenge the boundaries of Haute Couture, blending structural precision with the fluid elegance of classical inspiration. Receiving this accolade is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the 'Made in Macau' spirit on the global stage.
2 What’s the one piece in your portfolio that you feel best represents your ideas, and why?
If I were to select one piece that serves as the blueprint for my creative soul, it would be Je t'attendrai au Louver. This work represents the perfect equilibrium between structural rigour and poetic fluidity. It embodies my belief that Haute Couture is not merely clothing, but a 'miracle' of engineering and emotion. It represents my ideas because it refuses to compromise—it honours the weight of historical inspiration while utilising cutting-edge technique.
3 What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design, and what motivates your creative journey?
My pursuit of fashion design was sparked by a dual passion for cultural history and luxury aesthetics. Having been recognised by the French Fashion Awards, I am motivated by the responsibility of excellence. My creative journey is a continuous exploration of how gastronomy, heritage, and high fashion can converge to create a truly immersive luxury experience.
4 What’s a day in your studio like—chaos, calm, or a bit of both?
A day in my studio is a delicate dance between ordered calm and creative chaos. It begins with the quiet, disciplined focus required for technical sketches and historical research—the 'calm' before the creation. But as the silk is draped and the 'miracle' of the design begins to take shape, a vibrant energy takes over. It is in this high-tension 'chaos' that the most innovative ideas are born, balancing precision with pure artistic instinct.
5 If you had to describe your design philosophy in three words, what would they be?
Narrative, precision, and elegance.
6 What was the “aha” moment when you knew you had to submit your winning designs to the award?
It was the exact second the final drape of the silk aligned with my technical sketch—the moment the 'miracle' became a reality. I looked at the piece and realised it no longer belonged only in my studio; it had a voice that deserved to be heard on the global stage.
7 If fashion had no rules, what’s the boldest design idea you would bring to life?
My boldest rule-breaking idea would be to create a sensory immersion. I dream of a collection where the fabric itself is infused with the 'Legacy of Flavour'—garments that incorporate the textures of high pastry and the aromatic essence of fine wines. It would be a design that you don't just see, but experience with every sense; a true masterpiece of luxury lifestyle.
8 What’s a trend you wish would make a comeback—or disappear forever?
I am championing the comeback of structural grandeur—the architectural silhouettes that define high-fashion mastery. On the other hand, I would like the trend of 'logo-centric' design to disappear. True luxury is found in the texture of the silk and the precision of the stitch, not in the name printed on the fabric.
9 How do you balance artistic freedom with the commercial demands of the fashion industry?
I view the commercial demands of the industry not as a constraint, but as a framework for excellence. True Savoir-Faire lies in the ability to deliver a 'miracle' of design that is also technically impeccable and market-relevant. By focusing on high-fashion artistry, I ensure that my creative freedom remains the primary driver of the brand's value, turning a luxury garment into a timeless investment for the connoisseur.
10 If you could collaborate with any designer or artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would you create?
My choice would be Leonardo da Vinci. I have always seen fashion as a blend of science, history, and art. We would collaborate on a 'Living Sculpture'—a garment that utilises his engineering genius and my Haute Couture techniques to create a dress that moves like a heartbeat. It would be the ultimate expression of my 'Legacy of Flavour,' blending the elite history of the past with the innovation of the future.
11 What does success in fashion mean to you—fame, impact, legacy, or something else entirely?
For me, success is not measured by the fleeting nature of fame, but by the endurance of a legacy. It is the ability to take the 'Made in Macau' spirit and the history of my ancestors and weave them into a global narrative. Success is knowing that my work—like the elite social circles I research—will leave a permanent mark on the cultural fabric of fashion.
12 How do you see fashion evolving over the next decade, and where do you see yourself in that position?
In the coming decade, I see fashion evolving into a seamless blend of hyper-innovation and ancestral heritage. We will see technology like 3D-craftsmanship meeting the traditional 'Savoir-Faire' of Haute Couture. I see myself at the forefront of this movement, acting as a bridge that carries the 'Made in Macau' identity into a digital, global era—proving that luxury can be both high-tech and deeply rooted in history.
13 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self as a designer, or those who are just starting out?
If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, or to those embarking on this path, it would be this: Master the discipline before you chase the 'miracle.' High fashion is built on a foundation of technical rigour and historical understanding. Do not fear the 'hard battles' of bringing a local identity to the global stage; it is through those challenges that your unique voice—your own 'Made in Macau' signature—becomes undeniable.
14 If you could shape your life’s work into a single message to share with the world, what would it be?
My message is that history is not a shadow, but a foundation. In every stitch of Haute Couture and every detail of our cultural heritage, we have the power to bridge the centuries. I want the world to know that when we honour our lineage with modern 'Savoir-Faire,' we create something truly immortal. Success is not just winning an award; it is ensuring that our identity remains vibrant for the generations to follow.
