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Fatima LopesPortuguese fashion designer
Date of Birth: 08.03.1965
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
Biography of Fatima Lopes
Early Life and CareerFatima Lopes was born on March 8, 1965, on the Portuguese island of Madeira. She grew up in the administrative center of Madeira, Funchal, and from a young age, she showed a keen interest in fashion. As a teenager, Fatima began designing and sewing her own clothes because she couldn't find anything she liked in the stores. She also worked as a tour guide in a local travel agency, utilizing her fluency in English, French, and German languages.
In 1990, Fatima moved to Lisbon in hopes of pursuing a career as a fashion designer. She opened her first boutique named "Versos" with a friend, selling clothes from internationally renowned designers. In 1992, the boutique's name changed to "Fatima Lopes," and that same year, the brand "Fatima Lopes" was born. In September of the same year, Fatima participated in a fashion show held at the historic Convento do Beato monastery in Lisbon, where her designs received applause from the audience.
International Success
In 1994, Lopes showcased her collection at the Salon du Prêt-à-Porter Féminin in Paris. Two years later, she opened her first international store on the famous Rue de Grenelle in Paris. Around the same time, Fatima expanded her production and added handbags and footwear to her collections for both women and men. In December 1998, she also became the head of the modeling agency "FACE MODELS" in Lisbon.
In 2000, Fatima Lopes made headlines by appearing on the Paris runway wearing the world's most expensive bikini, made of gold and diamonds. The bikini was valued at around one million dollars. Two years later, the company "Mattel" invited her to design a Barbie doll wearing the same bikini she had worn at the Paris show.
Later Career and Advocacy
In 2003, Fatima opened her first flagship store in the United States, located on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. In 2006, she designed the official uniform for the Portuguese national football team for the World Cup.
Fatima Lopes is known for publicly advocating for the use of natural fur in the fashion industry, which has led to protests from animal rights activists.
