ISMAT Fashion Design students explore the heart of the textile industry and the creative world of Carlos Gil.
Between February 18 and 20, 2026, 3rd-year students of the Bachelor's degree in Fashion and Textile Design and Production at ISMAT swapped their classrooms for the pulse of the textile sector in the Covilhã and Fundão region. Accompanied by professors Liliana Pina, Paulo Martins, Anderson Souza, and Clara Pache, the group experienced the complete fashion cycle, from raw fiber to the catwalks.
Innovation and Technology at Twintex
On the 19th, the delegation was received by the team at Twintex, an essential reference in the sector. During the visit, students explored all sectors of the company, witnessing the most sophisticated aspects of the clothing industry in Portugal. It was a technological immersion that revealed cutting-edge processes and equipment—essential knowledge for the new generation preparing for the job market.
The Art of Weaving at Paulo Oliveira
The morning of the 20th was dedicated to the Paulo Oliveira weaving mill in Fundão, where technical learning gained a practical and engaging dimension. Instead of isolated concepts, students followed the real flow of production: from the initial dyeing of wool and other fibers to the complex manufacturing of yarns. The visit followed the rhythm of the looms, revealing the meticulous work of weaving, and culminated in the critical finishing phase, where the excellence and final touch of the ready-made fabrics are defined.
Carlos Gil: A Lesson in Humility and Ambition
To close the trip on a high note, the group visited the atelier of the prestigious designer Carlos Gil, who is also a member of the ISMAT faculty. Accompanied by his partner, Carla, the designer opened the doors of his store and creative space, sharing the brand's history and introducing his team. One of the highlights was the opportunity to see, firsthand, a preview of some pieces that will be showcased in the next edition of ModaLisboa. More than a technical visit, it was a life lesson. According to Carlos Gil, it is fundamental to believe in dreams, but with the awareness that no work in fashion is done alone. For fashion requires, above all, humility, dedication, and ambition to overcome all the challenges along the way.
An Unforgettable Experience
This trip was a rare opportunity to see theory take shape "in loco." Direct contact with the factory floor and the creative process of a renowned designer leaves an indelible mark on the training of these future professionals, reinforcing ISMAT's commitment to practical teaching and proximity to business reality.
