http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81OxmAa1EA
Nuno Velez Durão was born in Lisbon in 1974 and until he was 10 years old lived in Campo Maior. After moving to Lisbon, he went to the António Arroio School of Visual Arts, where he learned goldsmithing, which he practiced for 2 years. Later, he went on to get his degree in Fashion Design from the Technical University of Lisbon.
After a decade working in the fashion industry, now is the moment to put in practice all his knowledge and expertise and present, for the first time, NUNO VELEZ through his Autumn-Spring 2013-14 collection, inspired and dedicated to the modern woman - active, elegante, contemporary and conscious of the changes our day and age requires.
He answered a few questions for us:
- Secret location?
For me the top spot of the moment is the Sushi at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. I found out about it a few days ago thanks to a dear friend and I have absolutely surrendered to its pleasures. The "original Sushi", no fusions and the flavours are authentic. In Sintra, we can taste the best Gins with Penha Longa's Gin Bar. The best pizza can be found at Mezzogiorno, in Chiado.
- Best view?
Without a doubt Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon's rooftop running track, to do some exercise or just hang out, the top of Cristo Rei for a panoramic view of Lisbon from the outside, or restaurante Zambeze's terrace downtown.
- A guilty pleasure?
I love candy! I'm one to make a dessert for myself and eat it all while watching a movie by the fireplace. If it has Dulce de Leche, even better.
- A weird talent?
Not so much a weird talent but a constant curiosity in finding our how things are made, and this makes me want to learn. for instance, knowing how to make a shoe by hand, how to change the oil in my car or do an electric instalation at home.
- Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
You can find me beachside at Cabo da Roca or Praia do Infante, recharging my batteries or playing volleyball.
- Favorite drink in the city? Coolest place to have a drink.
If I had to choose, I'd go to have a gin with saffron at a calm esplanade by the river.
- What can you do here in Lisbon & nowhere else?
Lisbon is the city where I can walk around, where I can relax, where the light hypnotizes us and makes us want to get lost in its historical streets.
- Favorite exhibition/book/band/movie?
Exhibition: Balenciaga Museum in Spain, and the Stanleu Kubrick exhibit in MIS in São Paulo.
Book: Ensaio sobre a cegueira by José Saramago.
Film: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Band: David Bowie, Blur, Madonna and Depeche Mode.
- Something you cannot resist?
Intelligence, beauty, charm, humor and irony.
- Who would you most like to dress - alive or dead?
Betty Davis or Sofia Loren.
- How do your Portuguese roots reflect in your work?
I always like to include my roots in my work. Be it in the materials I use, techniques or cultural references. I try to seek local producers and develop dynamics that serve tradition and contemporaneity.