Lisbon: Yellow streetcars in the city of the seven hills

You love historical buildings, but at the same time you are looking for an exciting party vacation? Then Lisbon is the right place for you! Not only the Manueline style and the magnificent buildings make the city so special, but also the very special attitude to life of the Portuguese. Not without reason Lisbon is called one of the most beautiful and livable cities in Europe. Learn more about exciting markets, breathtaking views and a unique nightlife.

Here lies Lisbon

The capital of Portugal is located directly on the Atlantic coast in the bay Rio Tejo. Lisbon-Portela Airport is easy to reach from Germany via numerous major cities. You should plan about 3.5 hours for the journey.

A visit to Lisbon is worthwhile at any time of year, as temperatures are always above 10 degrees on average. The high season is from the beginning of May to the end of September. You are already on the plane? Then here are the current weather conditions for you:

Want to enjoy the streets of Lisbon in advance? Go on a digital discovery tour!

Enjoy the view from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of Lisbon’s many viewpoints:

Almost like the real thing!

Traditional culture and tourism meet here. The colorful buildings and characteristic streetcars are particularly impressive:

What to do in Lisbon?

You want to explore the typical sights, but also get involved in Portugal culinary. We have picked out the best tips for your next stay in Portugal, so that your next vacation will be an unforgettable experience.

Places of interest: Viewpoints & Green Spaces

You could spend days exploring Lisbon’s many sights. One highlight though: from the highest point of the city – on the Castelo de São you get a breathtaking view over the whole city. Also famous and infamous: The downtown Baixa, which is characterized by numerous stores, cafes and restaurants. In addition, squares such as the Praça da Figueira and the Rossio invite you to linger and stroll, next to ancient bronze statues.

Culinary Experiences: Markets & Seafood

Lisbon is a true culinary mecca. First a visit to one of the countless, gigantic markets. Here, the time out market Lisaboa is particularly recommended, which with delicious, typical Portuguese dishes. If you feel like more, you can then fill your belly in one of the countless restaurants. Especially popular are dishes with fish and seafood that land directly from the Atlantic Ocean on the plate.

Discover the Time Out Market here already virtually:

Nightlife: Rustic pubs & exclusive clubs

When the sun goes down, people are drawn to the streets. On the one hand, this is reflected in the opening hours of the restaurants, which are usually open after 8 pm, on the other hand, the Mediterranean culture is also reflected in the exciting nightlife of the metropolis. Whether you like rustic pubs in traditional style or you prefer exclusive clubs with electronic beats, Lisbon’s nightlife could hardly be more diverse. In the Docas, you’ll find restaurants and bars as well as chic party venues in the renovated warehouses. The old town of Tejo is known as an absolute party hotspot. Here the locals party both on the street and in the countless small bars.

Beaches: Summer, Sun & Surf

In addition to the incredible cultural richness, Lisbon also has something to offer vacationers who like to take things a little more relaxed. There is no beach directly in the city, but water rats will certainly get their money’s worth in the immediate vicinity. At Praia do Guincho, the rough water conditions make it a true paradise, especially for surfers. If you prefer windsurfing and kitesurfing, you will also find numerous places to go here. If you are looking for a relaxing break, you should head for the two lagoons of Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira. Summer, sun, beach and sea are here as far as the eye can see. So nothing stands in the way of a typical beach vacation.

You can not get enough?

Portugal has so many more beautiful places to offer. In our XXL article you will find out which places you should definitely visit during your next stay.

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Fashion Week Opening – 20.09.

• Milano Moda Graduate 14:00
• CNMI Fashion Hub Opening 16:00
• In Assegnazione 18:00

Diesel, Fendi & Roberto Cavalli – 21.09.

• Antonio Marras 09:30
• Calcaterra 10:30
• Marco Rambaldi 11:30
• Diesel 12:30
• Fendi 14:00
• Del Core 15:00
• AC9 16:00
• Alberta Ferretti 17:00
• N°21 18:00
• Roberto Cavalli 19:00
• Andreadamo 20:00
• Onitsuka Tiger 21:00

Dsquared2, Emporio Armani & Prada – 22.09.

• Max Mara 09:30
• Genny 10:30
• Dsquared2 11:30
• Anteprima 12:30
• Daniela Gregis 13:15
• Prada 14:00
• Mm6 Maison Margiela 15:00
• Act N°1 16:00
• Emporio Armani 17:00
• Alberta Ferretti 18:00
• Blumarine 19:00
• GCDS 20:00
• Boss 21:00

Gucci, Versace & Philipp Plein – 23.09.

• Tod’s 09:30
• Missoni 10:30
• Sportmax 11:30
• Budapest Select 12:30
• Etro 13:30
• Gucci 14:30
• Cormio 16:00
• Sunnei 17:00
• Vivetta 18:00
• Versace 19:00
• Stella Jean/Wami 20:00
• Philipp Plein 21:00
• Vitelli 21:30

Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbane 24.09

• Ports 1961 09:30
• Ermanno Scervino 10:30
• MSGM 11:30
• Jil Sander 12:30
• Salvatore Ferragamo 13:30
• Dolce & Gabbana 14:30
• Trussardi 16:00
• Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini 17:00
• Tokyo James 18:00
• Bally 19:00
• Bottega Veneta 20:00
• Moncler 21:00

Ferrari, Giorgio Armani & Francesca Liberatore – 25.09.

• Han Kjøbenhavn 09:30
• Luisa Beccaria 10:30
• Ferrari 11:30
• Luisa Spagnoli 12:30
• Annakiki 13:15
• Hui 14:00
• Giorgio Armani 15:00
• Fashion in the City 16:00
• Matty Bovan Supported By Dolce & Gabbana 16:00
• Elisabetta Franchi 17:00
• Aniye Records 18:00
• Francesca Liberatore 19:00

Summer 2022 Graduation – 26.09.

• Tíscar Espadas 10:00
• Sindiso Khumalo 10:30
• Mmusomaxwell 11:00
• Byblos 11:30
• Laura Biagiotti 12:00

Milan Fashion Week: Versace, Fendi and Co.

Couture and also prêt- à- porter labels such as Versace, Fendi, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana show their latest collections here, which this year are characterized by large-scale prints and lots of glamor. New patterns and shapes dominate the catwalks, calling back to real life after the Corona pandemic. Italian fashion has a long history, the spirit of which Fashion Week revives every year. If Italian fashion excites you and you also want to know what trends are set at Fashion Week in Tokyo or Paris, you can find our Fashion Week XXL Guide here.

Versace: Supermodels as the star of the show

Bright colors and the famous Versace pattern in gold – The new collection of Donatella Versace inspires with cheerful colors and airy cuts. The head designer of Versace knows how to get people’s attention. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski walked the runway, while singer Dua Lipa herself got to close the show in a pink glitter ensemble. The new trademark Donatellas, the triangular headscarves as already seen in the last fall / winter collection, may of course not be missing!

Fendi: fur jackets and large patterns

Kim Jones has convinced again this time. The head designer of the men’s collection of Dior and the women’s collection of Fendi set this time on classic chic and created a new look full of elegance and power for the modern woman. He was inspired by the illustrations of artist Antonio López, who had already served as a source of inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld. Pastel colors and off-white, translated into airy dresses and strictly cut suits. See the new look for yourself here!

FENDACE: Collaboration of the giants

The highlight of Fashion Week in Milan was without a doubt the collaboration between the labels Fendi and Versace. Kim Jones and Donatella Versace have united to create a completely new and simply stunning look. The collection is presented by numerous familiar faces and is a declaration of love for fashion and the joy of dressing. Fendi logo prints on classic pieces from the Versace collections create a new overall look that is definitely streetwear ready.

Alberta Ferretti: The sign of rebirth

Inspired by butterflies, this year the Italian label shows delicate tulle dresses paired with macramé elements and iridescent patterns. Long fringes and perforated embroidery echo the texture and freedom of the butterfly. In reference to the Corona Pandemic, one understands why the designer chose the butterfly as the symbol of the new collection. It represents rebirth and return. The return to normal life has definitely succeeded here with Life Audience.

Jil Sander: changes and emotions

The Spring 2022 collection is a big step for designer duo Lucie and Luke Meier. The couple has always focused on tailoring and straight silhouettes in their collections. This year, for the first time, emotions play an extremely important role for them. This is especially visible in the love for details and finishes, but also the color palette has changed a lot from black to pastel. Get yourself a picture of the new Jil Sanders here!

Etro: The clothes of the hippie festivals

With this collection Veronika Etro remembers her wild teenage years at hippie festivals of the 70s. The label’s signature paisley pattern fully serves its purpose here, creating looks that call out to the wild and free side of life. Screaming colors like red, pink and turquoise remind us of the psychedelic trip of mushrooms or drugs. The whole thing is broken by the interplay of masculine and feminine cuts.

Prada: Simultaneous show in Milan and Shanghai

The second collection of the designer union between Muiccia Prada and Raf Simmons is once again a complete success. The collection was presented simultaneously in Milan and Shanghai. “Seduction, Stripped Down” is the original title of the collection. What is meant by this? To question the new body image of youth and to examine historical pieces for what they mean today in terms of seduction and sensuality. Bras and corsets are presented in this collection in unusual ways, such as sewn into pieces that are actually considered “unsexy,” like wool sweaters.

Dolce & Gabbana: Generation Z Collection

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in this collection take up the spirit of youth – the 2000s. Not only on the internet, but also on the runways, the phenomenon of this rather questionable fashion period can be found. However, since the 2000s were the heyday of the label, it makes sense why the designers fall back on it. The result is a Generation Z collection that is on par with social media culture. You’re guaranteed to be a looker in these outfits!

Fashion Weeks Worldwide: Fashion on the catwalks of the world

Do you already know? Fashion Week New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, London & Berlin? Designers, shows and fairs, read more about the individual Fashion Weeks worldwide here:

• Fashion Week XXL

Even more fashion – Here you get to our fashion brand XXL

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Balenciaga: Stylish prête-à-porter fashion and exceptional fragrances

The famous label was made big by the Spaniard Cristobal Balenciaga. He revolutionized fashion, trends and cuts in his own unique way. With his modern approach to fashion design he even convinced the then leading designer of the European fashion world – Christian Dior, who himself became world famous with new, unusual silhouettes.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about the latest styles and trends the label is setting.

From fishing village to metropolis

The world-famous Parisian company Balenciaga is actually a Spanish label. In 1917, the founder opened his first salon for high-priced women’s fashion in Madrid and Barcelona. At that time the name of the label was still “Balenciaga y Compañia”, which quickly dissolved due to disputes between the partners and re-established itself in 1924 under the name Cristóbal Balenciaga.

With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the company emigrated to Paris and presented skin couture fashion for the first time. Opened in 1938, the salon at 10, Avenue George V is still the most famous Balenciaga flagship store.

In a very short time, the Spanish-born designer and his French-Polish life partner made their breakthrough by offering their fashion for sale in the leading British and American department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods or Bloomingdales. (possibly internal links?)

Haute couture: Balenciaga as a trendsetter

Luxurious materials, high quality workmanship and individually tailored fashion creations in the top price segment: these were the advantages with which the fashion of Balenciaga scored in the years between 1940 and 1960. As a pioneering trendsetter, Cristóbal Balenciaga created innovative designs for women, which also convinced prominent customers such as Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Ava Gardner and Ginger Rodgers and not without reason earned him the rank of “King of Haute Couture”.

Pompous gowns and elegant bolero jackets inspired by the Parisian chic of the time, combined with influences on the flamenco, characterize this time. But also more modern pieces, such as the so-called “shirt” dress stand for this era.

At this time, Balenciaga works closely with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy and presents his fashion on the New York catwalks, among others.

Silhouettes that stand the test of time – Video

Other well-known fashion designers such as Emanuel Unagaro and Oscar de la Renta also benefit from the label’s innovative and creative designs.

See for yourself and discover the unique art of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s haute couture:

Share: Balenciaga on the stock exchange?!

The stock market is also becoming more and more interesting for fashion victims, because many of the big traditional houses can now be found on the stock market. Overall, the textile industry is no stranger to bankers and analysts. Balenciaga can be found together with Gucci, Bottega Venetta and Saint Laurent under the umbrella of the French Kering Group. In the luxury brand segment, Kering, together with LVMH, is the place to go on the stock exchange for all fans of luxury brands. Current stock prices can be found on various websites.

Nicolas Ghesquière: From second choice to number one

Actually, Ghesquière was not intended for the position as creative director of the prestigious fashion house, but the attempts of the management to win Helmut Lang as head designer failed. So in the end it was decided to give the Frenchman, who until then had been rather inexperienced as head designer of a major fashion house, a chance.

No one at Balenciaga should have regretted this decision, because Ghesquière managed to interpret the designs of the old master Balenciaga in a modern, fresh way and thus breathe new life into the dusty reputation. Only after 15 successful years did the label and the designer part ways.

SS 2013: Ghesquière’s farewell collection – Video

See the designer’s latest collection here, which already gives an idea of the label’s future, as Wang also opted for a simple, very clear line, while Ghesquière was also very fond of colour in his previous collections.

Alexander Wang: Straightforwardness with short duration

In 2012 Alexander Wang became head designer and presented his first collection for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week in February 2013. However, Wang’s time at Balenciaga was short-lived and he and the label parted ways so that Wang could fully focus on developing his own label.

FW 2013: Clear line in clothes and shoes – Video

Really not a big fan of many colors and patterns is the ‘inventor’ of the model off-duty look Alexander Wang. Neutral tones dominate his creations, but what makes the clothes so special are the casual street style elements that break up the elegance of the pieces and add an edgy touch. Especially rivets, safety pins, but also rhinestones are not long in Wang’s creations, see for yourself:

Demna Gvasalia: Streetwear for a breath of fresh air

After Alexander Wang’s early departure in 2015, Demna Gvasalia took the helm of the French label, making the first collection under his leadership for fall and winter 2016. The fashion designer is the founder of the brand ‘Vetements’ (French for ‘clothing’), which since 2014 has been producing just that: Clothes. Because Gvasalia wants to see this in fashion – wearable clothes that are there for you in everyday life.

The brand got special attention when he presented the clothes of his brand in a famous Parisian sex club. The unusual environments for his fashion continued, for example, in an Asian restaurant. After the Ghesquière era, Gvasalia obviously brought the breath of fresh air that the brand had hoped for, because Gvasalia came to stay. To this day, the Georgian is at the helm of the brand and plans to return to haute couture in the coming collections after the excursion into more everyday fashion, which was also seen at brands like Céline.

Gucci x Balenciaga: two giants unite? – Video

About a year before Gvasalia became creative head of Balenciaga, Gucci also got new leadership under Alessandro Michele. Both designers were able to breathe fresh air into the sails of the traditional houses left to them. Not least seen in the success of Balenciaga’s ‘Sock Sneakers’, which shook the world of sneaker heads and were snatched right out of Balenciaga’s hands.

For the fall 2021 collection of the Italian fashion label Alessandro Michele was inspired by Demna Gvasalia’s designs for Balenciaga in an unprecedented way and caused a huge uproar in the fashion world, because a collaboration of this caliber has not seen the fashion world until this point. You can’t talk about a collaboration here, but in fact the eccentric Italian was inspired by past collections of Balenciaga and Demna Gvasalia. You can see the result here:

Exceptional perfumes and leather goods

Normally handbags, perfumes and small leather goods often form the backbone of big traditional houses. The best example of this ‘rule’ are brands like Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and especially Hermès. Bag styles such as the Lady Dior, the Chanel 2.55 or Boy Bag, Louis Vuitton Speedy and Alma, and the Hermès Birkin make up a large part of these brands’ sales. Also perfumes like Dior Poison or Chanel No. 5 are the small, less expensive options that luxury brands offer even to those who do not have the spare change for one of the handbags for often over 1,000 €.

It’s all the more surprising, then, that Balenciaga hasn’t embraced leather goods and fragrances in the same way as other brands. Although in recent years the small ‘baguette’ handbags in the style of the early 2000s, often called Y2K, have been spotted under the arms of models and other street style enthusiasts, Balenciaga cannot boast a cult model, which is also due to the label’s origins in evening gowns and haute couture.

Noble, floral fragrances with that special something – Video

Also surprising to some may be that Balenciaga offers perfumes. Balenciaga Paris is a fresh floral fragrance with a robust, slightly woody-leathery note that wraps you in an elegant veil of scent. This video gives you a little insight into the world of the fragrance:

Prête-à-porter: late entry into T-shirts, sweaters and more

Cristobal Balenciaga was a couturier extraordinaire, specializing his outlandish ideas mainly in evening wear and stunning gowns that women all over the world craved. It wasn’t until 1997 that the fashion house made the move to ready-to-wear fashion, which still makes up the majority of its collections today. Especially with the current head designer Demna Gvasalia the position in streetwear has manifested itself more and more.

Hoodies, T-shirts and sneakers by Balenciaga convince the masses and bring the luxury label on everyone’s lips. But above all, the shoes are an absolute must-have. Balenciaga without streetwear and streetwear without Balenciaga? Unthinkable! So it is all the more surprising that the luxury brand’s prête-à-porter range has not been available for all that long. It was only in 2002 that Nicolas Ghesquière introduced everyday clothing for men and women under the label.

T-Shirts: Statement shirts and inspirations from world events

Ready-to-wear is exactly what Demna Gvasalia does best. The Georgian has already been inspired by everyday life for his own label Vetements. At Balenciaga he continues to rely on these ideas. Whether from political campaigns or simply the T-shirts from souvenir shops: Nothing is safe from being included in a new interpretation in the label’s collection. This can be seen, for example, in the following models:

• Sacré Cœur XL T-Shirt
• Political Campaign Large Fit T-Shirt
• Fashion Week Flatground T-Shirt

Statement shirts are just your thing? Then check out our shirt shop, packed with cool t-shirt designs for every taste!

Current shoe trends: Balenciaga Triple S

The Balenciaga Triple S is the trend sneaker right now. See for yourself and see how you can skillfully stage your trendy Triple S sneakers and combine them with your outfit.

Fashion Show Summer 2020

Want to see more from Balenciaga? Here you can find a video of the fashion show summer 2020.

Show Case 21

Take a look for yourself and find the absolute IT-pieces of the 2021 collection.