Posted Monday, July 20, 2015
Arthur Mendonça creates clothes that are known for their vibrant feminine energy and elegant, understated style. Luxurious fabrics, striking silhouettes and expert tailoring combine to deliver bold, polished and sexy clothes.
Born in Toronto, Canada and raised in São Miguel, Portugal, Mendonça has always been taken with travel; a practice which continues to inspire his unique and chic seasonable offerings. From the architectural lines of Oscar Niemeyer to the colourful chaos of a Moroccan soukh, Mendonça’s ever-evolving personal passions present themselves in gorgeous garments that are as rich as they are relevant.
After receiving a fashion design degree from Ryerson University and fulfilling apprenticeships at both NYBASED and David Dixon, in 2002 Arthur launched his namesake business at the Toronto Fashion Incubator where he was a TFI Resident until 2005. Toronto-based, the label entered the fashion arena to the enthusiasm of the Canadian press, retailers and consumers alike.
Motivated to acquire similar success across the border, Arthur Mendonça opened Spring 2005 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. Receiving rave reviews from the American media, including extensive accolades from Women’s Wear Daily, Mendonça was poised to commence his grand expansion plan.
The Arthur Mendonça line has since been presented in London, Los Angeles, Montréal, New York, São Paulo and Toronto. The collection hangs in showrooms in both Toronto and New York and has developed a steadfast celebrity following inclusive of Nelly Furtado, Maria Bello, Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, Mary Louise Parker and others.
After his first year in business Arthur Mendonça was honored with an invitation to the SAGA Design Center in Copenhagen from the Fur Council of Canada and SAGA Workshop. He accepted this distinction along side his fellow recipients, Peter Som and Zang Toi. More recently Mendonça made an appearance as the inaugural guest judge on “Project Runway Canada” hosted by Super Model, Iman. Other exceptional industry support has been provided by the likes of Margherita Missoni, Jeanne Beker, Barbara Atkin, LaMont Jones and Bobbie Thomas.
Additional achievements include the Fashion Export Awards: New Designer Award presented by Style Magazine (2004), the Design Exchange Gold Award presented by the National Post (2004), the Women’s Apparel Finalist 2005 Rising Star Award presented by The Fashion Group International (2005) and the COPA Awards: Arts & Culture Award (Celebrating Outstanding Portuguese - Canadian Achievement) presented by The Portuguese - Canadian National Congress (2006).
Arthur Mendonça fashions and features have decorated the glossy pages of Glamour, Marie Claire, InStyle, Elle and others, while broadcast presence has included NBC’s “Today Show”, New York 1, CTV and beyond. Mendonça offerings are available in high-end department stores and specialty boutiques worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.mendonca.ca