After a one-time London show last season, Marta Marques and Paolo Almeida returned to their native Portugal for fall. But don’t be fooled by the runway footage—this “show” in a sunlit vineyard had no audience. The Portuguese tourism board invited the designers to showcase a collection locally, and the creative pair turned their lookbook into a stylish ad for a Portuguese escape.

The Marques’Almeida collection appeared more refined than usual on the makeshift runway. “It’s not traditionally elegant,” Almeida explained from his studio before heading off for a summer break, “but it’s a bit more grown-up. We were so young when we started!”

True to his words, their new elegance wasn’t overly formal. The outdoor setting—surrounded by nature and grass—inspired practical footwear choices. Few designers can pull off a modern peplum these days (one that doesn’t feel dated), but here they were everywhere. Evening silhouettes and luxurious fabrics mixed with grungy acid-wash denim or relaxed, effortless shapes (including some standout pajama-style sets). The brand’s original spirit remains, even as the designers have evolved.

“We included pieces we wouldn’t have considered early on,” Almeida said, referencing the lineup’s long, embellished dresses and playful flared skirts. Maturity suits them—who wouldn’t want to tag along wherever those bold drapes and voluminous blouses go this fall?