The Designer
The Journey of Dina L. Andersen: From the countryside in Algarve to the fashion hub in Copenhagen
Dina L. Andersen, a Portuguese fashion designer with an unwavering passion for clean lines and sustainability, has made a remarkable journey from a small village in the Algarve to the fashion hubs of Copenhagen. Residing and based in Denmark, Dina's multicultural background infuses her designs with a unique blend of influences, resulting in collections that exude timeless elegance and conscious living.
Growing up in a small village in southern Portugal, Dina was captivated by fashion from a young age. Her early years were spent watching fashion shows on TV, dreaming of one day becoming a fashion creator. Working in a newspaper and magazine store at her first job at the age of 14, she devoured every fashion magazine she could get her hands on, secretly nurturing her creative aspirations.
Raised by her father, Dina's dreams faced many hurdles. Without the means to attend college, she channeled her passion into high school courses in product and industrial design. Unlike her classmates, who focused on product design, Dina would pin her dress designs on the board during "free design" days. Her portfolio grew steadily, and a chance encounter with a manager at LegoWear Store in Vilamoura opened up new possibilities. The manager, a coordinator at a fashion school in Lisbon, offered Dina a place to stay and the chance to attend the course.
Though her father was initially opposed to the idea of his 19-year-old daughter moving to Lisbon alone, Dina's determination never wavered. At 22, she took a bold step and moved to Denmark, enrolling in a fashion academy in Copenhagen. Despite the language barrier, she excelled in her studies, mastering materials, sewing, and illustrating ideas. She graduated with high marks, eager to embark on her fashion career.
After her education, Dina interned with SPON DIOGO, a Portuguese-Danish duo renowned for their contemporary fashion. During her internship, she collaborated with Bella Center to create a new exhibition for emerging designers, debuting her first collection in 2010. This experience opened doors, allowing her to forge valuable contacts and establish a presence in Danish and Swedish stores.
Her collection "Fluidity" was her last major work until 2019. During this hiatus, Dina diversified her talents, working as a designer and marketing assistant in the wellness industry and even pursuing architectural technology. She launched a start-up akin to Farfetch and Miinto and became a proud mother to a cheeky boy.
Undeterred by setbacks, Dina launched a new collection in 2019, only to face the challenges of 2020. Patiently waiting for the fashion industry to regain its momentum, she relaunched her timeless collection "Saudade" in 2024. This collection is an ode to her Portuguese roots, focusing on sustainability and the future of fashion. Today, Dina continues her work as a designer and marketing manager in the wellness industry while developing new styles for her brand.
Dina L. Andersen's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of sustainable fashion. Her story inspires aspiring designers to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.