So, you keep seeing these ads or scrolling past pictures of guys wearing these incredibly soft, deep velvet jackets and you wonder, who is Nuno Mendes? Honestly, I think he’s one of the few designers right now who actually understands what modern men want. And this is where things get interesting.
He isn’t shouting about it; he’s whispering it.
He blends that strict Portuguese tailoring heritage with this really cool, relaxed London vibe.
It’s not just clothes; it’s a lifestyle, mostly because the stuff looks like it belongs inside a high-end boutique hotel.
It’s fascinating to see how he shifted from just designing for himself to becoming a staple in places like Dover Street Market and Dover Street Market London.
From what I’ve seen, his secret sauce is usually the fabric.
He uses these heavy velvets and sustainable materials that feel really expensive but aren’t stiff like old-school suits.
You put it on, and you just want to stand still.
That’s the brand, really.
Quiet luxury.
The Lisbon Roots and Portuguese Tailoring
Most people think he’s a London boy through and through because he studied at Central Saint Martins and worked with Joseph.
But he was born in Lisbon, and the Portuguese influence is huge.
It’s not just a trend for him; it’s his background.
I feel like he captures that specific Portuguese melancholy but turns it into something wearable.
The tailoring is sharp, but the cut is relaxed.
There’s this concept of ‘Portuguese tailoring’ that is gaining traction, and Nuno is basically the poster child for it.
If you look at the history, Portugal has always had great shoemakers and textile workers, but the fashion industry was quiet.
Now, with designers like Nuno and Jorge Leal, that’s changing.
His early collections really highlighted this, using local fabrics and a very restrained color palette.
It makes you think about where your clothes come from, which is something a lot of people overlook when they are just looking for a black t-shirt.
Signature Pieces and The Velvet Obsession
But there’s a catch.
Okay, let’s talk about the velvet.
Why is everyone obsessed with it? Because Nuno Mendes figured out that velvet doesn’t have to be for ballrooms or old grandpas in tweed jackets.
He styles these velvets with simple cotton shirts or even sweatshirts sometimes, which creates this texture clash that looks amazing.
It gives off that ‘I woke up like this’ vibe, but expensive.
- The Knitwear: His cashmere knits are basically a staple for the minimalist wardrobe.
They’re usually oversized or boxy, which is great for layering.
- The Suits: He does these structured jackets that don’t have a tie.
You can wear them with jeans. Now think about that for a second.
It’s the smart-casual flex that everyone is trying to pull off but usually fails at.
- The Shoes: Usually seen with low-profile loafers or boots that match the shoes you bought at .
Sustainability Without the Preachy Tone
This is where I think Nuno really stands out.
He doesn’t sell ‘sustainability’ as a buzzword.
He just does it. Here’s the interesting part.
He uses natural, often locally sourced fabrics that biodegrade. Now think about that for a second.
In the current landscape, where fast fashion is killing the industry, this is huge.
You know you are buying quality when you pick up a Nuno Mendes piece, and that longevity is the true form of sustainability.
You’re not buying a shirt to wear once and throw away.
Most people overlook the fact that ethical fashion can still be sexy.
Nuno Mendes proves that you can save the planet and look incredibly sharp doing it. But there’s a catch.
It’s that kind of subtle engineering that keeps me interested in his work. But there’s a catch.
It’s not just art; it’s functional fashion.
How to Style the Nuno Mendes Look
If you want to get that Nuno Mendes vibe without spending a fortune, it’s about texture and fit.
He likes monochromatic looks.
Think charcoal, navy, or deep burgundy.
You can start by adding one piece—maybe that velvet jacket I mentioned—and mixing it with plain basics.
Don’t overdo it with accessories.
The outfit should do the talking.
I personally think his stuff works best when it’s a bit lived-in.
You shouldn’t be afraid to wear your Nuno pieces until they fall apart.
That’s the mentality.
It’s durable, it’s stylish, and it fits perfectly into a capsule wardrobe. Oddly enough,
Honestly, if you build a wardrobe around his pieces, you might not need to buy anything else for a long time.
Price Point and Where to Shop
Let’s be real for a second.
Nuno Mendes isn’t Zara.
The price point is definitely on the higher end.
You are paying for the craftsmanship and the fabric.
If you are looking to build a collection, start with one or two key items and invest in those.
You can usually find some of his archive pieces or new arrivals at or , which is better than just buying cheap fast fashion that falls apart.
It’s about value, not just cost.
You get what you pay for.
And when you wear his clothes, you feel different.
It’s that confidence boost that comes from wearing something well-made.
That’s why I think his brand is going to stick around for a while.
He’s building a community, not just selling clothes.
Looking to expand your minimalist collection? I’ve found that checking out curated luxury resale sites is a great way to get his signature pieces without the initial markup.
You can often find his velvets and knits at for a bit less, and it’s better for the environment anyway.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the interesting part.
At the end of the day, Nuno Mendes represents a shift towards more thoughtful dressing.
It’s not about following every trend that Instagram throws at you.
It’s about finding pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident.
His ability to mix the old-world tailoring of Portugal with modern, street-style influences is what makes him special.
So, if you see a velvet jacket you like, just buy it.
You won’t regret it.
Anyway, that’s my take on the whole Nuno Mendes phenomenon.
It’s stylish, sustainable, and honestly, pretty comfortable to wear.
Image source: pexels.com
Here’s the interesting part.
Image source credit: pexels.com
