What was one of the highlights of this past trip for you?
From our perspective, it was important to showcase both the creative side and the connection to the fashion world, as well as the visits to the companies. The goal was to demonstrate that the Portuguese footwear industry is investing across multiple areas. This year, we participated in all the major international fashion events and supported a range of designers — including emerging talents. Likewise, we’re working with some of the world’s leading fashion schools, such as the London College of Fashion and FIT in New York.
One of the standout moments was visiting some of the factories that are already integrating robotics, automation, and eco-friendly production systems. Seeing first-hand how tradition and innovation are coexisting — with younger generations stepping into family businesses, working side by side with advanced machinery — was incredibly inspiring. It’s a clear sign that the future is already being built, today.
If people could only travel to one spot in Portugal, where would you recommend them to go?
For different reasons, we chose Porto. It’s our home base — a historic city full of tradition. The beauty of the Douro River, a visit to Jardim do Morro, discovering the Casa da Música, Livraria Lello or Serralves, tasting our amazing seafood, and, of course, trying Port wine — these are all musts. But beyond its beauty and culture, Porto is also a business hub: 90% of Portugal’s fashion industry — including leather goods, footwear, jewellery, textiles, and apparel — is located within a 50 km radius of the city.
Porto is tradition, but it’s also one of the best places to do business.
From what I saw, Portugal’s fashion space is one that is fresh, boundless, and creates trends. What is it about these designers that you think makes them stand out amongst the rest?
Portuguese designers have a unique ability to balance heritage with experimentation. They’re deeply rooted in artisanal tradition, yet unafraid to push boundaries in form, material, and sustainability. What sets them apart is their authenticity — they’re not trying to imitate global trends but rather create their own visual language, often inspired by local culture, landscapes, and values. That makes Portuguese fashion genuinely original and globally relevant.