Portuguese Soul Issue 29

AUTUMN/WINTER 2025

In an increasingly fast-paced world, where mass production and standardisation tend to prevail, there is something profoundly valuable — almost revolutionary — in pausing to appreciate detail, craftsmanship and know-how.

Today, more than 20 billion pairs of footwear are produced worldwide, 90% of them in Asia. It’s not reasonable. And there’s an alternative.

Europe has always been synonymous with quality. From the hands that shape leather with millimetric precision to the trained eyes that detect imperfections invisible to most, European craftsmanship is not merely a cultural heritage: it is a conscious choice — a choice for the future.

Manufacturing in Europe is an investment in sustainable practices and decent working conditions. But above all, it is about preserving a knowledge passed down from generation to generation, often in near silence, but with lasting impact. It is about recognising that a shoe, a piece of clothing or an accessory is not just a product; it’s a story told in every stitch, every cut, every finish.

In fashion, where authenticity is highly prized, savoir-faire has become a mark of distinction. No algorithm can replace the experienced hand of an artisan, no artificial intelligence can replicate the emotion of a piece made with time, care and soul.

Valuing European production is, therefore, an act of resistance and foresight. It means believing that the future of fashion is built with innovation, yes — but also with deep roots. And that true modernity begins with respect for what we do well — and for those who do it better than anyone else.

Portugal is home to one of the most robust fashion clusters in Europe, made up of more than 4,000 companies, accounting for nearly 200,000 jobs. An industry that has stood the test of time, accumulated expertise, invested in cutting-edge technologies, sustainable development and a genuine sense of community.

— Paulo Gonçalves, Editor-in-Chief

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