Words: Cláudia Pinto
Is there a soul behind everything we do? Yes, but is that soul tangible? How can we measure it? It can be materialised! Or is it something that we can only feel as being outside of us?
Rivonti
Rivonti was created by designer Tom Daniel. Born in the Netherlands, he moved to the Portuguese countryside at a young age and developed an interest in artisanship.
At the age of 17, he discovered his passion for leatherworking and was drawn to the idea of creating something lasting, that could be worn, cherished and passed down over time. After graduating in business management, he decided to pursue his passion, which led to the birth of Rivonti.
“Rivonti is built on a simple yet profound philosophy: reviving the essence of craftsmanship and appreciation for life’s finer details. In a world where mass production has stripped away soul, character, and authenticity, Rivonti seeks to bring back artistry, depth, and meaning to its products. Rivonti blends class with edge, refining boldness with elegance, bridging classic luxury and modern daring. At its core, it’s about living fully and fearlessly. Our motto says it all ‘Dare to Be’”.
Helena Mar
Helena Mar was born out of dreams and came to life within the PC Footwear company. “Helena Mar is a Portuguese brand dedicated to creating women’s footwear that reflects youth, sophistication, and subtle luxury. We believe that shoes are much more than just accessories; they celebrate individuality and style”, said Júlia Nunes, Helena Mar’s brand manager.
“We first launched online in December 2024, with just a few styles to test the market, and the feedback was very positive. Now, we’re launching the new Spring/Summer 2025 collection with different styles”. “The only way to understand the product is to wear it”, explains the brand manager. “Helena Mar shoes combine classic, timeless design with superior comfort, because we believe that the basis of elegance is comfort”.
The vision for the future includes opening their own stores, as well as pop-ups in some of the world’s leading fashion capitals. The brand is currently available in the online store and in LOT, in Porto, and The Feeting Room, in Porto and Lisbon.
Claus Porto
Stepping into a Claus store is like embarking on a journey into the world of imagination. Carrying a Claus product means carrying a piece of the national soul that perfumes not only the body, but the mind too.
The brand is over 130 years old and has been part of the Portuguese imagination for decades, producing iconic hand-wrapped soaps. It was founded in Porto in 1887 by two Germans, Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwede, under the original name of Claus & Schweder. During the First World War, it was nationalised and became Claus Porto. It belonged to the Ach Brito family for almost a century, after Achilles de Brito became a partner of Claus & Schweder in 1908 and acquired the brand in 1925.
With more than 100 years of experience in producing soap and other perfumery items, the brand’s strategy is underpinned by quality manufacturing and product aesthetics, making it a leading name in the field.
Bárbara Amaral
Know-how can also be found in the lines of an illustration, born deep down inside and brought to life on a white page. Bárbara Amaral is an illustrator and artist from Porto. Her figurative work is inspired by nature and the diversity of women.
“I’ve been working in illustration for a while now but only exclusively for about two years. I do commission work and collaborate with several shops/galleries in Portugal and Spain. I also participate regularly in art markets and exhibitions”, it can be read on her website.
She organized and curated an illustration show called ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ from 2018 to 2020, to increase visibility of women illustrators living in Portugal. And… she wants to return to this or a similar project in the nearest future.
