Words: Cláudia Pinto
Every day, we come across stories, spaces, places, and people have a greater or lesser impact on us. Some feel somewhat familiar, while others evoke memories, or even move us. There are too many reasons for this, some of which cannot even be explained. We don’t know what to do with all this information.
As we walk around, we realise that thousands of people work daily on projects that, despite their many goals, have one thing in common: promoting Portugal. At Portuguese Soul, we continue to believe that our country is full of talent, and in this new section, we will share with you suggestions, projects, stories, and people who have inspired us. They deserve to reach wherever the magic of the virtual world takes them.
Sapataria do Carmo
@sapatariadocarmo
It is located in the heart of Lisbon. Founded in 1904, Sapataria do Carmo is one of the oldest and most iconic stores of the capital. At the beginning of the century, it was the Lisbon neighbourhood of Carmo that inspired the project’s name. The goal was clear: to offer high-quality, handmade Portuguese shoes crafted by master shoemakers.
The responsible was Paulo da Cruz, “who turned this small store into an icon in the heart of Lisbon”, and his family continued this project for three decades. In 2012, 4 entre-preneurs of the same family found this store and ended up embracing this house — it all began with one ticket. “We are interested”, they wrote in the ticked they put under the door of Sapataria do Carmo, which were already showing signs of abandonment at the time”, the website reads.
A few days later, they closed the deal. 121 years later, Sapataria do Carmo stays true to its purpose: “to highlight the best of Portuguese footwear manufactured with the expertise of Portuguese craftsmen who manufacture it in Northern Portugal”.
LOT
@thefeetingroom
We find Labels of Tomorrow (LOT) at Rua de José Falcão 144. This new space, which opened in downtown Porto in June 2022 under the The Feeting Room label, promises creativity and good taste. Tomorrow’s brands are in charge.
“LOT is a space that aims to provide an exceptional shopping experience”, say the project’s founders in a statement. Tradition and modernity come together in this new space. The original layout of the historic building has been retained, and the remaining 800 m² across two floors appeal to the senses with their modernity and design. There are retail spaces, a restaurant with a terrace, and an art gallery that opens onto a garden which is perfect for summer afternoons.
A-Line, Algori and Cinco Store are just some of the Portuguese brands that can be found here, but that’s not all. LOT also brings together other international brands with growth potential. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at Eleven Lab Concept and discover several artistic projects resulting from the partnership with the Underdogs Gallery. This will be the gallery’s first collection in Invicta city.
CRU
@cru_loja
CRU stands out on Porto’s Rua do Rosário. It is a store where you can taste an otherworldly coffee. The CRU store is an integral part of the CRU Creative Hub, which was established in 2012.
The store features products in categories such as fashion, jewellery, homeware, plants and illustration, to name a few. “In our selection, we privilege high quality, coherence and originality within the Portuguese design scene, as well as the brand’s commitment with sustainability and fair trade. We love and respect the stories behind the products, the brands and the makers, hence our aim is to inspire our clients with all the beautiful and creative things made in Portugal”, the store’s website reads.
