Words: Cláudia Pinto
Can we feel nostalgia in advance? Can we miss something while we are still living it, knowing it will never happen again in quite the same way, in the same context, under this sun, in this rain?
This edition of Choices with Soul comes from within. From a place that seeks to bring to the table people, projects and dreams capable of conquering the world. Some are already well underway, others are only just beginning, but all emerge from a beautiful place of love — a place that is also rooted in an understanding of what was, what is, and what is yet to come.
Olivia Pinho Cerâmica
“Clay entered my life not as an ornament, but as a question.”
After a career devoted to science and academia, Olivia Pinho found in ceramics a new territory for creation, experimentation, and discovery. A Full Professor at the Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences of the University of Porto for most of her professional life, it was after retirement that she transformed her creative impulse into an ongoing artistic practice, embarking on a journey shaped by sensitivity to materials and a close observation of nature.
With a background deeply grounded in scientific rigour, Olivia approaches clay as if investigating a living organism. Her work emerges from the relationship between control and unpredictability, structure and transformation, exploring the limits of fire, time, and matter itself. Accustomed to seeking explanations, studying structures and understanding invisible processes, she brings this analytical perspective into a practice where error, chance, and surprise are equally welcome.
Nature is a constant presence and an essential source of inspiration. Her pieces reveal organic forms, mineral textures and surfaces that evoke natural landscapes and microscopic structures, creating a visual language that is both delicate and experimental. Olivia works with techniques such as Raku Nū and Saggar firing, where fire, oxides, and glazes introduce unexpected variations, reinforcing the sense of discovery that defines her work.
Filipa Martins
“In my end is my beginning” is the latest work by Portuguese writer Filipa Martins. Following her biographical portrait of Natália Correia, The Duty to Astonish, the author now turns her attention to the role of women in Portuguese society before, during and after the April 25 Revolution.
“When memory fails, literature becomes testimony.”
At the centre of the novel is Isabel, a nurse caring for her mother in the final stages of life, marked by dementia. Through this mother-daughter relationship, the story revisits several generations of women who lived under the Estado Novo regime, revealing how politics was present not only in institutions, but also within the home, in gestures, silences and relationships.
“Intimacy and politics breathe through the same wounds.”
With a dense, ironic and deeply embodied style, the novel questions what remains when identity fragments, when belonging becomes unstable and when loving someone means learning how to endure.
Hélder Guimarães
Magic can awaken nostalgia, perhaps because it makes us want to return to that place of mystery that always reminds us of childhood. Hélder Guimarães is a perfect example of this.
Born in Porto, Hélder’s work exists at the intersection of magic, theatre, psychology, and storytelling. His practice moves between stage, studio and intimate settings, guided by a simple principle: always protect the mystery, never rush it.
At the age of 23, he became the youngest World Champion of Card Magic and remains the only Portuguese magician to have achieved this distinction. Since then, he has performed around the world and has been described by The New York Times as a “Master of Illusions”.
Alongside immersive experiences, theatre productions and creative consultancy projects, Hélder famously trained Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett for their roles in Ocean’s 8.
Now, you can take part in an exclusive experience at his studio in Porto, reserved for just 22 guests.
“Time for Magic is opening its doors to the public with an inaugural performance by Helder Guimarães in our newly renovated space in downtown Porto. It is an opportunity to visit the working studio of one of the world’s finest sleight-of-hand magicians and sit at the table with him while he performs just inches away from you. A rare chance to experience contemporary magic up close in a unique setting, surrounded by one-of-a-kind artefacts.”
Ownever
Creating a handbag that would never go out of style was the dream of Eliana Barros, aged 29.
“I wanted to make a difference in a world driven by excessive consumption without contributing to the fast-fashion industry. We are at a turning point in history that will shape future generations. We must learn to choose better and understand that less truly is more.”
This vision gave birth to Ownever, with a distinctive promise: a lifetime warranty — or, more precisely, a 136-year guarantee.
Inspired by the French lifestyle and icons such as Françoise Hardy and Emmanuelle Alt, the brand seeks to stand apart through fair pricing, reflecting not only the quality of its materials but also the craftsmanship behind every piece.
“Beyond using sustainable materials, I believe it is essential to ensure that workers, the planet and people are all taken into consideration when creating a product.”
Alameda Turquesa
Moving effortlessly between Paris and Hollywood, Alameda Turquesa has become an ambassador for Portugal beyond its borders. A luxury brand with a global language, it maintains its authenticity while elevating Portuguese design to new heights.
Founded by Ana Santos and Carolina Santos, the brand has built a strong international presence and can now be found in luxury retailers across multiple markets, from the United States to the Gulf region.
Its creations have been worn by international figures such as Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Cindy Crawford and Kylie Jenner.
Most recently, the brand’s handbags appeared in the new instalment of The Devil Wears Prada, one of fashion’s most enduring cultural references.
