“Through the Bioshoes4all project, several footwear brands have teamed up with renowned international designers to develop creative partnerships that we hope will be long-lasting”, said Paulo Gonçalves. “If the Portuguese footwear industry has the accumulated know-how and installed capacity to respond to the demands of international markets, young designers have a fresh and renewed vision of the market”, he pointed out.

This year’s campaign kicked off in Paris with the presentation of Bianca Saunders’ second collection with Valuni, which explores the concept of parallels - a recurring theme in the designer’s work. Entitled ‘Dichotomy’, Saunders explores the interaction between movement and restriction, two opposing forces that create something entirely new when combined. The collection includes classic high-top boots inspired by equestrian styles, fringed loafers revisited from the first collaboration, and square-toed shoes in pastel colours with laces all the way up.

New York International Fashion Week

After the historic Mariano took to the catwalk in September with Presley Oldham, a third-generation jewellery designer, the brand returned to the city that never sleeps with Mexican designer Patricio Campillo.

The ‘Fictions of Reality’ collection is inspired by magical realism and childhood memories. The collection explores the duality between the real and the surreal, the traditional and the modern, the masculine and the feminine.

Campillo collaborated with Portuguese brand Mariano Shoes to create artisan shoes that complement his garments. Details such as floral buttons pay homage to his roots, while the influence of artist Remedios Varo is evident in the structure, texture and volume of the garments. The collection reflects the fusion between Campillo’s contemporary vision and the artisanal heritage of Mariano Shoes.  

Calçado da Penha makes its debuts in New York

Calçado da Penha also walked the catwalk at New York International Fashion Week, in partnership with Daniela Kallmeyer. The designer is known for reinventing everyday items and transforming them into a sophisticated wardrobe for modern and empowered women.

In 2019, she opened her first store at 83 Orchard Street. Daniella aims to empower her customers with her creations, offering garments that celebrate strength and femininity in a balanced way. The brand is known for wardrobe essentials made locally in New York, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability.

Founded in Guimarães in 1967, Calçado Penha specialises in the manufacture of Goodyear-welted shoes “of the highest quality”, according to Armindo Novais. The company stands out for its artisanal production, preference for European raw materials and the use of leather soles insulated with natural cork.

For the company’s CEO, “the debut at New York International Fashion Week is another milestone for the company with more than five decades of experience”. “We really wanted to seize this opportunity, especially because the North American market is so important”. “Calçado da Penha is a historic company that employs more than 100 people and shows that it is possible to produce excellent footwear in Europe at fair prices”, Armindo points out.