Bags of style

THE TRADITION OF HANDBAG CRAFTSMANSHIP IN PORTUGAL DATES BACK CENTURIES. ARTISANS HAVE BEEN PERFECTING THEIR SKILLS IN LEATHERWORK AND TEXTILES FOR GENERATIONS, CREATING A LEGACY OF EXPERTISE

Words: PIPPA O'KEEFE

POLISHED PROFESSIONALISM and a sense of adventurous style are not only evident in the quality of Portuguese bags but also in their unique designs that often incorporate elements of the country’s rich cultural history. Much like craftsmanship, cultural values and superstitions have been passed down through the decades – one Portuguese folk belief to note is that if you place your bag on the floor you’ll lose your money. “Pôr a mala no chão quer dizer perder dinheiro.” Portuguese artisans take pride in using the finest materials available, whether it’s buttery soft leather, durable cork, or intricately woven textiles. This season, when it comes to selecting the latest looks, it’s a real mixed bag…

1. ROSA DINIZ R.

R. is a studio-based Portuguese brand that proudly produces leather accessories. Founder Rosa Diniz was born in Lisbon and has resided in the world of art, culture and education. Her personal brand designs totally bespoke handbags, using a wide range of leathers and are crafted only by hand –no machinery of any sort is used. Waste not want not – no two designs will ever look the same and R. operates a without-waste ethos. Everything carrying Rosa’s name – see the bag on our front cover – is a triumph of design and workmanship. Multi-pocket Weekender, €4,000 rosadinizatelier.com

João Baptista, with the little money he had in his pocket, bought a board of wood to build the bicycle of his dreams. The process was slow and complicated, but he never gave up – he had the ability to envision the full potential of his creation. MUD evolved not only as a brand, but as a lifestyle, and a sustainable one, committed to the environment.

Now a family business, handbags of wood and leather are part of the offering, alongside those famous wooden bikes. Materials are from sustainable sources; the colour choice is spot on.

Handbag with removeable strap, €129.90 mudstore.pt

These are the bags you’ve bin waiting for… Garbags is a trailblazer in a new wave of sustainable fashion. Understanding that only 20% of the waste produced in Portugal is recycled and the fact that attractive and durable packaging used for daily products ends up in a landfill was the starting point – or wakeup call – for this forward-thinking company to turn materials that were originally used to hold coffee, pet food, milk, crips and others into a series of products individually cut and handmade to make a statement.

Urban publicity banner backpack, €130 garbags.com

Founded by female powerhouse Esperança Vitória, these Portuguese Reed basket bags are a homage to her mother and grandmother. They are the perfect harmony between the traditional art of weaving and modernity. This particular basket is a tribute to Esperança’s great-grandmother, a force of nature who raised nine children and worked all her life without ever losing her smile.

Mariana Basket, €188 victoria-handmade.com/

Leather Goods by Belcinto is a sustainable ‘show fashion’ brand born in S. João da Madeira, in the north of Portugal, with a mission statement to ensure that their products sustain consistency in their quality, durability and soul.

Their products use only surplus materials from collections produced at Belcinto, without generating new ‘leftovers’ in the process. Each piece is made on demand, in order to avoid mass production and all the environmental impact that this entails.

Leopoldo Bag, €180 belcinto.com

Founded in 1977 by five brothers, Elenco is a premium brand when it comes to handbags and purses. Produced in Portugal with 100% natural leather, Elenco bags stand out for their handcrafted quality and perfect display of details. With each collection they reinterpret the vintage, resulting in versatile pieces with a unique character.

Style 6753, €156 elenco.com.pt/

My Cute Pooch is a practical, versatile and fun women’s bags brand. The designs are made from 100% recyclable materials and they have certified approval by PETA as being vegan. This playful signature Pooch bag is synonymous with the brand’s ethos which is to encourage women to look and feel individual – elements can be changed on order. Cute is the perfect adjective. The Pooch Template, €139 mypoochbags.com