Retail
Burel, Chiado
When looking for articles to decorate their hotel in Portugal’s Serra da Estrela, João Tomás and Isabel Costa stumbled upon a nearly bankrupt 19th-century factory manufacturing a rustic, felted wool typical of the region. They decided to revive the production processes of the ancient business and today, Burel’s artisans craft elegant shawls, cushions, bedspreads and clothes. Burel also occasionally collaborates with regional and international designers.
A Vida Portuguesa, Rua Nova do Almada 72
Over more than a decade, A Vida Portuguesa has been the unofficial embassy of Portuguese craftsmanship. Featuring a wide selection of artfully packaged artisanal products from up and down the country, including everything from port, preserves and soap to stationery, kitchenware and shoes, A Vida Portuguesa is unrivalled for souvenir-hunting and personal treats. The shop’s founder and former journalist, Catarina Portas, has four shops in the city, including Depozito, another space focused on juxtaposing the country’s traditional crafts with the work of newer designers.
Isto, Príncipe Real
Portuguese retailer Isto focuses on everyday attire done well. Stocking everything from casual blazers and chinos to a wide range of T-shirts in organic, natural and recycled materials, Isto has become a pioneer in sustainable shopping in Portugal.
Homecore, São Bento
Parisian label Homecore enjoys a longtime connection with Portugal: this is where the brand’s clothes have been manufactured since its launching in the 1990s. In 2021, Homecore opened its first outpost in the Portuguese capital, stocking casual, well-tailored apparel, as well as accessories from like-minded brands in a slick, light-filled space.
Odile Collective, São Bento
Odile Collective’s pieces focus on relaxed elegance. Think flowing summer dresses with patterns inspired by Portuguese tiles or delicately hand-woven reed bags perfect for beach escapes. Each item is handcrafted in Portugal, allowing for collaboration with local artisans.
Luvaria Ulisses, Chiado
Diminutive spaces, such as this traditional glove shop, show that charm is still king on the shopping streets of Lisbon. When city council executive Joaquim Rodrigues Simões decided to convert his small office in Chiado into a shop in 1925, he thought that tailored gloves would be the perfect fit. The shop sells sought-after hand-wear from Portugal and Italy, and is renowned for its bespoke service. There are a variety of classic and modern styles for men and women, with cashmere lining, colourful buttons and contrast stitching as options.
La Paz, Cais do Sodré
Porto seaside brand La Paz took inspiration from the city’s native fishermen for its breezy and playful menswear. Founded in 2011 by André Bastos Teixeira and José Miguel de Abreu, La Paz focuses on comfortable clothing with a nautical nod: think spongy jumpers and slouchy trousers.
Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro, Chiado
Ceramics are deeply woven into Portugal’s identity. While many contemporary artists are reinventing the craft, no visit to Lisbon is complete without admiring two of its most traditional ceramicists. Founded more than 200 years ago, Vista Alegre was Portugal’s royal supplier and continues to be the go-to destination for exquisite porcelain. Its timeless tableware remains a hallmark but the brand has also collaborated with designers such as Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta and Álvaro Siza Vieira on special collections. Upstairs is another of Portugal’s most prestigious ceramic houses, Bordallo Pinheiro, which has been crafting decorative tableware since 1884. Known for its whimsical, nature-inspired designs, including lettuce-shaped bowls and fruit-laden platters, its vibrant creations have brought colour and character to Portuguese tables for generations.
Livraria da Travessa, Príncipe Real
Lisbon might be home to some of the oldest bookshops in the world but its print culture is far from outdated. In 2019, Travessa made the leap from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, bringing a selection of Brazilian and international authors to the Portuguese capital. The sunlit space is an inviting space to browse and Travessa’s collection of art, design and architecture coffee-table books are especially impressive.
