Maray’s signature red has arrived in Cascais

The shop-window frame, entrance steps, ceiling, counter – which doubles as a display case – and round sofa for trying shoes on and off as many times as necessary are all RAL 3013. Maray’s signature red was already a defining feature of its shops in Campo de Ourique and Alvalade, in Lisbon, and now dominates the Portuguese brand’s new space on Avenida 25 de Abril in Cascais.

The official opening is scheduled for 24 October, the date Maray celebrates its ninth anniversary. Until then, visitors can already browse the new GROUND footwear collection, where heeled ankle boots stand out alongside the charm-adorned flats that made the brand famous. The shelves and displays also feature flat ankle boots, ballet pumps, lace-up shoes, mules and loafers with fringes or pom-poms, as well as accessories including bags, belts, keyrings and charms. 

This winter’s colour palette centres on burgundy, green, brown and black, complemented by asymmetrical cuts, details such as metal studs, cow, tiger and zebra prints, and plenty of mixed textures.

‘Maray was born in Estoril and we always attend the Stylista markets at FIARTIL – we have lots of customers around here,’ Joana Trigueiros tells Time Out at the opening of the new shop. ‘Our goal is to take the brand international, and Cascais also brings us closer to an international audience,’ she continues, before recalling how she went from customer to owner.

‘Six years ago, I realised Maray was going to close and asked the founder whether she wanted to sell it. I kept my job at a multinational for another two years, then decided to dedicate myself to it full-time.’ Although her background is in economics, Joana already knew the footwear industry well: her grandparents owned a shoe shop in Torres Vedras. ‘I was selling shoes before I could read or write!’ she jokes.

Opening more shops is part of the plan, but there is no rush. ‘I believe in working solely with our own resources, which means things take a little longer. I also insist on preserving Portuguese expertise because it really is excellent. I have to be careful about the pace of growth,’ she admits. The priority now is to consolidate the new Cascais shop. After all, this avenue in the town centre is still getting used to Maray’s signature red.

Avenida 25 de Abril, 76, shop D, Cascais. Mon–Sat 10.30am–2.30pm and 3.30pm–7pm

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