The best shops in Lisbon

Here, all collections are designed and structured for a mix and match and, therefore, take some time to come to life. You will find simple design pieces, with bold and trendy details. The brand’s mission, we are told, is to create versatile clothing that goes from day to night, or from office to casual, in an instant. Isn’t that wonderful?

All eyes are on them – elegantly hung on rails, none the same as the next and fabric is imported straight from India. We’re talking about shirts, the stars of Otherwise. The brand moved to Campo de Ourique in May 2019 and another two branches opened in Príncipe Real (Rua da Alegria 134 A) and São Bento (Rua de São Bento 40). The shirts come in three different styles: long-sleeve, basic short- sleeve and revere-collar short-sleeve. As for the materials, you can choose from a selection of organic and natural fibres (cotton, viscose and silk). Lastly, you can pick a plain colour or a handprint (techniques: block print or shibori).

D’Ornellas Boots has developed a range of leather boots and shoes, for men and women, produced in Portugal by highly specialized artisans, thus guaranteeing high quality standards and the uniqueness of each piece. Combining comfort with unique design, these boots were made for walking, horse riding and dancing. Just ask Madonna (yes, that Madonna), who bought seven pairs herself.

The story goes that the Bordados de Viana do Castelo (Viana do Castelo’ Embroidery), a certified brand nowadays, was officially born in the summer of 1917. All thanks to the talent and will of Geminiana Branco, who started embroidery teaching workshops as a way of subsistence for families whose husbands were at war. One hundred and one years later, in the spring of 2018, Martine Love was born, a Lisbon brand for dresses hand-embroidered in Viana do Castelo. All thanks to the talent and willingness of Marta Champalimaud, responsible for taking a century-old technique and printing it on vintage, exclusive and stylish pieces. The dresses, in linen, in a mix of viscose and linen, or in cotton, are available in several colors and models, and are all customizable.

The most famous cubicle in Lisbon sells gloves in every colour and style. They have always been, and continue to be, the only shop in the city specialising in leather gloves. Don’t judge it by its size. Even though it won’t fit more than three people on this side of the counter, it is a mandatory stop for those in search of a high-quality pair of gloves like those of yesteryear, not to mention differentiated customer experience. Items are of their own production, and if you try them on, you’ll be offered a cushiony wrist-rest.

It seems that the old habit of going to the tailor is back, but with a fresh take in the mix. It used to be most common in São Bento, but now it seems to have made its way to Campo de Ourique. Alphaiate was created by youngsters, but the master, Mr. Alfredo, has more than 50 years of experience, which he has now passed to Duarte and Maria, the new personal tailors for the brand. It all starts with a visit to their website, where an appointment is scheduled to take measurements and choose colors, patterns, cuts and other details for the future outfit. Even if you are only in Lisbon passing by, don’t worry. From the moment your measurements are registered, you will be able to place new orders through the brand website. (service only available for shirts).

It got to Lisbon before electric power did, and has been in the Sá Pereira family for six generations. Their opening license required the shop to light two torches outside their front door at night, to light the street at a time when the city was way darker after sundown than it is now. In those days, candles were made from tallow, which left a less-than-pleasant odour in the air. Founder Domingos Sá Pereira brought the beeswax candle-making technique from France, and the product is still the house star. There are candles for every taste and budget. And these do smell good.

The brand Citadin Shoes sells men’s shoes, all produced in Portugal, and it’s been in the national and international markets since 2014. You can explore the different collections, inspired by the world’s most iconic cities, both in-store and online. They offer over 20 designs that fit into four categories: Casual, Smart, Charmer and Boots. Still, all designs have a classic touch and prioritise comfort – the pegged rubber soles maintain the intended aesthetic while increasing comfort.

Despite being located right in the heart of Chiado, their vibe can be described more as somewhere between Bali and Rio de Janeiro. It’s the summeriest shop in the neighbourhood: a couch, bean bags, a rope marking off the recreational area, a fish tank and, of course, the Portuguese swimming shorts, born in 2015, that come out in more styles, colours and patterns every year.

These fancy trainers were born in 2014 and, three years later, found a fixed home in Rossio, in Embaixada Concept Store. The designer, Isabel Henriques da Silva, 33 years old, defines them as “sporty, minimalistic, unisex and all made from leather and the best possible materials to ensure they last for many, many years”. All styles come in sizes 36 to 46, and can also be found online at www.jakshoes.com.

Portuguese poet Ary dos Santos said Christmas is whenever a man wants it to be. These days, summer seems to abide by the same rule. This spurred the three owners – Fernanda Santos and sisters Inês and Marta Fonseca – into opening the swimwear brand’s first shop in Lisbon, in Príncipe Real. It’s half-local – the other half was born a few kilometres to the north, in Porto – but that’s beside the point. Their collections are always inspired by a specific latitude, but this year’s collection started from a blank location to bring more freedom of choice to all women: bikinis, swimsuits, beachwear and accessories make up the brand’s new proposal, adding a sustainable aspect to each piece. Embaixada Concept Store.

Pecegueiro & F.os could only have sprouted from a numerous family. Sara Lamúrias and Pedro Noronha-Feio brought a new clothing collection for kids between 2 and 12 years old to the city – and colour abounds! They opted for Portuguese fabric, made sure everything was produced nationally and reinstated a sense of appreciation for simplicity. Anita and Tom Sawyer were the operating muses, and dungarees steal the limelight. They come in different colours and stripes are a strong presence across the store. Gendered pieces are reduced to a bare minimum, mainly to skirts and dresses.

The third and most recent +351 branch, after its São Bento and Chiado sisters, is much more spacious, which allows you to move more comfortably among clothing rails where the brand founder Ana Penha e Costa’s minimalist creations hang. With ocean-themed patterns and the brand logo making subtle appearances, her pieces are simple and almost all unisex – there are t-shirts, jumpers, pants and jackets, so all in all, a collection of basic pieces worth investing in.

French and living in Lisbon, Cécile Mestelan makes ceramic pieces that were already popular on social media, but left many wanting to see them in the flesh – very, very colourful flesh. Bowls, candleholders, vases, cups and plates with a touch of irreverence and an irregular texture, which the artist achieves by adding beach sand to her creations. Last summer, Cécile’s shop finally found a home on Calçada da Estrela, in an old jewellery and watch shop with blue walls and restored cupboards and displays.