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The supersonic speed with which we live our everyday life ends up blinding us so much that we don’t even realize the number of great talents that exist right next door. We can’t stop time, but we can stop "in" time for a few moments, in order to explore and discover national brands that will have us creating a wish list immediately. Curious to find out who I’m talking about? I assure you that, just like me, you’ll want to see, feel and experience each one of them up close. These are my suggestions!

OH! NÃO

Oh! Não is a brand that lets us breathe Portuguese culture! After all, this is its main concept, without ever forgetting the very best of what we have, keeping our roots alive and adding extra value to what is 100% national. Just as there are emotions and feelings that can’t be explained, there are also Portuguese expressions that are not translatable, they are ours alone.

In a highly technological era, paper ends up losing some strength, but the truth is that the best memories are those that are recorded and stored on paper, and because of that, this brand decided to highlight a diverse range of stationery, extremely useful in our daily lives, where proverbs and popular expressions give life to each product. Technology requires an energy source (battery) with highly reliable autonomy or, in the moment when you want to register "that" brilliant idea, it might just go poof...

The real brilliant idea was when this brand decided to mix business and pleasure, not only for us natives, so we can pass our culture on from generation to generation, but also by allowing tourists to get to know how amazing our language is.

All the items are available on their official website and at the points of sale that you can easily discover by directly contacting the brand. It's definitely worth exploring!

MARITA MORENA

Portuguese, stylish, creative and sustainable. I’m becoming a big fan of slow fashion brands and when I discovered Marita Morena I just had to know everything about their story and concept. In an age where sustainable fashion is beginning to gain ground, it’s an honor to know that we have great national products ready to conquer the world.

Marita Setas Ferro is the founder of the brand. With a contagious energy and a positive attitude, she started the brand alone with the launch of clothing and accessories, but quickly repositioned herself in the market, focusing on fashion accessories – bags and footwear for men and women – opting for exclusivity, with the production of a limited number of pieces of each model.

Recently, the brand launched a vegan footwear line, where no animal component or exploitation is part of the manufacturing process, where the goal is to maintain and continue on this path.

Available at multi-brand spaces from the North to the South of the country, the brand also has its own online store and an active presence on social media. I went to see these pieces in person at the CRU store, located on Rosário Street, in Porto, and I left completely surrendered and deeply wishing for some of those items. Quality and design prevail in this brand of fashion accessories.

FOREVER IS BORING

Forever Is Boring is another example of the fantastic national talent we have. As soon as I entered the site and saw the wide range of items the brand has to offer, I was hooked. Everyone knows that a beautiful accessory, with quality and style, can turn a totally basic look into a super captivating, striking and anything but boring look.

I loved the consistency and personality, the originality and the details that this brand presents. They have a well defined path and their very own style and it’s easy to understand their DNA. With very peculiar features, amazing design, great attention to detail, superior taste, a creative and positive attitude. And, of course, the icing on the cake – sustainability. POW! One more brand in favor of moderate and balanced consumption, contributing to a healthier planet with happier people.

Another awesome suggestion for buying made in Portugal and I just keep getting prouder. The brand’s site is just a click away and with some points of sale as well, do check it out.

ZEZLING

Initially, Zezling can convey the idea that this is not a Portuguese brand, but quickly surprises us when we discover and realize that it’s located right next door, here in the city of Porto. It’s in her atelier that the friendly Mafalda begins the entire process of developing her pieces that once finished, always delight fans and clients. The space is filled with materials that come to life and the atmosphere felt in every corner is extremely inspiring.

I just got to know the brand and I'm already a fan! You’ll go crazy as soon as you discover Zezling, filled with textile accessories for babies, children and good-humored adults. Each item is chock-full of creativity and history, enough to make us want to take everything home. It’s a super suggestion for those looking for beautiful, creative, practical and useful gifts.

10 years of existence that remain alive thanks to the immense passion and motivation that the mentor places in the brand and with a future perspective of great growth and longevity. Another suggestion worth exploring!

About Ângela Abreu

Ângela Abreu, a native of Guimarães, loves to meet interesting people and stories, share experiences, feel the freedom of writing and, above all, talk about what really fascinates her. Her research is focused on national products, where she is increasingly delighted by all the extraordinary things that are being made in Portugal! Author of the blog Entre Nós, and with a degree in Business Management, she’s currently participating in an intensive training in Garment Modeling, because it’s in fashion and the creation of pieces that she feels completely fulfilled and happy. Follow her on Instagram and through her blog, where she highlights personal style, Portuguese design and lifestyle tips.