Portuguese footwear once again stood out on one of the world’s most important fashion runways. Designer Willy Chavarria teamed up with APICCAPS and the luxury brand Mariano Shoes for his latest show at Paris Fashion Week, which was one of the most talked-about shows of the season.
The event marked Willy Chavarria’s second presentation in the French capital, this time with a collection entitled Huron. In his remarks, the designer highlighted the importance of this partnership: “It’s an honor to collaborate with APICCAPS and Mariano Shoes, a fourth-generation Portuguese brand, for our show in Paris. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to celebrating artisanal craftsmanship while exploring new frontiers of contemporary design,” said Willy, who was named Designer of the Year in the United States.
This is not the first time that ‘Made in Portugal’ footwear has taken center stage on the international scene. Since the beginning of the year, Portuguese shoes have been featured at fashion weeks in Paris and New York as part of the Bioshoes4All project, which aims to connect the Portuguese footwear industry with some of the world’s most renowned designers.
According to Paulo Gonçalves, “the Portuguese footwear industry exports more than 90% of its production and sees the United States as a strategic market. To strengthen its presence, it has been deepening partnerships with leading American designers. Portugal offers unmatched craftsmanship and extensive expertise in producing high-quality footwear, while Willy Chavarria brings genuine talent and a fresh, innovative vision. Together, we form a strong and very promising partnership,” explains APICCAPS’s Communications Director.
Next September, during New York Fashion Week, Portuguese footwear will be showcased alongside several of the most promising North American designers. The initiative aims to promote the potential of the national industry, strengthen the reputation of leather products with the ‘Made in Portugal’ seal, and highlight the quality, innovation, and sustainability that set the sector apart.