Patterns of Portugal

Patterns of Portugal

Patterns of Portugal

We recently had the great joy of returning to Portugal to visit our shoemakers near Porto. We LOVE work trips to Portugal. When we’re not totally immersed in the development of new collections with our shoe factory and suppliers, we try to fit in time to enjoy some of the delicious Portuguese cuisine and discover new corners of Porto and its surrounding towns.

One of our favorite things to do is to go on walking treasure hunts to admire and capture color and pattern inspirations from the ubiquitous tiles that cover all manner of buildings in Portugal. We find the myriad expressions delightful to take in, even more so after a year of restricted wandering.

It was wonderful to begin rediscovering the little pleasures of travel again—the joy of a meandering walk, the spontaneity of turning down a side street, and the thrill of stumbling upon a pattern or color palette that sparks ideas for a future design. Travel, and connecting with people across cultures, is as much a part of the DNA of Le Mondeur as our shoes. Each trip reminds us that inspiration is everywhere—hidden in architecture, art, food, and conversation—and these experiences weave their way into every collection we create.

So, if you like, and just for the fun of it, indulge in a little virtual walking tour of the tiles of Porto with us. Imagine strolling past ornate façades glistening in the sunlight, each tile telling a story of Portugal’s past while sparking inspiration for the future. We invite you to see the city the way we do—as an endless source of creativity, connection, and beauty. Happy travels!