By Julia Radovich
During Lisbon Fashion Week, we attended the presentation of the new collection by the Portuguese brand Luis Onofre and spoke with its creator.
Legacy Collection: Inspiration from the Past
The new Legacy collection is a tribute to decades of experience and tradition that the Luis Onofre brand has built over the past 35 years. The inspiration came from archival accessories created in Italy between 2000 and 2010, which the designer rediscovered in his office. According to Luis Onofre, each detail in this collection carries a story and embodies the idea of reinterpreting heritage.
Masculine Charm and Feminine Sensuality
“This collection combines masculine elements with feminine sensuality,” the designer notes. Classic silhouettes are infused with bold accents, making each pair of shoes distinctive. Inspired by menswear tailoring, Luis has designed pieces that convey strength while maintaining elegance.
Footwear for Confident Women
Luis Onofre has always designed shoes for strong, independent women. “My goal is to make women feel confident and comfortable in every pair,” he says. He emphasizes that the true value of footwear lies not just in its appearance but in the way it makes the wearer feel. Special attention is given to the construction of the sole—“the only object with a soul is a shoe,” he remarks, stressing that it must provide lasting comfort throughout the day.
The Brand’s DNA: Handcraft and Archival Techniques
One of the brand’s defining features is its attention to detail. Luis Onofre employs unique handcrafting techniques that are now rare in Europe. The new collection incorporates jewelry-inspired elements, particularly from Venetian craftsmanship. The designer admits he is sometimes surprised by the discoveries he makes in his archives—having created over 25,000 styles over the years.
Additionally, Luis is adapting his signature silhouettes. While the brand is renowned for its elegant high heels, he is focused on transforming classic designs into more comfortable versions with lower heels—without sacrificing sophistication.
Growth and Global Perspectives
Despite its Portuguese roots, the brand is actively expanding internationally. Luis Onofre is currently available in multi-brand stores across Europe and is working toward entering the U.S. market. However, the designer acknowledges the challenges of today’s fashion industry: “Nowadays, we see the same styles everywhere. I want to bring back the individuality we had in the 2000s.“
The brand also collaborates with other fashion houses, creating footwear for designers, including exclusive projects with H&M and French labels. Sustainability is a key focus, with eco-friendly production technologies being integrated into its processes.
Conclusions
Luis Onofre is a brand that merges craftsmanship, family traditions, and a contemporary vision of fashion. The Legacy collection honors the past while remaining fresh and relevant. Even if only two models from the collection catch your eye, you can be sure that each one carries a story and embodies true Portuguese soul and passion for detail.
