We can put it no better than the artist himself:
"The Luís Onofre brand was born in 1999, but my relationship with footwear predates that, as I belong to the third generation of the Conceição Rosa Pereira family, who works in this industry since 1939.
I have always learned that to make shoes and accessories of extremely high quality, which fall into the luxury segment of the market, it is important to select high-class materials, as well as to combine innovation and technology with the level of detail of a handmade production.
A worldwide collection is not only about trends or inspiration; it has to reflect the sensitivities of the markets for which it is intended.
The design of a shoe is a unique process that joins technique and inspiration together. Maybe that is why women fall so deeply in love with shoes.
It is such passion and impact that I try to honor in all Luís Onofre models, and that I see when actresses like Penélope Cruz or Naomi Watts, or icons like Michelle Obama, Laetizia Ortiz or Genoveva Casanova, wear them.
We currently export 93% of our production and are present all over the world: Spain, Russia, Netherlands and Belgium, Southern France, Germany, Dubai, USA, Canada, Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, Mongolia, China and South America.
My main challenge for the future is to expand the brand into new territories and to live each collection with the same level of truth and determination. In fact, I must admit that I get emotional whenever I see my shoes on the streets..."
His list of clients includes: Michelle Obama, Letizia Ortiz, Paris Hilton and Naomi Watts, among many other A-listers.
In fact, he even received a thank you letter from the First Lady herself, for the moccasins President Obama brought back for her from his visit to Portugal.
Luís answered a few questions for our blog:
Secret location?
“PARK” a new terrace bar at the top of a parking lot building near Chiado. The last thing we could expect on that building was to find a magnificent 360 scenic view of the old city area. The decoration, music and cocktails are also fantastic.
Best view?
Lisbon with its seven hills has a lot of different places to enjoy scenic views. I suggest the new river perspective from the recently opened Arco da Rua Augusta.
A guilty pleasure?
Surfing when should be working…
A weird talent? Or what's the weirdest thing you've /experienced in Lisbon?
All my visits to Lisbon mean friends, dinners and fun, I cannot remember anything weird.
Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
Catching some of Guincho’s best waves or relax with a glass of Quinta do Crasto 2009 Tinta Roriz at Le Chat
Where do you go "for inspiration"?
Italy for cultural and fashion inspiration and Brazil for my meditation break at the beach. Normally I choose the beaches from Fernando Noronha or even Maldivas.
Who would you like to see wearing your shoes?
Charlize Theron
Calçada Portuguesa, yes or no?
Stilettos suffer a lot with our pavement but it is impossible not to recognize its historical beauty.
A trend for Lisbon's future?
We will continue to assist at the opening of high-end luxury fashion stores and also the growth of small hand made products with a “glocal” target.
Favorite drink in the city? Coolest place to have a drink.
At Restaurant Bistro 100 Maneiras (Chiado) you can find an amazing cocktail called Apple & Eve –Vodka Russian Standard. It comes with natural apple and lemon juice with egg whites and on top a slice of caramelized apple… It’s really tasty.
What can you do here in Lisbon & nowhere else?
Crossing the 7 hills on a traditional yellow tram.
Favorite exhibition/book/band/movie?
Savage Beauty by Alexander Mcqueen/Cem anos de Solidão by Gabriel García Márquez/ Kings of Convinience/Wizard of Oz (the movie where a pair of shoes really make a difference).
Something you cannot resist?
Traditional Portuguese food and a good Porto wine.
Someone NOT to be stuck on an elevator with?
The person who is responsible to fix it from outside