Rita Machado always thought she wasn't going to be a journalist, until her first internship at Revista Máxima. Three years later, she was one of the founders of LuxWoman magazine, where she has worked now for 7 years.
After this time, she worked at a communication agency with several fashion brands, putting in practice what she learned in her Media Advising & PR post-grad. It was a great experience both personally and professionally, that helped her a lot since she took charge of LuxWoman magazine in late 2009.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Rita is always looking for a challenge that will allow her to grow. "The sentence that I would say most defines me is ‘we can do it’ and I truly believe that I can do what I make my mind to."
This all makes her one of the top magazine directors and lifestyle gurus in Portugal, and we were very excited to know about her unique perspective on the city. Her interview, below:
- Secret location?
The several Miradouros of Lisbon, that I used to love to visit when I moved to the capital, more than 15 years ago and that I still visit today: starting in Cerca Moura, São Jorge Castle, Jardim do Torel, Miradouro de Monte Agudo, Parque Eduardo VII, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara... I love to run a 'city trail' thats goes through several of them and then go up/down the elevator do Lavra e Glória.
- What won't you leave the house without?
Sunglasses, generally Ray-Ban, key, cash, sunscreen and, of course, shoes!
- Best view?
From Cristo Rei to Lisbon, only discovered it last year and it's quite amazing. Also, when I'm away from the city for some time, returning, through Ponte 25 de abril and looking at the city, especially if it's at night, always makes me realise how lucky I am to live in such an amazing city!
- A guilty pleasure?
Icecream. Sorvette. In several places! Brunch at the Ritz!
- Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
I do Ashtanga Yoga everyday, except Saturdays. Being super energetic, I always go to the gym on Saturday mornings and maybe then for a run by the river! Normally, in the afternoon, I'm at home, reading a book, a magazine or doing my nails after a great organic lunch made with products I bought very early (before going to the gym) at the bio market of Príncipe Real. I generally only go out again for dinner, and late, around 10 pm.
- A perfect day with your family or friends?
At the beach. By the sea. With grilled fish. From March to November you can do it in Lisbon!
- A trend for Lisbon’s future?
More esplanades with heating, please, please! We have the most amazing sunny cold days to enjoy!
- Favourite drink in the city?
A special Gin & Tonic at Bistrô 100 Maneiras, made by Jorge Camilo. Or, if I'm on a diet, just sparkling water with lemon and fruits that he prepares for me, that looks just like a G&T without the calories.
- A Restaurant you love?
Bistrô 100 Maneiras. Taberna Ideal. Pizzaria Casanova. Just discovered Moma grill yesterday, loved it for lunch time. Quick lunch, cheap and good? Buffet at Trattoria.
- Shopping addresses in Lisbon?
Avenida Liberdade, El Corte Inglés, Baixa-Chiado. I'm really lucky, because I shop mostly in showrooms and on a discount, I almost don't buy anything with the tag price – it's just such a waste! But I do love Zadig & Voltaire…
- What can you do here & nowhere else?
Oh, enjoy the city light and feel super happy! It's a really optimistic city! Or I am, when I live here!
- Favourite book/band/movie?
Loads! Now, I'm reading 'Wild: From lost to Found on The Pacific Crest Trail', by Cheryl Strayed. I just read Lena Dunhan's 'Not That Kind Of Girl' and loved it: I wanna be more like her. I really love TV Shows: Game of Thrones, Good Wife, Newsroom, Breaking Bad, House of Cards, Scandal, Grey's Anatomy… I'm a serial TV show watcher!
- Do you listen to Fado? If so, who's your favourite singer or favourite song?
Sometimes, with my friend Mario that loves it. Really love Camané in a live concert. Carminho is one of my favorite. Next concert will be on the 31st of January, Gisela João.
- The most important beauty addresses in Lisbon?
Griffe Hair Style for hair cut with Helena. Nails I do my own. Massages with Isabel at City Spa SkinLife, just found her (http://skinlife-pt.tumblr.com). And they make the most amazing manual brow shaping with tweezers there too, by a professional make up artist, one of the owners, for only €12. Then, the beauty comes from the inside, so I take a lot of care with what I put in my body, so normally I buy organic food in Miosotis and local markets. I do my own body cream with organic coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils, and I love it! But Sephora or the pharmacy is where I buy most of the beauty products I have – and there's a lot of them. Make up, it's just good to go to El Corte Inglés - they have it all in there.
- Something you cannot resist?
Dining out with Wine. Dieting – just to be able to eat what I want. Exercise. Walking around the city in a sunny day.
- Someone to take out for dinner?
Always, my friends. Foreign? Alive: Karl Lagerfeld. Recently dead: the late Duchess of Alba, she must have been a super cool companion for dinner.
- Someone NOT to be stuck on an elevator with?
Someone rude that doesn't answer good morning – has happened to me several times. Really makes me angry and wanting to get out of the elevator that instant.
You can follow her instagram here: http://instagram.com/ritamachado33