Sandra Gato is the director of ELLE Portugal. Graduating from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa with a degree in Media Studies, she has been working as a journalist at ELLE Portugal since 1992, where she covered all the magazine’s editorial departments throughout the two decades. Having a wide knowledge of the fashion and beauty trends, Sandra Gato brings an editorial renovation to the magazine, aligning it with the best that is being done in the international journalistic arena.
Get to know her a bit better, below:
- Secret location?
They are not really secret... These are places I always like to come back to: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian’s gardens (perfect for a “date” with a good book in a sunny afternoon); The new A Vida Portuguesa shop in Intendente (tradicional portuguese products in a beautiful location); Pastelaria Versalhes (always a classic. Great croquetes!); Praia da Bafureira, in Parede, (small and charming). And I could go on...
- Best view?
Miradouro Nossa Senhora do Monte, near Graça. Still the best for me... And the small chapel is lovely.
- Guilty pleasure?
Going to Santini, in Chiado, for an ice cream, and ending up eating two!
- Where can you find you on a Saturday afternoon?
In the summertime? In Ericeira, at the beach, or having a walk at the beautiful village, with its white and blue houses and local shops.
- Where do you go for inspiration?
London!!!!
In Lisbon I go for a walk by the Riverside.
- Which magazine issue has given you the most pleasure to produce?
The next one!!!! Always!
- Who would you most like to interview alive or dead?
Oscar Wilde. A gifted and witty writer. His sense of humour is unique.
- Where do you most like to shop?
At Avenida da Liberdade – for designer brands (even if it’s only window shopping!) and, of course, Chiado.
- What do you have too much of in your closet?
I love bags but they’re never too much!!!! I always need a new one!
- A trend for Lisbon’s future?
Hopefully, more cleaness and organization. That is what we need the most! The rest will come naturally...
- Favorite drink in the city?
A flute of champanhe at the Ritz Bar, of course!
- Favourite restaurants?
Not easy to name just a few. I would say Eleven (one Michelin Star) for internacional dishes (and the view!); Midori at Penha Longa Hotel – the best japonese in Portugal – and Fortaleza do Guincho’s restaurant (also one Michelin Star). For the best grilled fish, Furnas at Ericeira.
- What can you do in Lisbon & nowhere else?
Go for a ride in the 28 tram and enjoy the “white” light that makes Lisbon so special.
- Favorite exhibition...?
Once again, hard to choose. I will go for a classic book, from one of my favorite portuguese writers, Eça de Queirós: Os Mais, a wonderful portrait of a our city in the 19th century. And I do recommend Rui Chaffe’s exibition, O Peso do Paraíso, on show at CAM until May.
- Something you cannot resist?
My children’s laughter.
- Someone not to be stuck on an elevator with?
Anyone from the current Portuguese government!