The London-based designer Bianca Saunders, known for her modern perspective on menswear, has teamed up with the Portuguese Association of Footwear and Leather Goods (APICCAPS) and its partner Valuni to create six cutting-edge shoe designs entirely made in Portugal. The collection, which includes six different styles ranging from loafers to mid-boots and high-bridge trainers, will debut at Saunders’ SS25 show during Paris Fashion Week Men’s in June 2024.

As a designer focusing on contemporary silhouettes rooted in British Caribbean traditions, Saunders sees this collaboration as an opportunity to extend her brand’s ethos to footwear. “Valuni’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship perfectly aligns with our values. Collaborating on this inaugural footwear collection is an exciting new chapter for us as a brand,” says Saunders, who highlighted the company’s expertise in materialising her sketches in just a few weeks. “Valuni’s extensive expertise was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. And because they do everything meticulously in-house, they're the best partner for footwear manufacturing”, she concluded.

The collaboration began at the end of 2023 when APICCAPS introduced the designer to Valuni, as part of its mission to connect emerging British designers with Portuguese manufacturers. “The Portuguese footwear industry, which boasts companies focusing on quality and social responsibility, will invest 600 million euros by the end of the decade to establish itself as a major international reference”, commented Paulo Gonçalves, Communications Director at APICCAPS. “Building partnerships with globally renowned designers is an incredible opportunity, and we are honoured to support Bianca Saunders in creating her dream footwear collection showcasing her unique talent and contemporary aesthetic”, he concludes.

About Valuni

With a focus on quality, comfort and exclusivity, Valuni creates unique footwear that is 100% made in Portugal, continuing an 85-year legacy. The constant search for new materials, new production techniques and innovation in design has always been an obsession for Valuni. The customer is at the heart of its business and can count on innovation, flexibility and strict adherence to deadlines. For more information, visit the company's website.