Companies

New Generation: meet Tom Daniel from Rivonti

Jul 29, 2025 Portugal

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Portugal, Daniel Rivonti has recently launched Rivonti, a leather goods brand that blends classic luxury with bold and modern design. Let's get to know him

Tom Daniel was born in the Netherlands, but came to Portugal at a very young age. He studied science-related subjects in Évora, Alentejo, up to high school level. He then moved to Lisbon to study management at ISEG. Creativity has always been an important part of his life, and this has recently led him to launch the leather goods brand Rivonti, where he is able to apply all his self-taught knowledge.

How did your interest in leather goods come about?

I have always been a creative person. From design to carpentry, I have always had a project in mind. I wanted to create something that could be worn every day, and I got the idea for a travel bag from a YouTube video. After buying the leather and all the necessary tools, I produced a hand-sewn bag approximately a month later. This project turned into a hobby and, over time, a career. Since then, I’ve made many different bags, and I don't think I’ll ever stop.

What makes a good bag?

I’m a firm believer in timelessness, in terms of both the durability of the product and its design. A good bag should make you want to use it year after year. The first bag I designed is now five years old, and I still use it almost every day. The recipe for successful models such as Loewe’s Puzzle, Alaïa’s Teckle and the Birkin is clear: timelessness, originality, recognisability, and coherence with the brand’s identity.

How would you define your brand, and what makes it stand out in the market?

Portugal has a great deal of talent, history, and expertise in the production of leather goods. We produce for major international brands, so now is the time for us to make our mark. I want to create a product that stands out for its design and ‘architecture’. Many say that ‘everything has already been done’, but I completely disagree. There’s a whole world of ideas to explore, that’s what inspires me.

What have been the biggest challenges so far?

At first, I decided to enter a sector where I had practically no knowledge. The initial challenges were all production-related: what are the right reinforcements? Which tools should be used? I had many other technical questions. Today, the challenges are much more closely related to brand positioning, marketing and branding. As an extreme perfectionist, I want to push my abilities to the limit, which naturally brings many challenges. But none that can’t be overcome.

What advice would you give to a young person just starting out in the industry?

I see two types of people: those who create new brands and those who join existing ones. For the latter group, the best approach is to explore different roles until they find the one that suits them best. For those who create a brand, focus and planning are paramount. A brand only works when it reflects the founder’s personal vision. I invite all future founders to ask themselves two questions: ‘Do I really have the right profile for this?’ and ‘Can I offer something of value to the market?’ Creating a brand is possible, but it requires critical thinking, persistence, and a clear vision.

Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

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