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Portuguese brand Caina debuts with a line of timeless bags

Jul 7, 2025 Portugal

This new Portuguese handbag brand aims to promote women’s empowerment by combining practicality with elegance and timelessness. It was launched on the 30th of May

At the launch on the 30^th of May at Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria, Alexandre and Catarina Melo, the brand’s founders, emphasised the importance of finding the right partners to produce this collection. They highlighted the contributions of Belcinto, the Portuguese leather goods manufacturer chosen to manufacture the three designs, and the material suppliers.

These high-quality leather bags are available in a variety of colours. They are designed to be both practical and elegant, with an original twist.

The Amara, inspired by “the word love and the idea of eternity”, symbolizes timelessness. It has a fluid design that adapts to any occasion and comes in three colors: black, camel, and off-white.

The Serena, meanwhile, “draws inspiration from confidence” and embodies “understated sophistication”. It balances functionality with authenticity and is available in two colors: jungle green and beige.

Finally, the Élan is perfect for those who “value style with attitude”. With soft lines and an organic shape, it’s a versatile, practical piece. The Élan is available in three colors: black, baby blue, and cream.

Alexandre also highlighted the business study they carried out to “position the brand in the mid-to-high-end market”, with an initial focus on the European market. By the end of this year, they plan to open their first physical store in Lisbon, “to give credibility to the brand”, although he acknowledges that “most sales will come from the online store”. In fact, he points out the challenges they’ve faced along the way, noting the current macroeconomic climate and the uncertainties it brings.

From Dream to Reality

Catarina Melo, 29, from Leiria, dreamt of sewing since she was a child. After studying law and working in the judiciary, she never imagined that one day her dream would come true and she would launch her own handbag brand together with her husband, Alexandre Melo, 34. The couple’s desire to “do something different and entrepreneurial” led to the birth of Caina, a Portuguese handbag brand inspired by "the feminine, being a woman, and being practical”, says Catarina.

The name Caina itself carries this “childhood dream,” as it comes from “Caína”, Catarina’s childhood nickname. The first models, which were then presented to Belcinto for production, were all designed and handcrafted by Catarina. For Alexandre, “love and craftsmanship” are inseparable values at the heart of Caina’s message.

Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

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