Portugaba: the summer tote bag by Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin’s love to Portugal - he says this country is his second home - has sent him all over the country in search of artisans with old skills and Portuguese traditions. These are the faces of women and men that made this creation possible. From the north of Portugal to the south, the PORTUGABA unites the remarkable talents of artisans from all over the country. The two handmade summer totes are called “Portugaba”. 10% of the profits will go to the “Associação Portugal A Mão” which protects and promotes Portuguese craftsmanship.

It's called a "sustainaluxe" product skillfully crafted by local artisans. Yes, it has the value of three Portuguese minimum wages but that is worthy for fans of everything that's handmade with the use of traditional techniques. These bags use old techniques such as puxados and ripado, artisans work by hand on wooden looms. These are the skills and knowledge that keep Portuguese traditions alive. The bags are finished with hand-painted beads adorning the handles.

Inside we can find the brightly colored tiles we get to see all over Portugal. Some more Portuguese traditions and craftsmanship from regions throughout the country are represented. This is the 4th edition in the series, a tribute to various countries that have already seen pieces like the Africaba, the Mexicaba, and the Manilacaba. Inspiration was first found at   Miranda do Douro, where Louboutin found the fabric used to make the  Capas de Honra, an old regional costume. Louboutin then went to Fridão, where he found the puxados thecnique. Then at Cooperativa Tecedeiras de Cervade he got more ideas about weaving techniques. Weavers from Loures and Aboim da Nóbrega, in the north, added the fringe that is present in folklore costumes.  The strap beads are painted by hand and inspired by tiles. These are made in a small village between  Mafra e Ericeira.

The Vieira sneaker is covered in satin crepe printed with Azulejos, inspired by Portuguese ceramic tiles. The model, set on a rubber sole, is trimmed in a white nappa leather grosgrain piping finish revealing the signature details of the Maison Christian Louboutin.

The Spetsos flat sandal finds inspiration in antique shoes with this feminine version. An Azulejos-printed crepe satin scarf, featuring patterns inspired by Portuguese ceramic tiles, slips between the toes and finishes off by wrapping around the ankle. The leather sole is lined in multi-colored braids.