Porto’s Rua de Miguel Bombarda Gets a Stylish New Archive Store

Porto’s vibrant art district, Rua de Miguel Bombarda, has welcomed a new addition to its eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and cultural spaces: Numero237. This unique store specializes in a curated selection of designer fashion, vintage ceramics, and photography books, taking its name directly from its location at number 237 on the famed street.

Numero237 distinguishes itself by focusing on pre-owned designer fashion, with a particular emphasis on pieces from young and innovative designers. However, the store’s offerings extend beyond clothing, encompassing iconic Portuguese ceramics from renowned brands like Vista Alegre and Sepal, alongside a thoughtfully chosen collection of photography books. As the store’s Instagram post declares, it’s “a new place of discovery…an archive” where clothing, photography, ceramics, and design “coexist with sensitivity and good taste.”

The store boasts a remarkable roster of designers, including Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Walter Van Beirendonck, and Yohji Yamamoto. Beyond these established names, Numero237 also features pieces by Alexander McQueen, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, bridging the gap between high fashion and everyday life through carefully selected objects and books.

The opening of Numero237 marks a return to vintage retail for Gonçalo Velosa, who previously established one of Porto’s first vintage stores in 1997. Velosa’s experience extends to London, where he studied Fashion Design and opened House of Liza, a highly curated vintage space in Hoxton. He aims to create a welcoming environment, stating he wants a space “where no one is afraid to explore, touch and try things on,” contrasting with the often intimidating atmosphere of high-end boutiques.

Opened in September, Numero237’s inventory is sourced by Velosa during his travels abroad, with a strong emphasis on quality. Every item is meticulously inspected and cleaned, ensuring a defect-free shopping experience. Velosa emphasizes that his selection isn’t driven solely by brand names, but by a genuine “aesthetic or cultural interest” in each piece, ensuring a unique and considered collection for both men and women.