Portuguese Footwear Takes London by Storm with Annie Purdy's Debut Collection
Portuguese footwear is once again taking center stage on the global fashion scene, following its successful showing at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) by heading to the catwalks of London Fashion Week (LFW). This prominent presentation is a result of a strategic partnership with the London College of Fashion (LCF), a constituent college of the University of the Arts London (UAL). The highlight of this appearance will be the unveiling of the first "made in Portugal" collection by Annie Purdy, the esteemed winner of the inaugural Portuguese Footwear Award (PFA). This highly anticipated collection is scheduled to be presented at the Portuguese Embassy in London on September 18th.
According to a press release issued by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Manufacturers' Association, the collaborative journey with LCF began in early 2025. This initiative was part of the broader Bioshoes4all project, which previously saw the delivery of a comprehensive masterclass focused on Portuguese footwear. The Bioshoes4all project, a cornerstone of the industry's internationalization efforts, has consistently enabled Portuguese footwear brands to join forces with leading international designers. Since 2023, these exclusive collections have been showcased across multiple seasons on the prestigious runways of New York, London, and Paris, reinforcing Portugal's reputation for quality and innovation.
The aforementioned masterclass, specifically designed for master’s students, served as a crucial awareness and knowledge-building session. It aimed to immerse future designers in the unparalleled talent of Portuguese artisans and the dynamic landscape of the industry. The session was expertly led by a panel of Portuguese industry specialists, alongside the award-winning designer Bianca Saunders, known for her long-standing involvement with Portuguese savoir-faire. This foundational educational experience was swiftly followed by the launch of the first edition of the Portuguese Footwear Award (PFA), an initiative crafted to introduce emerging designers to the vast production possibilities available in Portugal. It was through this award that Annie Purdy distinguished herself, earning the opportunity to develop her inaugural collection within Portugal, which is now set to make its debut.
Reflecting on her creative process and the collaborative experience, Annie Purdy, a graduate of LCF-UAL, shared her insights. "The inspiration for this collection arose from the intricate relationship between 'craftsmanship' and innovation, exploring how traditional skills can harmoniously coexist with experimental and avant-garde design," she explained. Purdy further emphasized the invaluable support she received, stating, "Access to in-depth knowledge of materials and high-quality manufacturing expertise allowed me to expand my concepts, knowing they could be realised with precision and durability. It truly gave me the freedom to experiment, without losing sight of feasibility and 'craftsmanship'."
Purdy also highlighted the profound impact of her collaboration with APICCAPS on her design philosophy. "I learnt to consider a product’s longevity, function and life cycle from the outset," she added, emphasizing a more holistic approach to design. Looking ahead, she affirmed her commitment to integrating these critical considerations into her ongoing practice. "From now on, I will continue to integrate these concerns into my practice, ensuring that my work always balances narrative, design integrity and sustainable responsibility," she concluded, underscoring the lasting influence of this partnership on her professional journey and her dedication to responsible design.
