Styx: Porto's New Vintage and Art Hub Resurrects Designer Fashion

Porto's vibrant Rua do Heroísmo has welcomed a distinctive new establishment this summer with the opening of Styx, a vintage store and art gallery founded by Filipe Afonso and Ricardo Azevedo. Located at number 14, Styx offers a meticulously curated collection of signature pieces from esteemed brands such as Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Maison Margiela, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent, alongside a dedicated space for artistic expression.

The grand opening of Styx was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, far exceeding the founders' initial expectations. In a post shared on the brand's Instagram account, Afonso and Azevedo expressed their gratitude, stating, "We’re still amazed by the opening day! It far exceeded our expectations. Thank you to everyone who attended. It was amazing to meet so many nice and cool people — you’re all very special to us. That’s what motivates us, and we couldn’t be more excited about this new era." Their message clearly highlights a strong focus on community and connection, aiming to foster more than just a retail experience.

Beyond its fashion offerings, Styx is designed as a dynamic cultural hub. The founders emphasize that new items will be added regularly to their collection. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the art space, Teodoro W. (@teodorowwww), located in the basement, where they can browse magazines or books, engage in conversation, or simply enjoy a drink. Styx actively invites collaboration, stating, "We’re open to proposals to occupy the space. If you have any ideas — events, activations, parties, collaborations, etc. — don’t hesitate to contact us," via their Instagram, @styxservice. The store operates from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The name Styx itself carries profound symbolic weight, drawn from Greek mythology. As the founders explained to NIP, Styx refers to "a goddess and also a river of the underworld, which marked the border and the contact between the world of the living and the dead." They find it "interesting that this image represents the way Styx works, resurrecting pieces from the past," perfectly encapsulating their mission to give vintage fashion a new life.

This physical store marks a significant milestone for the Porto-based partners, both trained in arts and communication. Their journey began with a six-month online prelude, during which they diligently bought and sold vintage and designer pieces. This initial digital venture served as a successful preview, culminating in the opening of Styx, where they now offer a diverse array of accessories, clothing, and shoes from various high-end brands.

The inventory at Styx's first brick-and-mortar location is sourced through multiple channels. The duo procures items online, from both Portuguese and international fashion markets, and directly from individuals who bring their own pieces to the store for sale. For items consigned directly by customers, a unique policy is in place: if the items are not sold within two months, they are returned to their original owner, ensuring a fair and transparent process for both the store and its community of sellers.