ROOTE Portugal
“Let’s root(e) for each other
and watch each other grow”
—
Hi there design junkies,
Today we want to introduce you to this beautiful brand that caught our attention by its unique and authentic aesthetic. Meet ROOTE Portugal, a clothing and accessories brand focused on transparency and quality with special attention to details and sustainability. From the “root” to the top all designs and production are made in Portugal.
ROOTE was born from a passion for the creative process and a familiarity with the textile industry. The search for transparency, following ethics, social responsibility, and attention to details followed along the journey of creating the brand's unique products.
Viagem by ROOTE is the brand's first collection. From North to South, the Viagem collection distils characteristics of different regions of Portugal.
Photographer: Catarina Inácio.
Created in the North of the country, the Viagem collection was produced on 200-needle machines, ensuring the highest level of detailing of the ROOTE models. Carefully selected, all ROOTE Portugal's raw material is rigorously assessed. The thread, premium organic cotton, contains no chemicals, fertilisers, or pesticides and is GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard).
The packaging material is in line with the brand’s values, from its labels to its box. It is recyclable, biodegradable and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) certified. While designing the packaging, ROOTE took into consideration the versatility and sustainability of the design. Creating a reusable package to store items or to be used as a decorative piece.
We are so amazed by the brand’s concept and values that we couldn’t miss the opportunity to get to know this brand more deeply, and of course, tell you all about it! Having that in mind, we organised an interview with the brand’s founder, Filipa Resende!!
Photographer: Catarina Inácio.
Hello Filipa Resende, welcome to Design Hunger Blog! To start, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello! My name is Filipa Resende, I am 24 years old and, I live in Braga, Portugal. I studied Communication Sciences with a specialisation in Advertising & Public Relations at the University of Minho and, I instantly knew that I would love to work on Brand Management.
What’s the story behind ROOTE? How did everything begin?
I started developing ROOTE when I was still in college, back in 2019. At that time, I didn’t have a name, but the mission, the vision, and the values were defined from the very beginning. The ROOTE name came out by joining together two of my favourite words: root and route. The root word because since an early age, I came into contact with the fashion industry, its creative process, and its details and the route word because I had the possibility to choose the path that I wanted to follow: creating a brand, designed and made in Portugal that is focused on transparency, attention to detail and sustainability with high quality and certification standards.
ROOTE focuses on sustainability and transparency. Can you tell us more about those values?
Of course. From the first moment, ROOTE mentions all the raw materials used, the composition, the manufacturing locations, the certifications, and the creative process behind the brand. We work tirelessly to produce an environmentally and socially- responsible collection that is thoughtfully designed – from product to packaging. Sustainability is a journey and we are committed on keeping on making small changes in order to make a difference.
What is ROOTE’S mission?
ROOTE’s mission is to develop a durable, timeless and environmentally- and socially-responsible collection with high quality and certification standards.
Where did you get your inspiration for your first collection, “Viagem”?
We always knew that we wanted our first collection to be inspired by our root, Portugal. From North to South, the “Viagem” collection distils characteristics of different regions of Portugal into graphic elements ranging from minimal to the most daring. A journey full of colour, texture, stories, and traditions.
Can you describe a typical day for you?
Sure! One of the most exciting things about managing a brand is that none of the days are the same. Some of the major tasks include doing a lot of paperwork, research, planning, brainstorming, emails, meetings, orders preparation, and shipping and business trips.
What’s the most challenging part of having your own brand?
I guess that the most challenging thing about having a brand is time. Research, planning, finding the right suppliers requires time. ROOTE’s goals are to always improve and learn more.
Do you have any advice for upcoming brands?
I‘ll say that the best advice I could give for upcoming brands is for them to be themselves: authentic and transparent. Don ́t try to be like any other brand, just be you and, that is your strength.
If you can tell us... Do you have any exciting news coming up?
Yes, we have. We are launching a new collection of accessories in 2022. So challenging and exciting!
What is your morning routine?
My morning routine varies a lot because of work, but I always wake up early, practice exercise and eat my breakfast while I keep updated on the latest news in Portugal and in the world.
Last question, could you tell us what’s your favourite city in the world? Why?
This is a difficult question. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to visit a few cities around the world. I really enjoy travelling, so I would say that one of my favourite cities is London because I like its culture, art, beauty and vibe.
If you enjoyed this article, you should check out our interview with Sofia Bártolo the founder behind Sömmer Jewelry.
