London-based menswear designer Bianca Saunders has teamed up with the Portuguese Association of Footwear and Leather Goods (APICCAPS) and its partner

Valuni to craft six cutting-edge shoe designs entirely made in Portugal. Working with innovative footwear company Valuni was a natural fit for the responsible designer known for her modern perspective on menswear.

As a designer focusing on contemporary silhouettes rooted in British Caribbean traditions, Saunders views this collaboration as an opportunity to extend her brand’s ethos into footwear. "Valuni’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship perfectly aligns with our values. Collaborating on this inaugural footwear collection is an exciting new chapter for us as a brand,” says Saunders.

The journey began at the end of 2023 when APICCAPS introduced Saunders to Valuni, continuing its mission to connect emerging British designers with Portuguese manufacturers. "The Portuguese footwear industry, which boasts companies focusing on quality and social responsibility, will invest 600 million euros by the end of the decade to establish itself as a major international reference,” adds Paulo Gonçalves, Communications Director at APICCAPS. "Building partnerships with globally renowned designers is an incredible opportunity and we are honoured to support Bianca Saunders in creating her dream footwear collection showcasing her unique talent and contemporary aesthetic.”