There’s a new handbag brand ready to shake up the market: Caina unveiled its first collection to the world on May 30th at Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria.

This new Portuguese handbag brand, which aims to highlight women’s empowerment, combines practicality with elegance and timelessness. The launch, attended by family, friends, and project partners, culminated in a runway show presenting Caina’s first three models.

Alexandre and Catarina Melo couldn’t hide their excitement — and their "butterflies” — in the moments leading up to the presentation. Both emphasized the importance of finding the right partners to produce this collection, highlighting the contribution of Belcinto, the company chosen to manufacture the three designs, as well as the material suppliers. The bags are crafted from high-quality leather and are available in various colors. They are practical, elegant, and original.

The Amara, inspired by "the word love and the idea of eternity,” symbolizes timelessness. It has a fluid design that adapts to any occasion and comes in three colors: black, camel, and off-white.

The Serena, meanwhile, "draws inspiration from confidence” and embodies "understated sophistication.” It balances functionality with authenticity and is available in two colors: jungle green and beige.

Finally, the Élan is perfect for those who "value style with attitude.” With soft lines and an organic shape, it’s a versatile, practical piece. The Élan is available in three colors: black, baby blue, and cream.

Alexandre also highlights the business study they carried out to "position the brand in the mid-to-high-end market,” with an initial focus on the European market. By the end of this year, they plan to open their first physical store in Lisbon, "to give credibility to the brand,” although he acknowledges that "most sales will come from the online store.” In fact, Alexandre points out the challenges they’ve faced along the way, noting the current macroeconomic climate and the uncertainties it brings.

From Dream to Reality
Catarina Melo, 29, from Leiria, dreamt of sewing since she was a child. After studying law and working in the judiciary, she never imagined that one day her dream would come true and she would launch her own handbag brand together with her husband, Alexandre Melo, 34. The couple’s desire to "do something different and entrepreneurial” led to the birth of Caina, a Portuguese handbag brand inspired by "the feminine, being a woman, and being practical,” says Catarina.

The name Caina itself carries this "childhood dream,” as it comes from "Caína,” Catarina’s childhood nickname. The first models, which were then presented to Belcinto for production, were all designed and handcrafted by Catarina. For Alexandre, "love and craftsmanship” are inseparable values at the heart of Caina’s message.

The GQL Group — the same team that organized Catarina and Alexandre’s wedding — was the chosen partner to bring the launch event to life, with Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria as the setting for this new chapter. For this couple, nothing is done by chance. They are people of faith and believers in dreams. The Amara, Serena, and Élan may be "just bags” — but they are authentic, and they are Portuguese.