TUAS: the new Portuguese ballet flat brand that doesn’t follow seasons.
Launched on November 5, 2025, TUAS debuted in the ballet flats segment with two models. Defined by their square toe, Julia and Louise are flats created with time, care, and intention — because true luxury lies in what endures and in purposeful creation. Made-to-order, they carry the emotion and individuality of every woman who wears them.
Founded by Ana Sofia Silva, 35, and Inês Melo e Castro, 28, the new Portuguese brand was born while the two were completing an MBA in France. At the time, they were in contact with people from all over the world and different cultures, which inspired them "to create a brand.”
Footwear felt like a natural choice, given Portugal’s tradition and international recognition in the sector — even though neither founder had a background in fashion: Sofia is an engineer and Inês an economist. Despite the strong comeback of ballet flats at the start of the decade, the duo felt there was a gap in the market for models "with a distinctive design capable of transforming a woman’s look.” They wanted them to be "comfortable, colorful, and impactful.”
"The flat shoe is one of the most comfortable styles there is, but there is still this association that a bold model has to have a high heel,” they explain. Their goal was "to detach from that idea and show that a flat can be something different — less boring or traditional.”
As soon as they completed the course in 2022, the founders returned to Portugal and immediately began searching for production partners to help bring to life an idea that had previously existed only on paper during their time in France.
They found the right partners in Oliveira de Azeméis, "at the heart of a region where the art of doing things well is shaped by time, heritage, and hands that understand the value of detail.”
The first two designs, named Julia and Louise, stand out for their square toe, curved inner structure, and red leather sole. Every detail was carefully considered to provide greater comfort while exploring new creative possibilities. More designs are on the way, but the founders refuse to follow a seasonal calendar devoid of purpose, time, or intention.
The silhouette is the same in both models; what differs are the materials. Some versions are crafted entirely in leather, while others combine a leather interior with different outer fabrics. Both mix textures and colors to highlight the potential of a flat design.
TUAS operates on a made-to-order model — there is no stock. Everything is produced upon request, with time and care: "We design thoughtfully, produce consciously, and create with time. Because we believe true luxury lies in what endures, and that every pair should carry the meaning, emotion, and individuality of the person who wears it.”
It was from this idea of exclusivity that the brand name emerged. The model also allows the founders to explore new directions more freely. The first designs are available for pre-order on the TUAS website, where the Julia model is priced at €215 and the Louise model at €249.
Launched on November 5, 2025, TUAS debuted in the ballet flats segment with two models. Defined by their square toe, Julia and Louise are flats created with time, care, and intention — because true luxury lies in what endures and in purposeful creation. Made-to-order, they carry the emotion and individuality of every woman who wears them.
Founded by Ana Sofia Silva, 35, and Inês Melo e Castro, 28, the new Portuguese brand was born while the two were completing an MBA in France. At the time, they were in contact with people from all over the world and different cultures, which inspired them "to create a brand.”
Footwear felt like a natural choice, given Portugal’s tradition and international recognition in the sector — even though neither founder had a background in fashion: Sofia is an engineer and Inês an economist. Despite the strong comeback of ballet flats at the start of the decade, the duo felt there was a gap in the market for models "with a distinctive design capable of transforming a woman’s look.” They wanted them to be "comfortable, colorful, and impactful.”
"The flat shoe is one of the most comfortable styles there is, but there is still this association that a bold model has to have a high heel,” they explain. Their goal was "to detach from that idea and show that a flat can be something different — less boring or traditional.”
As soon as they completed the course in 2022, the founders returned to Portugal and immediately began searching for production partners to help bring to life an idea that had previously existed only on paper during their time in France.
They found the right partners in Oliveira de Azeméis, "at the heart of a region where the art of doing things well is shaped by time, heritage, and hands that understand the value of detail.”
The first two designs, named Julia and Louise, stand out for their square toe, curved inner structure, and red leather sole. Every detail was carefully considered to provide greater comfort while exploring new creative possibilities. More designs are on the way, but the founders refuse to follow a seasonal calendar devoid of purpose, time, or intention.
The silhouette is the same in both models; what differs are the materials. Some versions are crafted entirely in leather, while others combine a leather interior with different outer fabrics. Both mix textures and colors to highlight the potential of a flat design.
TUAS operates on a made-to-order model — there is no stock. Everything is produced upon request, with time and care: "We design thoughtfully, produce consciously, and create with time. Because we believe true luxury lies in what endures, and that every pair should carry the meaning, emotion, and individuality of the person who wears it.”
It was from this idea of exclusivity that the brand name emerged. The model also allows the founders to explore new directions more freely. The first designs are available for pre-order on the TUAS website, where the Julia model is priced at €215 and the Louise model at €249.