Knowing Foster & Bloom’s appreciation of all things handmade, ever-knowledgeable friend and go-to Lisbon local Chelsea Fuss at Frolic! introduced us to the stylish, elegant leather bags, backpacks, accessories and document covers of Project 226. The simplicity of this brand’s chic, minimalist logo and brand statement says all you need to know: Lisbon Made.
Conceived and often handmade in their own Lisbon workshop, these products are functional but sophisticated, with emphasis on details like handmade stitching and clever construction. The ‘Estrela‘ backpack’s design is a classic, and Foster & Bloom’s favourite is the leather in this portfolio case. An example of how design simplicity can attract the eye – to the quality of patina and texture in the Portuguese and Italian leather used and its pleasing brass closure clasp. We also love their limited-edition handmade sandals.
Spotting the opportunity to partner this cool local brand with Bomporto Hotels’ new hotel venture, Foster & Bloom asked Project 226 to create a room directory just for The Lumiares, Lisbon. They picked up on the brass details of the hotel’s design concept, and helped Foster & Bloom devise a new, contemporary take on a traditional hotel compendium. An A4 notebook by Malta&Co, also locally made by hand, compliments the piece, with its hand-painted effects and brassy gold detail. A meeting of minds, philosophy and design that fit the ethos of each company involved.
In their own words: “Project 226 is about our love for all the simple things that make life a wonderful journey: good design, street art, music, t-shirts, traveling, the sea and the sun. The Portuguese concept of “passeio” is very much part of the spirit of Project 226. Through daily walks discovering the old and new parts of the city, inspiration is gathered. Behind every object is a soul.”
*Photo credits: 1 and 7 by Vasco Celio at Stills, all others by Project 226
