Sweaters, caps and bags with motifs alluding to the Laurel forest, the sea lion and Zino’s petrels are the focus of the SOU brand, which develops its own designs and manufactures in Portugal. Founded in 2023 by Rita Galvão, the brand was born out of a desire to launch a concept with strong links to the local identity and nature of Madeira.
‘I have a background in design and regional products,’ explains the founder. She adds that the project ‘started with two collections, the Echoo Collection and the Botanical Island,’ and took shape with the opening of a shop on Rua de Santa Maria, in Funchal.
More than just clothing, the SOU brand sees itself as a community and environmental activism project. ‘In addition to representing nature in our designs, we have signed a protocol with the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation,’ says Rita Galvão. The agreement provides for the reforestation of 5,000 square metres with native Madeiran species.
‘Right now, SOU Community is the brand's most important project,’ she emphasises. Still in its early stages, the first tree cleaning and planting initiative is scheduled for February. ‘We want to create a community that helps us and shares the same values. We don't rule out the participation of tourists, in line with regenerative tourism.’
