- Insiders Profile -
Founder of Mama Praïa
Marie Paquin is the founder of Mama Praïa, a Lisbon-based footwear brand that has become synonymous with effortless summer style. Inspired by life by the sea and the relaxed elegance of oceanic living, Mama Praïa creates handmade sandals designed to accompany women through long summer days and warm evenings.
Operating from her appointment-only atelier in Campo de Ourique, Marie has built a brand that values craftsmanship, timeless design, and a more personal approach to fashion. Each collection reflects a balance between comfort and elegance, celebrating pieces made to be worn season after season rather than simply following trends.
As summer arrives and sandal season officially begins, Mama Praïa continues to be one of Lisbon's go-to destinations for those looking for beautifully crafted footwear with a sense of authenticity, simplicity, and sunshine.
◆ What inspired you to launch Mama Praïa, and how did the idea first come to life?
Nine years ago, while traveling through Portugal in my van, my sandals broke. I couldn't find a replacement that suited my style, so I decided to create my own.
◆ If you had to describe Mama Praïa in just three words, what would they be?
MacGyver. Joyful. Spontaneous.
◆ What makes the perfect summer sandal in your eyes?
It should be versatile enough to match many outfits, comfortable enough to wear all day without pain, and striking enough to make people say "wow" when they see it.
◆ In a world dominated by mass production, you've chosen to keep a hands-on approach and craft your sandals yourself. Why is preserving this artisanal know-how so important to you?
Keeping production in-house allows us to perfect our models day after day. Working within a limited space pushes us to think carefully about the right retailers and products to develop. It allows for much more creativity, as I have the pleasure of creating all my prototypes internally.
◆ Mama Praïa has developed a loyal following over the years. What do you think resonates most with your customers?
I think they appreciate knowing exactly who makes their sandals. They value the quality and the fact that they are interacting directly with the makers. Having that real "soul" behind the brand makes the sandals different.
◆ Looking back, what has been the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an entrepreneur?
It’s a constant rollercoaster with new problems to solve. I’ve learned that I always need to take a step back and maintain perspective to manage weekly challenges, like last week, when our cutting press failed us right at the height of the season.
◆ Fashion is often influenced by travel. Are there any destinations, cultures, or places that particularly inspire your designs?
Living in Madrid and Lisbon has heavily influenced my use of colors and jewels, drawing from the Iberian lifestyle. I love how women here wear extravagant and ultra-feminine clothes. Being Parisian myself, it was very refreshing, so I blended both spirits.
◆ Is there a designer, brand, or creative entrepreneur that you particularly admire? Why?
We are very lucky in Lisbon to be surrounded by so many talented designers. As a hobbyist ceramicist, I am deeply impressed by the skill of my friends Henriette Arcelin, Maud Téphany, and Marta Cypel; seeing their process makes me realize how difficult the practice truly is.
◆ As a true Campo de Ourique insider, what would be your perfect 24-hour Lisbon itinerary? We'd love your recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink.
I love having breakfast with my son at Botica do Café in Campo de Ourique before school. If I'm in a rush, I'll grab chouquettes at Lully. For lunch, I’m a big fan of the sandwiches at Bibs; if I'm short on time, Hink's in Campo de Ourique has you covered. For dinner, I recently discovered Galeto, which is very fun and has a great vintage vibe. For a drink, I always go to Insaciável; it’s a "valeur sûre". Otherwise, if I am with the kids, the mercado is always an easy-to-go option where we can meet with other families.
◆ Finally, what exciting projects, collaborations, or plans can we expect from Mama Praïa next?
I have so many ideas in the works! Currently, our production capacity is fully booked, but I hope to find space for a project that can "crack the egg" this winter. You can definitely expect a collaboration for next summer, and I hope we’ll be able to welcome you to our atelier more often for drinks.
