English Version | Love Letters

27 Nov 2023
By Vogue Portugal

Illustration by Álvaro Siza Vieira.

There are many languages of love. Not all of them can be deciphered. Very few are publishable. But if love could all be said with words alone, there would be no better way on earth to say it than by writing letters. The pure love letter is the ultimate confession to the other, the most stripped-down revelation, the epitome of the dedication. Whether improvised or erudite, clumsy or polished, shameless or naively shy, the love letter will always be the pinnacle of the sentimental message. From carnal passion to longing for someone, from desire to regret, or the simplest observation: love is love and deserves to be put down in writing, in word for word. In a letter, as if it were a monument.

Once again, Vogue Portugal decided to challenge several well-known Portuguese personalities to write a love letter. The result is here, with different forms, contents and approaches, thanks to the precious contributions of Marisa Liz (singer and songwriter), Sónia Balacó (actress), Tiago Bettencourt (musician), Rui Maria Pego (television and radio presenter), Olga Roriz (dancer and choreographer), Alexandra Moura (fashion designer), Maria Teresa Horta (poet) and Álvaro Siza Vieira (architect). Using the QR code, you can also access two more letters by Carolina Deslandes (musician) and Paula Teixeira da Cruz (lawyer and politician).

*Originally translated from the Love & Hope Issue, published December 2023. Full credits and stories in the print issue.