English Version | Portugal With Love: Backstage

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The rainbow is real

Many stories could be told about the different shoots featured on the cover of Vogue this June issue, in particular the one photographed by Cole Sprouse, on page 198. Arrival in Monsaraz the day before the shooting was blessed with sunshine – on the day of production, hardly anything but rain and wind. Making the best possible use of the open spaces offered by the grey sky and forcing the team to stop for several hours to warm up our model Carla Pereira plus wait for the downpour to subside, redemption came when the clouds dissipated to reveal not one, but two rainbows… the setting of this Enchanted Moorish seemed like something out of a movie. And our photographer didn't let the moment slip away.

Saudade

The word that is ours alone, but that we lend to the world. Saudade is a much bigger term than “I miss you”. Much bigger than “tu me manques”. Much bigger than “te echo de menos”. It's visceral, it's deep, it's emotional. The others are factual, they reveal an absence; Saudade prophesies a desire to return, a desire to see again, predicts a reunion. It demands a reunion. That's why it’s such a word of ours: because Portugal longs for everyone – those who visit here briefly and those who grow roots here.

Forever, Manuel Alves

As fate would have it (or Fado?) the day we were photographing Mariza in Porto was also the day we learned of the death of Portuguese designer Manuel Alves. As fate would have it (or Fado?), one of the most iconic images from the story, on page 158, later chosen for the cover of this issue, was Mariza wearing an Alves/Gonçalves dress, Manuel's namesake brand alongside José Manuel Gonçalves. With an eternal legacy in Fashion as half of the Manéis duo, Alves receives yet another indelible tribute: a Vogue cover in an issue dedicated to Portugal. With love.

From the outside in

We know what Portugal has to offer – and so do others. Therefore, we wanted to include in this issue not only the point of view of the local teams and personalities, but also of the international names who have worked with Vogue for a long time and who flew to Portugal to record with an (almost) unbiased look the scenes that are just a small postcard of everything the territory has to offer. Known for the visual aesthetics of the lens, they did not fail to share with us a few words about the places they visited.

“Even though I lived in Portugal for six years, this was the first time I traveled to Madeira Island. Landing at the airport was a thrill in itself – and the next day I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful places where we were going to photograph. Of all the spots we visited, my favorite was Ponta de São Lourenço: the view of the sea below the terracotta-colored rock formations is really beautiful. It felt like I was on a Game of Thrones movie set.” - Ricardo Abrahão, photographer for the fashion story Dunn, the Explorer, in Madeira, on page 238.

“I have been in love with Portugal for many years, I discovered Porto more recently and for me it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, every corner has the potential to take an excellent photograph. Few cities are as poetically photogenic as this one.” - Branislav Simoncik, photographer for the fashion story Oh people of my land, in Porto, on page 158.

“Photographing in São Miguel was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Not only for the breathtaking landscapes but especially for the energy and tranquility you feel on this island. And being able to share this experience with my dear Alessandra Ambrósio and my incredible team was like spending a vacation with friends.” - Élio Nogueira, photographer for the fashion story Atlantic’s Goddess, in São Miguel, on page 260.

“Alentejo was so filled with beauty and warmth that I was almost desensitized by being so surrounded with it. I was so astonished at the incredible quality of food, drink, scenery, and company, that I immediately started to plan for my return with my family. Like a well guarded secret, I only hope my discussing of it doesn’t spoil its serenity. I hold my time in Alentejo very close to my heart, and hope to share that landscape with my loved ones.” Cole Sprouse, photographer for the fashion story Enchanted Moura, in Monsaraz, on page 198.

“The Algarve, with its stunning color palette that ranges from the deep blue of the ocean to the radiant white of its limestone cliffs, is a true natural masterpiece in the South of Portugal.” - Juankr, photographer for the fashion story Beach Babe, in Ferragudo, on page 216.

“It was an incredible experience and the setting was so beautiful. I also love how quickly time changes, making you appreciate the incredible fleeting moments even more!” - An Le, photographer for the fashion story Dancing Queen, in Sintra, on page 182.

Translated from the original in Vogue Portugal's "Portugal With Love" Issue, published June 2024. Full stories and credits in the print issue.