This month, our friend and artist Laëtitia Rouget introduces us to her version of Lisbon...
Hi Laëti, we're so excited to chat with you today! Can you give us a little intro to your universe?
My universe is a mix of British eccentricity & humour, timeless French style and Portuguese sunshine.
You recently moved from London to Lisbon - what made you take the plunge?
I was looking for a fresh start in a city where I could be more in touch with nature and have more space to work. When I first came to Lisbon in March 2021, it was a match made in heaven and I found all the things I was looking for as well as an incredible team that supports me with the making of my ceramics.
How are these two cities different from one another? What do you love most about Lisbon?
Both cities are very different from one another, in terms of weather, culture, and people.
I love them both equally but I feel that Lisbon is more aligned with what I am looking for at the moment which is a slower and simpler lifestyle.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I wake up every morning with a beautiful view of the pine trees, have breakfast with fresh juice from the garden and then I start my day. Each day is pretty different and I think this is what I love the most about my job, as I am always working on new things. But most of my time consists of painting, creating new ceramics, organising photoshoots, imagining new pieces, and all the other less glamorous things that an independent has to take care of like admin, replying to emails, organising meetings etc.
Your favourite Portuguese saying:
Ate ja ! See you soon!
What do you love to do on weekends?
One of my favourite places to go to during the week is Arrabida, a beautiful reserve south of Lisbon where you can enjoy the mountains and the small hidden beaches. I feel that I am in Corsica when I go there.
What’s your go-to spot for lunch?
Ponto Final is a lovely place to go for lunch especially in winter as it’s less busy and you have beautiful view of Lisbon. What I love most about it is that you can take a shuttle boat that takes you there from Lisbon.
And for a romantic dinner?
It depends on your style and idea of a romantic dinner, but Boubou's is an amazing restaurant that you should try if you want to indulge. I also love Senhor Uva and Santa Clara Dos Cogumelos - both have a very chilled atmosphere and the food is delicious.
The best coffee place in town:
I love to go to Kailua Fonte da Telha in the morning to have fresh orange juice and a pastel de nata on the beach. My favorite place is where all the fishermen hang out next to a bar called Cafe Doce.
Any shops we absolutely can’t miss?
You can visit A Vida Portuguesa which always has a lovely curated selection of Portuguese craftsmanship. And I would recommend visiting the Gulbenkian Museum which is just stunning.
The best place for self-care/a good sweat?
Go for an early morning run next to the Tagus River.
And for dancing?
I love wandering from one place to another and see where the night takes me. Lisbon has a lot of nice bars where you can just have a drink and enjoy the music, for example, at Boavista. In summer time there are parties everywhere in town as well as on the beach next to Costa da Caparica.
Any hidden gems that you’d like to share with us?
Palacio do Grilo is an amazing place to discover. It's a beautiful old palace where they have one-of-a-kind performances every night.
And lastly, what are your three favourite arkitaip-pieces?
My favourites are the ruffled Clara trousers in pink, the flared Clara trousers in lavender and your zero-waste scrunchies. And of course, I love our arkitaip x Laëtitia Rouget linen sarong :)
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