Growing up, Canadian-born Nancy Fernandes would spend her summers in Portugal. Her father hailed from the north and her mother from the south. Over these sun-soaked summers, Nancy would experience the country as a whole, moving from the sea of the south, with its cork, arid landscapes and Arabic influences. Up north, she would be enveloped by greenery, exposed to the textiles and filigree and comparative wealth.
Regardless of where Nancy was, her feet would sweep across stunning terracotta tiles as she witnessed her heritage firsthand. With Saudade, her design shop in Little Portugal, she can share that love with others.
A design offering by Nancy Fernandes and Connie Freitas, Saudade (“nostalgia” in Portuguese) brings to Toronto a taste of Portugal like never before. Adhering to the traditional and artisanal designs of Portugal, this recently created passion project carries brightly coloured wool blankets, housewarming gifts and home accessories that harken back to a land rich in culture and heritage.