Store Guide: Saudade, a Dundas West shop that sells handmade goods from Portugal
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
Name: Saudade
Sells: Housewares, clothing, apothecary, toys and trinkets
Contact info: 1191 Dundas St. W., 647-352-1191
Hours: Tuesday—Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saudade is now open on Dundas West, bringing handmade items from Portugal to the city’s Portuguese neighbourhood. Nancy Fernandes , a teacher at Central Tech, opened the shop (along with her business partner Connie Freitas ) to showcase the artisans she’s discovered in her home country: “Portugal’s sort of been in the shadows, but I want Toronto to experience the great modern design that comes from my country.”
Many of the store’s brands bring a contemporary twist to Portugal’s traditional crafts—for example, shoppers will find woollen throws made from burel (a fabric that was used in shepherds’ capes) as well as stylish reed briefcases handwoven in the tiny village of Castanheira. Though the shop’s been open for less than two weeks, Fernandes has almost sold out of items she thought she’d restock in the fall (it’s a positive thing—she says the reaction from the Portuguese community has been overwhelming). There are still a ton of pretty and practical products up for grabs: we love ultra-thick, Jamie Oliver -approved cutting boards, sustainably made from Portuguese pine; and handcrafted, vegetable-tanned leather totes from heritage label Ideal and Company . Prices are incredibly reasonable: great buys include hand-loomed rugs for $60 and porcelain bowls for $14.
316336 Designed by local firm <strong>Qanuk Interiors</strong>, Fernandes says she wanted the look to be “old world meets new.” (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-19-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-19.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-19/ store-guide-saudade-19 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
316319 These are handwoven baskets from Castanheira makers <strong>Toino Abel</strong>—this kind of reed weaving is a unique family tradition, and there are only a few people who know how to do it right. (Prospective buyers better hurry, as there are only a couple of these bags left.) $90 (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-02-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-02.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-02/ store-guide-saudade-02 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
316318 We love the teal embroidery pattern on this napkin set. $25 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-01-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-01.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-01/ store-guide-saudade-01 0 0
316320 Small floor rugs are hand-loomed using traditional Portuguese patterns, and range from $35 to $80. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-03-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-03.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-03/ store-guide-saudade-03 0 0
316322 Lisbon label <strong>Burel</strong> was founded five years ago to revive the burel industry. The extremely soft throw blankets go for $100. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-05-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-05.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-05/ store-guide-saudade-05 0 0
316329 The mosaic tiles and corked chair are staples of Portuguese decor. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-12-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-12.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-12/ store-guide-saudade-12 0 0
316323 <strong>Bainha de Copas</strong> is a brand that takes actual mosaic tile patterns and prints them on apparel and accessories. The resulting products, like this skirt, are a beautiful ode to heritage. $190 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-06-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-06.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-06/ store-guide-saudade-06 0 0
316326 Delicate porcelain bowls are hand-painted in soft easter egg hues by <strong>Margarida Gorgulho</strong>. $34 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-09-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-09.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-09/ store-guide-saudade-09 0 0
316328 The neighbourhood's Portuguese residents are super-excited about things they haven't seen in years (this actually happened twice during our visit). These wheeled children's toys are especially memorable. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-11-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-11.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-11/ store-guide-saudade-11 0 0
316324 <strong>Lona</strong> is a Braga-based brand that specializes in bright colours and fun stripes. This bowl is perfect for any summertime patio meal. $34 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-07-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-07.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-07/ store-guide-saudade-07 0 0
316325 Family company <strong>Gradirripas</strong> makes these cutting boards, sustainably sourced from pine forests in central Portugal. (Jamie Oliver is a fan.) $50 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-08-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-08.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-08/ store-guide-saudade-08 0 0
316327 Historic Lisbon brand <strong>Velles Loreto</strong>, which makes these sculpted candles, has been around since 1789. $25 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-10-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-10.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-10/ store-guide-saudade-10 0 0
316330 Some playful Portuguese jewellery—this statement necklace is wrapped in a gold chain and tied with a ribbon. $60 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-13-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-13.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-13/ store-guide-saudade-13 0 0
316331 More perfectly summery products from Lona. This floppy hat could inspire some serious beach naps. $28 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-14-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-14.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-14/ store-guide-saudade-14 0 0
316332 Fernandes says packaging reflects many of the brands' histories. These bars of soap, which come in scents like lavender-chamomile and cocoa-cedar, are wrapped in mosaic tile prints. $13 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-15-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-15.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-15/ store-guide-saudade-15 0 0
316338 <strong>Ideal and Company</strong> is a Portuguese heritage brand that handmakes leather goods, including this versatile bag ($500) and laptop carrier ($150). https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-21-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-21.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-21/ store-guide-saudade-21 0 0
316333 Soap on a rope? An oldie but a goodie. $19 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-16-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-16.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-16/ store-guide-saudade-16 0 0
316334 Rooster-themed merch and figurines can be spotted all around the store (the fowl is a common emblem of the country). https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-17-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-17.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-17/ store-guide-saudade-17 0 0
316335 Unfortunately, this yellow linen table runner sold just after we left the store. $100 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-18-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-18.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-18/ store-guide-saudade-18 0 0
316340 The space used to be a CD store. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-23-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-23.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-23/ store-guide-saudade-23 0 0
316341 And here's Fernandes herself. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-24-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/store-guide-saudade-24.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-saudade-little-portugal-dundas-west/slide/store-guide-saudade-24/ store-guide-saudade-24 0 0
I think the wrong address is listed. I should read 1191 Dundas W. not College.
Congratulations to Nancy and Connie on your beautiful store! We were in on Saturday and loved seeing all of the wonderful products from Portugal. You have managed to curate a truly fantastic shopping experience in such a cool space. We were able to find gorgeous pieces for our home, great gifts for family and truly some of the most stunning clothes (the skirts are to die for!!) in the city. Thank you so much, we will be back!
Thanks Sarah, the address has been updated.
The handwoven baskets are beautiful but not in a stye unique to any family tradition. These are commonly available throughout Portugal, as anyone who has ever visited a “feira” can attest, and come in various sizes and colours.