Responsibility

We work with three different small ateliers in Porto, we visit them on a regular basis, we know every single seamstress behind our clothing, and we ensure their work conditions and standards are met. Working with local artisans allows us to minimize transportation and reduce our carbon footprint. We only work on small scaled productions and made-to-order basis, to avoid textile waste and overproduction. There’s always room for improvement, and we’re always looking for new ways of optimizing our production process. We value craftsmanship in design and we want to create fashion with meaning.

Community

We believe we have a social responsibility to our community, and we promote and contribute for social awareness campaigns. We work with local associations and charity organizations, through contributions of clothing or monetary donations yearly. We also love collaborating with local artists and partners, so please feel free to reach out info@carolina-machado.com if you have any ideas.

Production

Proudly Made in Portugal. Producing locally and working with the same people from the start, has allowed us to build a long-term and meaningful relationship with our manufacturing partners and material suppliers. Our atelier and production facilities are located in Porto and our materials are sourced from Portugal, Greece and Italy.

Philosophy

We believe in a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion, one that values sustainability, traceability, and transparency. As a brand, we embrace the responsibility of guiding our customers toward more conscious choices. Rather than following traditional seasonal collections, we now focus on small drops, capsule collections, and limited-edition pieces. Our approach aligns with the philosophy of a capsule wardrobe, where timeless, versatile pieces seamlessly integrate with what you already own. You don’t need a lot of clothing, just the right ones.

Environment

We are not 100% sustainable, but we are committed in all different aspects of the business. We keep our communication to our customers digital and via e-mail to reduce paper waste. All of our packaging and tags are biodegradable and/or recyclable. We also offer climate compensated shipping for each order.

Materials

Building a brand from the ground up comes with challenges, but sustainability remains at the core of our decisions. While we have used synthetic fabrics in the past, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. The only polyester we currently use is deadstock, either from our own previous collections, local manufacturers, or leftover materials from brands producing in Porto. When sourcing new fabrics, we focus exclusively on natural fibers or recycled alternatives, ensuring a more responsible and mindful approach to production.