American designer and 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Presley Oldham has revealed a new footwear collaboration with Portuguese heritage brand Mariano Shoes.
The collection, which debuted at Oldham’s spring/summer 2025 presentation at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, includes styles for both men and women.
In the men’s range, the spotlight shines on flat leather sandals made from natural, recycled, and long-lasting raw materials, designed for style and durability. The women’s collection showcases an elegant array of mules and sandals, available in both flat and high-heeled styles, adorned with custom jewelry pieces designed by Oldham himself, adding a distinct flair to each pair.
The collaboration between the two labels was brought to life with the help of APICCAPS, the Portuguese footwear association. “We chose Presley Oldham for his unique blend of contemporary design and timeless elegance, which aligns perfectly with the rich heritage of Portuguese footwear craftsmanship,” Paulo Goncalves, communications director at APICCAPS, said in a statement. “This collaboration will highlight the artistry of Portugal’s footwear industry, bringing global attention to its tradition and innovation.”
Presley Oldham, designer of his eponymous label, added that it was “such a treat” to work with Mariano and APICCAPS for his first venture into footwear. “Mariano was the perfect partner for this project, with our shared respect for materials and the dedicated handcraft used to create our pieces,” Oldham said. “My goal for our first NYFW show was to build the whole world of my brand, from head to toe. With Mariano and APICCAPS’ help, this was achieved in a way I could have never imagined.”
This collaboration comes as the Portuguese footwear industry doubles down on its efforts to become a strong alternative to Italian shoe production. In June, APICCAPS announced that the country’s shoe industry is investing 600 million euros between now and 2030 to better position Portugal as a relevant player in the luxury footwear sector.
In 2023, Portugal produced 81 million pairs of shoes, with exports accounting for 90 percent of the total production, reaching 174 countries, according to APICCAPS data. With an export value of 1,839 million euros in 2023, Portuguese footwear has particularly thrived in the U.S. market, where exports have seen a 274 percent growth over the past decade.
