Loja das Meias opens over 100 years ago on the corner of Rossio with Rua Augusta, for many years only selling hosiery and corsets. Quite naturally, its history is intimately linked with the history of Lisbon. The site of its first shop has since been stage of the capital’s heartbeat. All the major events, ranging from visits by Heads of State to political and social demonstrations, passed in front of Loja das Meias. Throughout the years and keeping up with evolution, this shop has undergone several very impressive renovations and innovation works.
The shop is extended to occupy the first floor. This is the first shop to have a lift and shop windows. Being highly regarded, different window display concept is introduced. Shop window contests, with Loja das Meias winning numerous prizes.
In the 30’s, the external façades of the shop are remodeled according to project designed by Architect Raul Lino in collaboration with the most famous artists of those days, namely Fred Kradofer and Tomás de Mello, who are also responsible for the shop’s expansion and its new sections. This is the case of the new Perfumes Section, set up in 1936 when perfumes were only sold in drug stores, the Accessories Section selling handbags, belts and jewelry, Women’s Custom Made Clothing made with our own fabrics. First nylon stockings available for sale causing a great sensation at the time.
During the Second World War, people like Primo de Rivera, the Duke of Windsor, Elsa Schiaparelli, Jean Renoir, Guilhermina Suggia, the Baron of Rothschild, King Umberto of Italy and King Carol of Romania among others were in Lisbon and shopped at Loja das Meias.
In "the golden Sixties" Loja das Meias, keen on keeping up-to-date, makes the most of those prosperous days and undergoes its third major renovation. The project was designed by Architect Carlos Tojal in collaboration with visual artist, Querubim Lapa. Following the shop modernization and extension works, the retail area undergoes major changes: the most renowned international brands are now sold in the Perfumes Section, with the first Estée Lauder counter in Portugal set up in this area. Loja das Meias extends its offer to a new customer base that emerges in the 60’s with great purchasing power: the youth generation. Female and male customers are offered an impressive choice of ready to wear clothes, mainly imported from Italy, France and England. Top designer brands like Daniel Hechter, Charles Maudret, Christian Dior, Ted Lapidus, Mary Quant among others are now available at Loja das Meias. The Accessories Section now offers footwear, selling Christian Dior shoes. A new sportswear section is created. At the end of the 60’s Loja das Meias is the first to sell Levi’s jeans in Portugal, which was a great sales success.
With the city’s expansion, new shopping areas emerge. In 1971, a new modern and dynamic shopping centre opens in Rua Castilho, with private parking for customers. To respond to its customers’ needs and offer greater comfort, Loja das Meias opens its second shop in this building.
With the 25th of April Revolution consumers change habits and mentality, leading Loja das Meias to assume an entrepreneurial attitude. From then on, its stock is manufactured in Portugal, boosting production in numerous fashion wear and accessories factories.
Opening of Loja das Meias Amoreiras, designed by Archictect Carlos Tojal.
With the opening of the first large modern and European-scale shopping centre, Loja das Meias is one of the first to join this initiative, opening its third shop at Amoreiras Shopping Centre.
Opening of Loja das Meias in the historic center of Cascais. The small 40’s townhouse is totally restored and adapated by Architect Francis Leon and decorator Gabriela Leon. Managing its image focused on quality, created throughout the years, has been one of the company’s pillars of development.
In 1996 Loja das Meias Castil undergoes renovation works led by Architect Francis Leon and decorator Gabriela Leon.
In 1997 Loja das Meias Amoreiras undergoes renovation works led by Architect Francis Leon and decorator Gabriela Leon.
And as we reach the 21st century, Loja das Meias remains on the forefront of the fashion sector in Portugal.
A new stage of shop refitting begins in 2005, starting with Loja das Meias Cascais, with Architect Francis Leon and decorators Gabriela Leon and Rebeca Leon again responsible for these works.
In 2006 Loja das Meias Castil undergoes renovation. Architect Francis Leon and decorators Gabriela Leon and Rebeca Leon were in charge of these works.
The Menswear Section in Amoreiras undergoes major makeover, making it more sophisticated and welcoming.
In April 2013, a new LOJA DAS MEIAS concept is launched in Amoreiras. A larger, more contemporary and dynamic space designed by atelier Artica.
Launch of a RALPH LAUREN shop in October 2014. Loja 2004 was a breath of fresh air for the brand’s lovers who had been asking for a shop like this for a long! On the top floor customers can find women’s RALPH LAUREN collections with a different brand featuring every season in this unique space
LOJA DAS MEIAS opens shop in Maputo in May 2015
The latest LOJA DAS MEIAS opens in the beginning of April and is already a great success. A 2-floor shop, with a modern-looking ground level selling high end brands and the first floor shop-in-shop selling only DIOR and CÉLINE