Saudade Collective

Saudade Collective was founded in 2020 by Valerie Touw, with the desire to raise a counter-voice against mass production and the loss of authenticity in design and craftsmanship.

After several years of working in the interior design industry, Valerie witnessed firsthand how big brands form their new collections. Seeing this process of copying and mass-producing up close was an eye opener. In her view, the design, the maker and the beautiful crafts are shortchanged.
Resulting in huge collections without soul. With Saudade Collective, Valerie sets out to create something different. Her mission is not only to design beautiful objects, but to create meaningful connections between the design, the artisan and the consumer. In order to care for the things surrounding us, we need to be conscious of them, connect to them.

Through Saudade Collective, Valerie embraces a culture of co-creation, where collaborations with artisans are at the heart of the brand. Valerie believes in ethical craftsmanship and works closely with makers who approach their craft with care and attention. Every product tells a transparent and traceable story, not only making customers aware of what they are buying but also allowing them to understand the meaning behind each object.

The name Saudade is derived from a Portuguese word that expresses a sense of longing and nostalgia — the desire to bring something or someone back, without ever being able to truly do so. This feeling of loss and connection reflects the essence of Valerie's designs: objects that are more than just functional items. They are memories, they are stories, and they give meaning to the spaces in which we live.