Rio Martina - this is us
Rio Martina is a young company that was founded in the Franconian city of Nuremberg, in Bavaria, Germany. Its mission is to give European women the opportunity to enjoy the Brazilian fashion experience.
This is what the company founders Cristina Falcão and Marco Scharrer set out to do.
The fact that nowadays 9 out of 10 shoes come from Asia, a region of the world where, unfortunately, working, production and environmental conditions are still inadequate, was one of the reasons that led the founders to put their trust in the Brazilian shoe industry. Brazil has completely different standards that are in line with Cristina and Marco's values.
Cristina is Portuguese. She lives in Germany since several years and has family ties to Brazil.
"I've always liked to buy shoes that are different from the usual, that stand out and are characterized by individuality. That was always difficult for me to find in Germany.
On all my trips to Brazil, I could hardly wait to finally be able to buy unique models that are only available there. Not only the design, the quality of workmanship and the materials used, but also the comfort of the shoes I find in Brazil is unbeatable.
So it was only a matter of time before Marco and I decided that this privilege should not just be reserved for those who regularly visit their family in Brazil. And so began this project to bring Brazilian shoes to Germany and Europe so that more women can enjoy them." - Cristina Falcão
Marco is a true Nuremberg native and shares his life with Cristina since many years. Precisely because he is a man, he brings a point of view that completes Cristina's perspective.
"Women's shoes are associated with feminine fascination, fantasy, grace and sensuality. As a man, I am aware of how a beautiful pair of shoes enhances a woman's appearance. The other way around is more difficult. An outfit, however beautiful, can lose value if the shoes don't match.
If you are a man born in Germany, the love for cars will not pass by you. There is a parallel between shoes and car rims. You can have the most beautiful car, but if the rims don't match, the whole look loses its shine. In the same way, a woman can have the most harmonious outfit, but the wrong shoes will devalue the appearance". - Marco Scharrer
