Rafaela Mendes Ferreira

Rafaela Mendes Ferreira was born in São Paulo and is now based in London. Trained in Fine Arts, she has spent her career immersed in contemporary art, working with blue-chip galleries such as Nara Roesler and artists like Isaac Julien. Her path naturally led her into the art market, where she became fascinated by how art circulates, gains value, and finds its audience. Three years ago, Rafaela co-founded the international branch of Mafalda Handmade, a contemporary footwear brand rooted in craftsmanship and sustainability. As CEO of the brand in the UK and worldwide, she continues to move between art and design — two worlds that, for her, have always been part of the same conversation.