1. What is BÉHEN’s mission?
BÉHEN was established in 2020 fueled by the desire to tell stories through clothes. This love for connection and storytelling allowed BÉHEN to build a mission focused on safeguarding these narratives and traditional techniques. Although with a focus on Portuguese craftsmanship, BÉHEN lives globally from all the love letters, photographs, family stories, hand stitches and songs that we carefully translate into pieces.
We work alongside artisans from different regions of Portugal, collaborating on collections and projects that showcase various techniques from textiles to tinwork.
2. Who is the designer behind BÉHEN?
BÉHEN is a team of many friends and family that share the same values and truly believes in a project that can connect the younger generation to traditional crafts.
Joana Duarte is the founder and designer of the project, studied in London at Kingston’s University for her Master’s in Fashion Design but returns to Portugal and to her family stories that fueled the creation of BÉHEN. For more information about Joana and the BÉHEN’s team click here.
3. What does BÉHEN mean?
Long story short means sister. Inspired by the Hindi term for sister: Bahin.
The idea to create a project started in India, where the Founder of BÉHEN Joana was working with artisans in Jaipur. In an attempt to write Bahin, Béhen was born.
4. Are all BÉHEN products handmade?
The majority of our products are handmade by skilled artisans. Either is an antique material that we collected and transformed, or a new piece made directly with our network of artisans.
However, we also have some products that are not made by artisans but aligned with our mission and values. For example, our jeans and shirts with prints.
5. How does BÉHEN ensure the quality of its products?
BÉHEN places utmost importance on product quality. We maintain close relationships with artisans throughout the creation process. We make sure that everything developed with artisans is possible for them, respecting their environment, deadlines and conditions.
At the studio we spend many hours testing and sampling our patterns, making sure our partners are comfortable with our creations and requirements.
6. Does BÉHEN offer international shipping?
Yes, BÉHEN offers worldwide shipping. We are based in Lisbon but we can quickly send our pieces to you, wherever you are.
7. What is the returns policy for BÉHEN products?
BÉHEN has a customer-friendly returns policy. Customers can initiate returns within 14 days of receiving the product, provided the item is unused, in its original packaging, and in the same condition as received. Personalized and sale items are non-returnable.
8. How can I contact BÉHEN's customer support?
For any inquiries, assistance, or feedback, you can reach out to via email at sales@behenstudio.com We are here to assist you with any questions you may have.
9. Does BÉHEN accept interns?
Absolutely. Our studio is based in central Lisbon, send us your CV and Portfolio to catarina@behenstudio.com
10. How can I stay updated on BÉHEN's latest collections and events?
You can subscribe to our newsletter on the BÉHEN website to receive regular updates on new collections, exclusive offers, and upcoming events. Additionally, you can follow us on our social media channels @behen.studio to stay connected with our latest news and happenings.