Carlos & Patricia Santos

Portuguese brand, Frato, is helmed by husband and wife pair, Carlos and Patricia Santos. Despite having a background in engineering and law respectively, Carlos and Patricia, were drawn to interior design. 

Frato – which is derived from the word “fraternity” – was also inspired by the names of the couple’s six-year old twins, Francisco and Tomas. “The name is very special to us. And we want to achieve a very delicate, timeless concept, with high-quality designs,” says Patricia.

"Our style is really eclectic and natural. We think that Asia is definitely a source of inspiration," they add.

In the span of just four years, the Portuguese brand has managed to establish a presence in 47 countries, with its latest showrooms having opened in London and Riyadh this year. In fact, the Riyadh store is the product of a partnership with the royal family of Saudi Arabia. It came about when Princess Mashael Bint Sultan fell in love with the brand’s elegant and glamorous Classic-Contemporary furniture pieces, after seeing them at Maison & Objet in Paris in 2013.

Though the couple work together, they make it a point not to work at home. “We work hard at the office, which is twenty minutes away from home, but we have a rule not to bring work home,” they say. All the pieces are designed and made in Porto, in the north of Portugal.

To see the collection, visit Frato at Marquis Studio (located within Lifestorey) at Great World City.