On 6 October, Portugal remembers and celebrates the life and legacy of one of the greatest voices in Portuguese music, Amália Rodrigues. The date marks the anniversary of the death of the fado diva, an artist who transcended borders and became a global icon of Portuguese song. We use this date to remember the story of Amália Rodrigues and her impact on Portuguese culture, as well as to highlight her importance in the history of Prooptica.

Who was Amália Rodrigues

 Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues, born in Lisbon on 23 July 1920, was one of the most acclaimed and charismatic fado singers of all time. Her career spanned more than half a century and her unique, emotive voice won over audiences all over the world.

Amália grew up in the city of Lisbon, in the streets of the Mouraria neighbourhood, where the heritage of fado was deeply rooted. From an early age, she showed a remarkable interest in music, singing for the first time in public at a primary school party. Singing in the streets, performing at small neighbourhood parties and in popular marches, the singer gradually gained notoriety. By the early 1940s, Amália Rodrigues was already a recognised professional fado singer with her own repertoire.

Beyond fado...

As well as singing fado, Amália also reinvented it, making it more accessible and attracting global audiences. She interpreted traditional songs with a depth of emotion that crossed language and cultural barriers. In this way, she won hearts not only in Portugal, but also on international stages. With her distinctive style, characterised by a traditional fado singer costume, she took fado to all corners of the world, becoming an ambassador for Portuguese culture.

In addition to her success in the world of fado, Amália Rodrigues had a diversified artistic career that spanned several areas, including cinema and theatre. Amália acted in several films, such as "Fado, História de uma Cantadeira" and "Capas Negras", the latter of which was a huge commercial success that broke all exhibition records until then. She also had an interesting presence in the theatre, namely in the play "Ora Vai Tu", on the stage of the Maria Vitória Theatre.

On 6 October 1999, Portugal lost one of its greatest artists. The date of her death is an annual reminder that Amália's legacy continues and will continue to inspire and move generations.

Prooptica and Amália Rodrigues

 In 2020, as part of the Centenary Celebrations of the birth of Amália Rodrigues, Prooptica and the Amália Foundation signed a co-operation agreement to launch the Amália eyewear collection. This collection aims to publicise and elevate Amália's legacy and memory, giving back so much that Amália gave to the Portuguese: creativity, courage, energy and life beyond borders.

Amália Rodrigues, the eternal diva of Fado, always generous, inclusive and supportive, awakened the Portuguese to the humanity of emotions. An intense, independent and true woman, but above all courageous and resilient in overcoming her struggles and challenges. A woman of faith and culture who perfectly personifies the Portuguese woman: independent, emancipated, self-assured, elegant, seductive, beautiful and always aware of fashion trends.

Totally feminine, the Amália eyewear collection was developed taking into account the values and attributes of Amália Rodrigues. It is an emotional, seductive, intense and disruptive collection.

The models are characterised by an elegant classic style, with dashes of daring modern elements. With touches of sophistication, each line is gorgeously designed to the sound of Amália's fados.

Today we remember Amália Rodrigues and her contribution to Portugal's musical culture. It's an occasion to celebrate her music, honour her memory and ensure that her legacy lives on, inspiring new talents and thrilling audiences around the world.

See the Amália Eyewear collection.