Brazilian Fever

{mosimage}Since 1999, there has been a huge change in the Brazilian fashion industry; strong investments and modernisation in textile factories have led to a new found confidence and creative buzz. The biannual Sao Paulo Fashion Week (formally know as MorumbiFashion) has become an all-important showcase for Brazilian designers and now attracts an international presence. Top this off with some of the most gorgeous top models on the planet; Gisele Bundchen, Isabeli Fontana & newcomer – Leticia and you can begin to see why Brazil is the fashion hotspot of the moment.

 

Fashion Capital checked out the latest in Brazilian design:

 

 

Mellissa – The colourful jellybean wedge shoe featured at Alexandre Herchcovitch’s Paris spring/summer show. Designed by Mellissa, the jelly wedge is already proving popular with the young ultra-style conscious.

 

 

M&A – A jewellery range created by Brazilian design duo – Anna Smaldon and Maria Donato. M&A creates pieces from stones and seedpods that are handmade by native women in the Serrano region of Brazil.

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Carlos Miele – Specializing in glamorous evening gowns and handcrafted separates, Carlos Miele now shows in New York and is gaining much attention from the international fashion pack. Miele also designs for the creative label – M.Officer, which is available in London at Browns Focus. 

 

 

Lino Villaventura – Opened his first boutique back in the 1980’s, in the northeast of Brazil. Villaventura designs collections that exude luxury and femininity while exploring traditional materials such as – goatskin, pure cotton string, lace and straw. A regular at Sao Paulo Fashion Week he has also established himself as a costume designer for film.

 

 

Alessandra Ferreira – Good quality, leather handbags with a {mosimage}practical but quirky edge. Now available at Selfridges.

 

 

Walter Rodrigues – Known for his fluid, glamorous evening gowns his cut and attention to detail is immaculate. Inspired by the elegant 1930’s Rodrigues brings his silhouettes up-to-date by using innovative and new materials.

 

 

{mosimage}Alexandre Herchcovitch – One of Brazil’s most prominent designers. Ever since his debut collection Herchcovitch has experimented with conceptual and imaginative pieces. Now a part of the Paris Fashion Week schedule, Herchcovitch has stockists in Europe and the US.

 

 

Daslu – The Sao Paolo store of the moment, Daslu is the place to pick up bikinis and casual threads. Stocked in the UK at Browns and Selfridges.

 

 

Exotica, Neon, Rosa Cha and Cia Maritima – As you’d expect, {mosimage}the Brazilians are brilliant at creating bikinis and beachwear that show off their bodies to the max. Four of the top Brazilian beachwear labels include; Rio label – Exotica, bold printed numbers from – Neon, sexy styles at – Rosa Cha and matching beach ensembles by Cia Maritima.

 

 

Kim Poor – Works with her country’s native aquamarine stones to create striking and bold jewellery pieces.

 

 

{mosimage}Sandra Fukelmann – Brings traditional crafts to life with unusual doll covered and hand embellished bags. Check out her quirky accessories at the Selfridges Brazil event, 2^nd Floor.

 

 

Vanessa de Silva – New designer on the block is London based – Vanessa de Silva. With each piece she experiments with twisting, knotting and appliqué, for a range of unique tops, dresses and all-in-ones.

 

 

Havaianas – Said to be last summer’s biggest trend, Havaiana {mosimage} flip-flops are still doing the business in a variety of rainbow shades.

 

Selfridges Brazil 40’ event features, food, fashion, music & film and is on until May 31.

 

Liberty is currently running an exhibition of Brazilian jewellery, Joia, until June.

 

Jo Iles