With the Rio Olympics just around the corner, our attention has turned to the Brazilian fashion designers going for gold internationally. From beachwear to handmade footwear and artisan-inspired ready-to-wear, there’s a rich pool of talent to tap into...
Isolda
If you like your colours bright and your prints tropical, this is the brand for you. Although London-based, it’s the brainchild of Brazilian design duo Juliana Ferreira and Maya Pope and is a favourite of street style stars and fashion editors alike. You can pick up these gorgeous prints at MatchesFashion.com.
Agua de Coco
This luxury fashion house was established in 1985 and specialises in super luxe swimwear. Their collections are often a highlight of São Paulo Fashion Week, featuring some of the country’s top models including Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima. As well as beautifully intricate swimwear, their line includes dresses and separates that look equally at home on the beach or in the bar.
Lane Marinho
Shoe addicts beware: Lane Marinho will feed your habit! Made with all-natural materials in the traditional, artisan methods of Brazil. The focus is very much on nature, using materials like ropes, shells and stones to create products that are truly unique. Unfortunately you can’t buy Marinho’s designs online – they are only available to buy from her studio or order direct via email – but do follow her Instagram for regular doses of artistic inspiration.
Martha Medeiros
Intricate lacework is what drives Martha Medeiros, and her designs are very much rooted in the local handicrafts of her native country. As well as creating fabulously feminine and show-stopping gowns, Medeiros is passionate about improving conditions in the communities where the garments are created - each piece is handmade by women in the Sertão region, where the company provides health care and education for the families of lace makers.
Barbara Casasola
Alicia Vikander is a fan of this Brazilian designer and it’s easy to see why – the tailoring and fit of her designs is outstanding. Her slightly androgynous aesthetic offer a modern and minimalist silhouette that nevertheless celebrates the female form. It’s all so easy to wear, with classic pieces that would fit right into any working wardrobe.
Alexandre Birman
Celebrities including Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez are all Birman devotees – they all know there’s nothing sexier than a Brazilian high heel. His sensual designs use a variety of fabrics and prints, including snakeprint, leopard and suede, with an emphasis on ‘va-va-voom’ heels. Intricate details like hand-tied ankle straps and jewels make these the ultimate red carpet shoes.
Bruno Basso
Brazilian born Bruno Basso is one half of Basso & Brooke, alongside Nottingham lad Christopher Brooke. Their focus on digital prints and textile manipulation has garnered them a huge following in the design community and they’ve undertaken some successful collabs with brands like Swarovski along the way.
Adriana Degreas
Brazil is of course known for its beaches (and beach bodies) so it’s only natural that beachwear is what they clearly do best. Degreas’ designs are famous for their striking details, such as unusual cut-outs and panels and is a favourite of many celebs including Suki Waterhouse and Gisele. If it’s a sexy silhouette you’re after, Degreas is the one to provide it.
Carlos Miele
Carlos Miele’s labels sell in more than 30 countries worldwide and it’s easy to see why. His popular ready-to-wear designs are influenced by Brazilian artisan techniques and his clothing often features elements created by local artisan co-operatives. His love of figure-hugging fabrics emphasises the female form in a way that only a Brazilian designer can achieve – it’s soft, sensual and has an attitude.
How do you say ‘fabulous’ in Brazilian?
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