A Dive into Brazilian Fashion
Image Courtesy: Apolo
Brazil is unlike any other. Its vibrancy is emphasized through fashion and artistic expression. While global trends and mass production still exist, the Brazilian style stands out amongst mainstream fashion with its high-quality natural materials, bold colors, and unique patterns. There’s a love for flowy, playful designs and an embrace of revealing skin that feels distinctly Brazilian. Craftsmanship is intricate, often handmade, and carries an unmistakable energy that’ll make you go: Oh, that’s Brazilian.
Brazil's fashion reflects the diverse culture and landscapes, drawing on textiles and natural resources. The country is home to more than just the Amazon rainforest. Brazil houses tropical deserts, wetlands, urban cities, coasts, grasslands, and mountains. These are more than just scenery components; they are the sources of economic value, spiritual practices, artistic inspiration, and national pride. This deep connection to the environment influences the appearance of fashion, with colors, textures, and designs often mirroring the vivid surroundings, influencing clothing production and emphasizing sustainable practices.
Brazilians value comfort and sophistication, which differs depending on the region of Brazil you are from. If you’re from São Paulo, you may opt for an urban look with sleek modern lines, while those in the North may prefer a dynamic pattern and lighter fabric. Despite the country being a blend of ethnicities and traditions, Brazilians have a strong identity: pride of our home and roots, expressed through our clothes.
Furthermore, here are some Brazilian brands you need to know:
Havaianas
Havaianas is a brand Brazilians hold very close to their hearts, with 100% Brazilian origins since 1962. The brand was created with lower-class individuals in mind, emphasizing durability, comfort, and accessibility. What started as a simple flip-flop invented out of necessity has become a fashion staple within Brazil, with numerous variations and designs showcasing its versatility. The term “moda periférica brasileira” comes to mind, which translates to “Brazilian peripheral style,” and describes the aesthetic of the favelas and funk movement. These come from the outskirts of big cities in Brazil, hence the name peripheral. We must recognize the origins of fashion, especially when those origins involve marginalized groups, as it has extended far beyond physical clothing, representing the lifestyles, culture, and expression of those who wear it.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Misci
Based in São Paulo and created by Airon Martin from Mato Grosso in 2018, Misci is a rising brand in the Brazilian fashion world. The name comes from the term “miscegenation,” meaning the mixing of multiple people and races, and conveys the brand’s mission of communicating the essence of Brazil and its regionality. Martin uses Misci to showcase the importance of individuality in Brazilian design while highlighting the country’s pride in our exceptional product quality and ethical and sustainable manufacturing process. He prioritizes using primarily local raw materials and labor, seeking to create products that are Brazilian in every way. Popular national materials utilized by the brand include linen, cotton, and pirarucu leather (also used in accessories and furniture).
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Cosmo Rio
This brand is the pure essence of Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 2017 by Lucia Pereira Hsu, Cosmo Rio is super fresh and colorful, combining striking statement pieces with minimalistic ones for a unique style that screams the beach and streets of Rio. Hsu founded the brand, taking inspiration from high fashion and making it accessible to everyday women. Their mission is to make clothing that celebrates comfort, diversity, and freedom of movement. They believe that the impact of this attitude and expression through clothing is invaluable. Cosmo Rio’s clothing spans a wide array, with styles influenced by streetwear, tropical bohemian, and pieces reminiscent of that 60’s-70’s psychedelic vibe we all love so much.
Image Courtesy: Cosmo Rio
HIST
“How I See Things” was founded in April 2021 by Giuliana Braide from Ceará. HIST’s pursuit is to rediscover the possibilities in the fashion space, bringing forth questions within its name. This brand encompasses the spirit of São Paulo, stemming from the founder’s experience in New York City. Featuring designs that blend streetwear with deconstruction, HIST seeks urban and contemporary elements and surprising shapes to create its world. The brand is hyper-aware of its ethical responsibility in the fashion industry, opting for raw alternative materials and a transparent manufacturing process. Some examples of their sustainable solutions include using certified cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics through a partnership with the sustainable fabric producer ECOSIMPLE.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Brazilian fashion is more than just style, acting as a reflection of the country’s diversity, nature, and identity. Utilizing elements like bold patterns and sustainable practices, Brazilian designers wonderfully capture the essence of Brazil. As showcased through the work of these talented brands, Brazilian fashion proudly represents who we are and where we come from.
Strike Out,
Writer: Victoria De Notaris
Editor: Emily Montarroyos
Graphic Designer:
Tallahassee