It Girl!

We all know when it’s talked about sexy, we think of Latin America. This past season we joined a wave of good new talents, and beautiful people working for Original Fashion. Sao Paulo is one of the cities most visited for their brilliance in design and arts. The world just might be adding SP to the fashion calendar!

Here are some highlights from Sao Paulo FAshion Week for their Summer/Spring 2009 collections.

Ellus 2nd Floor brought vivid colors and the bohemian look for a traveler young woman. Comfort and straps are rules. I loved the headbands and the flowered dresses in particular. Very commercial and lovable.

Dandy hats to complete the outfit. A bit country, a bit rock’n roll.. a bit bohemian….but very daring. Button up pencil skirts should be in every season….they’re easily matched and worn for work, night..and if you’re up North…wear with leggings and boots, You’ll feel like you’re part of the cast in Mad Men!

……………………………………………………

ANIMALE

With the theme: Urban heroes..Animale came with its most beautiful collection. Perfect tailored work, patchwork, fitted pants, plaids, drappery and to finish the look….the shoesssssss! Crazy bitchy shoes!

Welcome to the Fashion Extravaganzaaaaa!!

…………………………………………………………..

The most waited and desired show of the week….the reason?! The ubermodel…Gisele Bunchen as the main act. Colcci came with a more mature collection than its past years, more commercial and detailed. The presence of Gisele wasn’t just the most important happening for Colcci. Beautifully done!

photos courtesy: erikapalomino.com

Additional sites: Colcci, Ellus, Animale

]]> http://southamericandesign.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/its-cold-herebut-down-there/feed/ 0 amandantunes capa ellus 2nd floor 2nd floor 610x1 drappery Colors animale colcci colcci colcci Animale http://southamericandesign.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/buenos-airess-hidden-treasure-gabriela-horvat/ http://southamericandesign.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/buenos-airess-hidden-treasure-gabriela-horvat/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:08:09 +0000 amandantunes http://southamericandesign.wordpress.com/?p=156 ]]>

Gabriela's atelier

“Each piece has a feeling, a deed, a sensation…a smile” says Gabriela Horvat.

This latin based designer gives us proof that art and design can live in harmony and absolutely in love with each other. Her pieces are like tales of your childhood immersed in cocoons and silver. Gabriela lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina…and opened her first store in August this year. Her work comes from a very primitive, almost raw form, giving space to creativity and sensitivity of an artist. She expresses passion and as a storyteller she makes them objects of desire!

Gabriela Hovart’s designs can be purchased at B’aires.

photo’s credit: gabrielahorvat.com

Her very sexy shoe’s company  has been invited to participate at Fashion Week in NY this September. This brazilian born lives in Rhode island and started her own shoe’s line with timeless sexy pieces every woman should own. Goka is driving everyone at NY fashion week nuts and I’m one of them. It’s a new brazilian line that collaborates with Alexandre Herchkovitch, also another brazilian fashion designer that deserves a post by its own. I’ll be back for more!

“The beauty is the bootie” says Alexandra Gold.

From Oxford inspired styles to ladylike silhouettes there’s a bottie for every woman!

www.gokadesign.com

She has always represented this sweet-dark, slightly tarnished… aesthetic which I love, a truly muse for the Brazilian beats. Simone Carvalho Mendes lives in Rio de Janeiro studying fashion design and loving the warm tropical country. She moved from Sao Paulo to France to Rio….in a matter of 22 years. For our second round of Beautiful people I invite Simone to out guest list and to tell us a bit about the city from the famous song “Girl from Ipanema” and her fashion life…among other things. She clearly wants to make a statement, and by doing art and introducing her face to the world…she can consider her mission started.

She comes across as a light, vibrant, strong, street-educated individual. The fashion world will be thankful!

A.A.: There many designers absolutely influenced by art movements. Do you consider yourself part of this group? Is there any specific influence in your work?
Simone Mendes: The truth is, I usually do not hold on to anything specific when I’m creating. Art Movements are essential in fashion, and I’m always looking for art on my work, but not necessarily be directly influenced.

A.A. What inspires you then?
S.Mendes: Everything. There’s no main focus of inspiration. Even know if I limit my inspiration I limit myself.

A.A. Tell me what you think of this wave of “love affair” with fashion and art?
S.Mendes: I’m pretty much deeply involved in this wave. It’s almost a ménage a trois! I’m in fashion for art…and not just to dress people. Fashion is my way to express myself and create….and this is what I’m looking for my career.

A.A.: When you graduate, what’s next?
S.Mendes: I started working at a Bride’s atelier. It’s very exciting and I’m happy there. I know I’ll be able to learn a lot with my lovely boss. So for now I’m very satisfied.

A.A. What the context behind the runways represents to you?
S.Mendes: It’s very complicated once you’re there. I worked in three seasons for Rio Fashion Week and pretend to participate at Sao Paulo Fashion Week soon. It’s a cruel world….that’s why I rather work for the creation department, you need to be prepared psychologically. There’s a lot a people trying to run over you, get your spot, take advantages….of course you can find these everywhere in fashion…but in runways it’s more evident.
A.A.: I noticed you like tattoos. Is it a way to express you artistic side as well?
S. Mendes: Sure. A lot of my friends ask why I did it. And it’s an art expression, I use my body as the canvas…but my intentions are not to cover my whole body, not at all. Everything in excess is bad.

A.A.: How is to be living in France for years and move back to your origins, where there’s a humongous cultural differences. Tell me about this experience.
S. Mendes: It’s crazy!! haha. Especially because when I got back to Brazil I moved to Rio, a city where I had never lived before. I had been here in vacation, of course, but it’s another story when you live. France is a beautiful place, but too cold…not just the weather, but people. So, you can imagine the cultural chock I had in moving back to Brazil where they are very warm and gracious people. I like both countries, but if I had to choose after all these years of both experiences…I stick with my origins.

AA. If you could be an icon….who would that be?
S. Mendes.: Man, I’m not very into that…but whom I love by their style are the Olsen twins … and beauty would be Monica Belucci…she’s hot!

A.A. assions?
S. Mendes: God, my family, my boyfriend, my friends and art in general.

A.A.: Who are you favorite fashion designers?
S. Mendes: Yoji Yamamoto, Marc Jacobs, Vivianne Westwood, Marcelo Sommer (Estilista), Tufi Duek (Forum).

A.A.: Places you consider a “MUST” visit in Rio!
S. Mendes: You can’t go away from Lapa. There’s an amazing variety, a mix of tribes and styles and everyone goes along. I’m spending some time at Barra da Tijuca also, where it’s more calm and relaxing. If you’re looking for pubs and underground music the place to go is Zona Sul…you find music all night long.

A.A. What’s your style? Is there any accessory you can’t live without?
S.Mendes: I’m undefined. I love to change. There’s no fun if you work in fashion and you dress the same every single day, right? If there’s something I can’t live without is a good pair of skinny jeans.

A.A. What is in your playlist?
S.Mendes: For a long time i was into Rock’n Roll…but now I’m very eclectic…r’n'b’, rap, pop…it doesn’t make any sense…but I don’t like routines and music cannot get in the same routine for me, so I’m changing all the time.

A.A. Tell me about Rio as the capital of beauty, tourism and violence. How do these worlds get along?
S.Mendes: The truth is that the media tells people that Rio is this contrast of violent beautiful world. But the reality is different. There are a lot of neighborhoods very safe and with freedom to come and go. They make Rio to look like a circus…. and it’s not like this. Of course, we have bad places and dangerous areas around…but these kinds of neighborhoods are all around the world.

A.A.: In this world of indecision, lack of humanity and conscience, do you believe that fashion can offer something social conscious? That fashion designers can bring more color to this black and white world? S.Mendes: I think fashion has a very big part of this social environment. As we’ve been seeing along the years many designers are engaged in this “organic” idea and “fair-trade” relationships. I believe fashion is here to show who we are and what we become. People are starting to realize how bad to the planet is carry a leather bag from Dior. Instead, the technology is helping creating fibers out of bamboo or other natural resources. We do bring colors to this world and nobody can never doubt this.

The passion that connects the client with the creator is essential…and can never be gone. – Simone Carvalho Mendes.

Painter, sculptor, multimedia artist and producer. Alex Hornest started his career out of scratch and became a huge influence in the urban scene of Sao Paulo capital. Using discarded objects from the streets and the most unusual materials for his sculptures and paintings he transfigures all that to the screen, originating movies that captures people in the everyday chaos of the big city. Known for more than 15 years as “Onesto” his character that represents his artwork.

His new book is out this week called “Onesto“, gathering his many works and urban influences to this brilliant collection.

Jo de Mer by Amalia Spinardi.

In the backyard we’re gonna have some party…or in the beach…and a bathing suit from Jo de mer that suits you well can transform that pool yard in a runway.

After years as the editor of Elle magazine in Brazil and Capricho magazine for teens Amalia decided to start her own beachwear line…and says : “I’ve always been a bikini addict”.

Her work is based in lycra and bright color fibers, that brings your bathing suit to shine. But not so extravagant. It’s just enough. She’s inspired by woman who enjoy life by water…and also are sophisticated. Think about Brigitte Bardot walking like the Girl from Ipanema. The cut is also more generous than usual brazilian bikinis around the world. But it’s still very sexy and suits all kinds of woman. They carry precious details, like metals, buttons, laces and cute bags that match. The line also offers a variety of caftans and tunics made with crochet and vintage. It’s love at first sight. They sell in the USA at Barneys and boutiques all over NY. Also Europe and Caribean. Brazilian bikini is the must of the season!….

It’s no secret,in Sao Paulo Brazil who you are and who you know has always mattered more than what you do. What’s unique about today’s nouveau-hipster-style is that they have seen the city like this before.The hysteria of the boom before the bust is all, it was their parents who were the taste-makers of yesteryear: the artists, musicians, designers and muses of the mid-’80s, as well as the lawyers, publicists, writers who gave them a cultural and financial context. Some of these old folks still have flourishing careers, but many find themselves in the middle of a media era they will never quite know how to manage. And the new generation find their wickedly dynamic ways to survive. Our beautiful people posts will introduce young students/professionals from South America, talking about their worst and best rides in the planet!

The effervescent brazilian-born student/publicist/and fashion lover from Sao Paulo Brazil can have a hippie vibe if goes to the right places. With her bee-stung lips, it’s no wonder the playful 22 year -old felt compelled to give us the first interview about life in the South A. She’s certainly got the credentials and is trying out her career skills, and competing around one of the coolest cities in South America. Let’s find out what’s inside the college student’s minds/bodies/life at the capital..where party is anytime, everywhere, with everyone. Graziela Mazzer is our guest for the season…

Graziela Mazzer is a senior undergrad publicist at University of Fine Arts in Sao Paulo. Immediately agreed to an interview and tell us how is the world around her beautiful mind…

a.m.a.: How have things changed since you moved to Sao Paulo?

Mazzer.: I grew up. I learned to adapt myself to different situations, good or bad, Sao Paulo offered this beautiful dynamic of life where I have to socialize with a variety of people, cultures and ethnicity, If you don’t stop to get to know them well enough it’s just not worth the living (not like watching them, but like an anthropologist, admire and study human behavior). Respect the differences, have always a second opinion and advice. I’m also more aware of things like never before. I feel agitated like the city…there’s no way to live in Sao Paulo if you don’t follow the flow. The city that never sleeps (like NY). There’s freedom in fashion. Every season the streets change constantly, you can be a fashion victim or not, and adapt your style to your own life. Independence and ambition pairs with curiosity.

a.m.a.: how truthful is what you see on television (from a publicist view)?

Mazzer: There’s not much truth on TV. The audience is what matters. And with the lifestyle I have…there’s not much time for tv anyway.

a.m.a.: What country would you like to visit most?

Mazzer: Spain.

a.m.a.: TV shows you watch?

Mazzer: Greys Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.

a.m.a.: Art galleries?

Mazzer: MASP at Paulista Avenue.

a.m.a.: Not necessarily in the same order…but what are your preferences these days for…beaches,shopping, food, beer, music, books?

Mazzer.: I’ll try to go over all these things without writing a novel…:) My favorite beaches are Ilhabela and Juquey (north coast of the state). It’s the hit now, a lot of young people that loves to have fun. Shopping is Patio Higienopolis, it’s like a huge mansion transformed in a shopping area with boutiques, cafes, gym, bookstores, cinema and restaurants. I love Chinese and Japanese food, the oriental culture in Sao Paulo is strong..we also have Chinatown where the best Chinese restaurants are located, and of course…Barbecue (the famous Brazilian churrasco!). My beer is Heineken. I’m very eclectic with music…from The Beatles to The Killers, and my playlists flourishing with House, Techno, Electro, Jazz and Rock. For movies, it’s hard to choose, but Volver from Almodovar, Requiem for a Dream, 21gr, Interview with the Vampire are top fav’s. So far the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho garantees you a full and fascinating life.

a.m.a.: What’s your style and designer?

Mazzer.:A nice and comfortable pair of jeans and sunglasses are a MUST. I like Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs for international designers…and local is Gloria Coelho.

a.m.a.: Sourpusses say SP nightlife isn’t what it used to be. Do you agree? How do you think it’s changed?

Mazzer:Sao Paulo changes constantly. It’s always possible to find good places to go out every single night!…There are no boring days in the city. You find renowned names in the music scene at clubs like D-edge, CLash, Vegas, Pacha. Festivals every year, like this year the Tim Festival will bring famous bands and singers like Amy Winehouse (if she survives), Bjork and the Gossip. The city is the first stop for international music, and the rest of the country follows it. There’s always something new, you choose what to like or dislike.

a.m.a.: Do you ever want to just stay home?

Mazzer.: Yes, the body asks to retire for a moment (laughs).

a.m.a.: If you could be an icon…who would you be?

Mazzer.: Catarine Deneuve. Gorgeous and elegant.

Graziela interns for DiGiPronto, an digital agency for ambiance online…following the creation process, organizing meetings and giving them the feedback from clients. And she complements: I’m enjoying this experience very much, the contact with clients and taking action with my acknowledge…it’s the first step of a dream, it’s the beginning of a career and I like it. There’s no monotony here, every day is a challenge.

Adding that attitude is key for success. Graziela Mazzer (Sao Paulo, Brazil).

Diego Cattani – Jewelry Designer 

The designer is from Sergipe (BR), sells in Sao Paulo (at OUI, and at Twin Ellus stores) and also exports to New York and Tokyo. He participated in the second edition of Fashion House, in Rio de Janeiro, launching his new collection. The frisson around Diego’s accessories gained strength during his shows at Amni HotSpot in Minas Gerais, during winter 2005, but his history has its roots more in Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Graduated from Santa Marcelina (Sao Paulo), the designer worked with Eduardo Inagaki, experience that qualifies as very important, “for having come into contact with the force aesthetics of Inagaki, Dudu Bertholini, Rita Comparato, Lau Neves, Rick Castro ” diego explains.

He says about the grounds of his new collection: “The news is the exclusive colors, I am experiencing the variety in the process of dyeing, the tye dyes, skins of exotic animals – raccoon, fox, harm …” In addition to wood, which already is a trademark, Diego now works with cordonê, leather, chains and metal. “There are several lines: the most commercial, we call rock or folk, and more conceptual lines, with wooden designs and exotic combinations such as metal shell and bones.”

Diego designs for hit brands in South America, as well as his own atelie at Higienopolis (noble neighborhood in Sao Paulo). He’s already hit between fashionistas and designers for playing with the androgyny of jewelry. Someone finally proved that the boys can have just as much fun as the girls!

Luxury is desired. No doubt. Of course we’re not living in The Fairy Tale of Chanel and Dior’s world….but we do like good design, quality and individualism. 

 Over the next few posts, I will continue to explore how both local players and international brands are responding to this change and what may happen in the years to come. This is the market to watch for a shift that is emerging  in other advanced luxury markets as well.

Teenage women, who ten or fifteen years ago may have been decked out head-to-toe in Chanel or Prada, are shopping at the low-priced modern vintage boutiques, which is a better match for their smaller budgets. While this would have been unthinkable a few years back, it is now de rigueur for the young generation, which deliver better value and perceived individuality.

The boutiques also offer upcoming designers collections, Its clothes are marketed as “real” and “accessible” unlike the clothes shown on European high fashion runways which are perceived to be  over-processed and over-priced. They deliver creativity, originality and good service.

Theodora by Rita Weiner is located at Rua (street) Augusta/ Sao Paulo – Brazil, one of the Hot spots for fashionistas from all over the globe. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind t-shirts (a MUST) and beautiful collections that transcends color, artisan work, and unique over-sized bags. They also have a great on-line blog, where you contact the store by e-mail, order your desirable pieces and also make acquaintances with them. They have a personalized service, where you can chat about style, what to wear or any sort of question about existentialism involving fashion, of course. Or if you happen to be around South America – check them out!

They love you as much as we love them!

on-line store: www.theodoraonline.blogspot.com

Their website: www.theodora.com.br

photos courtesy by Theodora.

We decided to open this space in a monthly shout out to our latin muses.

Finally,  see the super-sexy streets of South America. Daily wear can only lead to an intervertion.

Our picks – Sao PAulo, RiO, Buenos Aires…….voilla!

Sao Paulo

RiO

Buenos Aires