Feature
The Girls From Brazil
Emily Steers
click photo for full gallery
Dekaibrands, an international fashion marketing firm, showcased the work of three burgeoning Brazilian designers April 9th. They were presented in the chic, sleek space of the EM & Co. boutique in Los Angeles. Although they share a home country, sensibilities and silhouettes varied greatly between the lines.
Adriana Fernandez provided the most expected looks of the evening—barely-there swimwear with eye-catching details. The basic black bikinis broke little ground with their silhouettes and trimmings (although the bottoms had refreshingly high rises, to keep a bit of modesty). However, the outlandish white two-piece, with its plunging neckline, latex-like sheen, and bold hardware was a chic, 60s-inspired piece. Upon its showing, EM & Co.
owner Eveline Morel declared, “Isn’t that rock and roll?!”
Keeping with the mod theme was the brand Zigfreda. A palette of cartoon colors played in stark contrast to floating silk fabrications. A kimono-inspired tunic threw tradition aside with the help of scattered polka-dots and a citrine obi belt. A mini with a Lichtenstein dot print enhanced a sheer chartreuse silk tank. The line was chic and on-trend, but fell far from the designer’s intent—the expressed desire to create a brand-new design sensibility for the first decades of the 21st century.
The stand-out line of the evening, the clothing of Kylza Ribas, may have accomplished the goals her counterparts were trying to. Decidedly feminine, with youthful flair and cultural nuances, Ribas’ line was cohesive and strong. Floating layers were key, utilizing the weight of added fabric panels or bold metallic additions to keep the items from appearing overly whimsical. Ribas’ printed dresses, with toy soldiers and cartoon airplanes, were playful, and looked as though they were taken from a little boy’s bedroom. When the prints appeared on flounced dresses and tiered ruffles, they only enhanced the clothing’s flirtatious spirit.
Ribas also has the ability to infuse her line with more adult clothing. An unremarkable grey jersey slip dress became stunning when on
model. Panels of natural latex provided intriguing texture, and the asymmetrical, curved back cutout was nothing but sex appeal.
In the end, the goals of the designers may have been lost on their audience. Although Los Angeles is considered a trend-friendly city, the audience of the show was exclusively casual-chic. Skinny jeans and stiletto heels abounded, most often paired with a jersey knit or floral print chiffon top.
Head-to-toe black was de rigueur, but several women were seen purchasing Adriana Fernandez swimsuits before leaving. Perhaps the first hurdle for
Brazilian designers was just a line in the sand.
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