Article in Vogue Italy highlights BRIFW first edition., a new immersive platform that combines the best new designers and 3D artists of South America had its debut presentation.

The first edition of Brazil Immersive Fashion Week (BRIFW), the new platform that merges fashion designers and 3D artists of South America had its debut presentation between November 7th and 12th. As we approach to the end of this year, where the fashion industry had to adapt and act rapidly to the mayor changes the pandemic brought with it, its not a new thing to talk about (yet another) digital fashion event. Still, what makes Brazil Immersive Fashion Week different is the idea of starting a conversation between fashion and technology, bringing together the whole South American continent together. 

The main presentation of BRIFW was on November 7th, the date settled to showcase the virtual and immersive presentations of nine South American designers from the upcoming generation. All of the shows presented included some kind of immersive technology, whether it was a full 3D presentation or a hybrid one. After each presentation, the designer’s work was humanized through backstage videos that presented their “real” universe. There were also live panels that discussed different aspects of this dialogues between fashion and immersive technologies. All the information is available at the event’s youtube channel or can be seen at brifw.com

Lucas Leão

For the Brazilian designer, owner of his eponymous label, the digital and immersive world is not a strange world. Leão’s sharp and innovative aesthetic is a result of a deep study on textile and color experimentation merged with 3D prints. The conception of the body in his collections comes from the digital world as each piece is created in the interaction between real and digital, questioning what dies and what remains, about forms of protection and dematerialization, and defying any ideas of time and space.

Nous Etudions

“No Season, No Reason” was the phrase stated by Romina Cardillo, founder of the vegan label Nous Etudions, on her latest collection. For the Argentinian designer, every piece created is part of a process, a continuity of the research and studies on innovative shapes, textures and silhouettes developed that are part of the labels’ aesthetic. “Ecosystem”, the immersive presentation made in collaboration with Eddie Marin, a Berlin based digital artist, was the first experience Cardillo had with 3D technologies, and showed what Nous does best: developing hand-made textures on recycled textiles that surpass known boundaries.

CHAIN

The Argentinian label known for its commitment to the environment though sustainable practices like eco-dying, artisanal and zero-waste processes, was one of the first Latin American brands to dabble on the immersive 3D world. After two formidable presentations during MBFW Russia, the label created by Lucia Chain presented a new vision for “Reconstruction of permanence”, a collection where she questions the idea of home, movement, traveling and origin. Produced during confinement in Buenos Aires, Chain’s collection was made using mostly materials she already had at her atelier and shows the designer’s search for a sophisticated rebellious aesthetic, a sensitive yet wild, raw and powerful world where nature is present at its best.

Felipe Fiallo

Winner of the ITS Fondazione Ferragamo Award and the ITS People’s Choice Award, the Ecuadorian designer Felipe Fiallo, presented his eco-futuristic sustainable footwear brand though a full 3D vision. His revolutionary – and smart – collection has the perfect balance of different worlds, as growing materials, innovative crafting , digital fabrication and technology are applied, aiming to redefine the boundaries of luxury and fashion. Fiallo’s innovative ideas are the result of a deep research of sustainable practices like circular economy, social inclusion, the use of biomaterials combined with groundbreaking technologies, summing into wearable and comfortable footwear pieces.

Angela Brito

Born in Cabo Verde, the Brazilian based designer presented her collection called “Identity”, defined as dialogues between tradition and innovation inspired by her vivid childhood memories. Through a sustainable approach, Brito’s pieces balance the complex construction of deconstructed tailoring with the easiness and fluidity of simple-looking garments.

12-NA

Based in Valparaiso, Chile, the powerful and revolutionary up-cycling brand created by the duet designers Mechi Martinez and Mariano Breccia, presented “Chirak”, their latest capsule collection. Inspired by latest social movements and revolts of the awakened and fearless Chilean youth, this collection recover’s the label’s revolutionary spirit based on the values of solidarity, community, diversity, inclusion, empathy and transformation. The song “Chirak”, created by Metalengua empowered the virtual presentation as the designers state that “dressing can become a political act when it is authentic and self-driven through up-cycling”.

Aluf

The Brazilian label created by Ana Luisa Fernandes explores the depths of the subconscious from a feminine, sculptural and expressive side. Questioning the limits between art, fashion and psychology, Fernandes creates sustainable pieces made from national recycled and biodegradable materials based on the idea of fashion as a mean of expression and what it means to create clothes nowadays, though a sculptural minimalist aesthetic.

Annaïss Yucra

The Peruvian based designer presented her strong collection “Matriarcado” at the South American event, after having showcased it at MBFW Russia. Adding to her use of sustainable resources, artisanal handmade pieces and responsible practices, Yucra’s work also aims to send a strong message about the critical and violent conditions Latin-American women face while growing up, being a spokesperson for women’s rights.

Juan de La Paz

The duet designers from Bolivia, Andrés Jordan and Juan Carlos Pereira, took the audience on an immersive tour on times of confinement. Made in collaboration with the virtual model Ivaany, the timeless beauty and Andean luxe aesthetic proposed by the sustainable label on every collection was immersed in the best natural landscapes of Bolivia, proving the richness of this South American country.