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Supermodels, Skimpy Suits and Samba
By Armand Limnander
Photos by firstView-FWD
Jul 20, 2002/ FWD/ --- Think of it as the battle of the thongs.
Swimwear is big business in Brazil, and companies will spare no expense to outshine their rivals.
Cia Maritima secured the exclusive on Gisele,
Rosa Chá gave us poolside gold and diamonds,
and yesterday, Agua Doche
flew in Karolina Kurkova for its show.
The Czech model gladly embraced her inner Girl From Ipanema in a variety of barely there,
swirl-print bikinis.
Later on, Alexandre Herchcovitch
offered a more conceptual point of view with his women's
collection, which referenced "teletubbies, political imperialism, beach boys, the magic
of Brazil, new wave, and Ugo Rondinone," among others.
On the runway, however, all that mattered was the precision with which his asymmetrically
pieced, multihued dresses flattered the body. Tulle ribbons inched their way around trousers
and the necklines of double-layered, light-as-a-feather tanks, or multiplied on dresses to
form arresting clusters of color.
For pure kicks, however, it was hard to top Forum,
which is known as Tufi Duek in the States
and sold in major stores like Saks Fifth Avenue.
With a live samba band playing the drums, Forum recreated a Brazilian carnival-models
wore enormous plumed headpieces and massive gold ornaments.
Under all the decorations there were strong, fun clothes, like liquid gold slips,
white jeans with fringe and embroidery on the pockets, and glitter-sprinkled,
wide-legged trousers.
In past seasons, the Sao Paulo shows have been known to start up to two hours late.
This time around, the organization at the Oscar Niemeyer-designed Parque Bienal building
has been impressive.
Journalists, buyers and special guests like female impersonator Saleti Campari and
assorted soap opera stars (recent telenovelas like "Desejos de Mulher"-Desires of a
Woman-have been based on the fashion world) scan their electronic invitations and
advance to the venue through a revolving turnstile.
Most presentations have started no later than half an hour after the appointed time-impressive
for any fashion event, and nothing short of miraculous by Brazilian standards.
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