Carlos Miele brings inspiration from Pombagira and Venus, Brazilian style, to the New York catwalks, not to mention a social cause to relieve poverty

by Ann Fryer

Photographed by Richard Spiegel

ÃO PAOLO-BORN designer, Carlos Miele, brought the vibrant and colourful flair found in multicultural Brazil to the New York catwalks for his spring–summer 2003 show.
   For his first show in New York, Miele created a multimedia performance to capture the beauty and style found in Brazilian culture. Miele took his audience on a journey through Brazil with his use of video, dance performances, music and fashion.
   Throughout this journey, video images capturing different aspects of Brazil played while two dancers shared the catwalk with the models. The dancers were an important part of the show since they embodied the sensuality of Pombagira and Venus, Miele’s inspirations for the show. Venus is the Roman goddess of love and Pombagira, which is an African word, denotes the beauty and power of the female.
   Miele highlights the female form with low necklines and slits. He used bold colours and shapes on his clothes, which seemed to be inspired by an Amazon-like theme with his use of birds, chamois leaves, and feathers. Miele used a lot of Lycra, denim, chiffon, pure silk satin and Guipure lace. Seashells, sequins, embroidery and crochet added exquisite detail to Miele’s clothes.
   Carlos Miele stands out in the fashion industry as one of the most cause-driven designers. He has used his fashion clout to help the poorest people in his native Brazil. Coopa-Roca is a social project that provides artisans from Rocinha (the world’s largest shanty town, in Rio de Janeiro) with jobs. Miele’s three-year partnership with Coopa-Roca has given an astonishing number of local dressmakers the chance to work by having them apply their remarkable craft techniques to pieces Miele has designed. Miele has not only provided Brazilians with employment but has given the world the chance to admire the artistic talents found in his home country. It is rare in a world that relies on mass production to find details on clothes that were created with such care. You know you are wearing something distinct when you wear a Carlos Miele creation.
   In February 2003, Carlos Miele will open his first store in New York, located on West 14th Street. Miele will be able to exhibit his artwork and clothes in this unique space, which will be a fusion of a store and an art gallery. • Ann Fryer

Ann Fryer is New York associate publisher of Lucire.