Brasil Social Chic

We are loving what we got and can't wait to show all of you.This is a very exciting time of the year as we continue to get more and more great new things from Fashion Rio and Fashion Business. One thing we were really waiting for were these great new swimwear and accessories from Naara and Tranças e Tramas which are part of the Brasil Social Chic project:

"Embroidery, natural fibers, green tissue, techniques, painting and sewing crafts. Everything is Fair Trade. Chic and Social is Brazil, a project of Wave Solidária to support the distribution of articles produced in ethical, fair and with good quality and style for low-income communities of Rio de Janeiro. Of the eight groups of artisans who are part of the Brazil Social Chic, five of them will exhibit a unique collection in the Fashion Business, one of the largest fashion events in Brazil"

This is Anna Marcolina

Even though we haven't officially launched them on Toucan Boutique yet, I just could not wait to give you peek at what one of the new designers we found at Fashion Business. This is Anna Marcolina and they come from Natal in the North of Brazil. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to bring them to all of you and Toucan Boutique!
Anna Marcolina's laid back style and super soft comfortable fabrics are very reflective of the area in Brazil where they come from. But don't be fooled by the beachy feel, the pieces are also modern and super transitional. I really am excited to be the first one to bring them to you and will let you know as soon as they are available for purchase.

Introducing...

So this season was the first time I was lucky enough to participate in Fashion Business in Rio de Janeiro. Fashion Business gathers dozens of designers from all over Brazil and give them each a space in one huge tent. This is great because it gives domestic and international buyers like me, not only a one stop shop to all the brands I already buy from, but it was a great way to be introduced to brands I would have never know about. Can't wait to introduce you all to some of the beautiful new things I'm bringing...

It's Cantão World for Summer

I know it's a bit difficult to think of next summer when we're just about to enter fall and winter, but for those of us who are used to the idea that the Southern Hemisphere gets to surf on Christmas day, or are lucky enough to "winter" in South America, here is some of what we'll all be wearing when the sun comes out again.
When I saw Cantão's summer 2009/2010 at this year's Fashion Rio I was instantly taken to the Little Big Island that was the show's theme and as they put it:

The women of Cantão value creativity and the ability to manually create what she wears. The loose silhouette attains mooring techniques, intertwining that allows adjustments to the body, overlapping layers and sophisticated patchworks of different materials such as linen, silk voile and lace. Cuts in different directions of the threading, appliqués, macramé and tresse - also used in sandals, are other features composing the crafty characteristics of the collection, as are the floral prints that seem to have been hand drawn by women.

And Because I like to share the things I love, you can now find Cantão's winter collection on my online store, Toucan Boutique and come back soon to see their summer collection.

Rio's Time for Fashion