Julia Kamada Messiano

My name is Julia Kamada Messinao, and I am a fashion student at Belas Artes University in São Paulo, Brazil. I am currently in my third semester, at the beginning of my second year of college, where I have been developing both my technical skills and my creative identity as a designer. I have always been deeply fascinated by history and the ways people lived in the past. Understanding how cultures evolve over time and how traditions are expressed through clothing has always inspired me. During my sophomore year of high school, I had the opportunity to study different cultures and traditions more closely, and that experience made me realize how much I enjoy exploring realities that are different from my own. It opened my perspective and strengthened my interest in cultural diversity as a source of creative inspiration. Since then, I have been actively seeking to expand my knowledge of both international cultures and my own Brazilian heritage. I aim to incorporate these references into my work in a meaningful and respectful way, translating historical and cultural elements into contemporary fashion design. I believe that fashion can be a powerful tool to tell stories and connect different worlds. In addition, I am very interested in experimenting with new techniques and materials as part of my creative process. I am constantly looking for ways to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. This is precisely why the Real Leather Stay Different project caught my attention, as I had never worked with leather before. I see this as an exciting opportunity to explore a new material and further develop my skills as an innovative and thoughtful designer.