Marks of Origin
Category: Apparel
Competitions: International
My project, is composed of a corset, a skirt, and a jacket, and emerges from a desire to translate who I am my essence, my culture, and my personal history into a visual and material language. Brazil, for me, is not simply a geographical place, but a complex emotional and cultural landscape. It is a country shaped by multiple narratives, diverse identities, and generations of individuals whose voices and artistic expressions were not always recognized or valued. This project seeks to reflect that reality: a collective identity formed by singular stories, where individuality exists within a shared cultural fabric. The skirt is developed through a handwoven leather technique inspired by Indigenous Brazilian craftsmanship. This technique is also extended into details of the jacket, creating continuity throughout the look. However, this choice goes beyond aesthetics. It is deeply connected to my personal history, as it represents the closest way I found to reconnect with the artistic practices of my grandmother. Although I had limited time with her, her presence left a profound impact on my life and on my family. Her work, like that of many Brazilian artists, was not fully recognized in her time. By incorporating this handcrafted technique, I aim not only to honor her memory but also to acknowledge and give visibility to those whose creative expressions have been historically silenced or overlooked. The corset functions as the central element of the look, both visually and conceptually. It features a golden foil application of a jaguar, an animal that carries layered meanings within the project. On one level, it represents Brazil its fauna, its strength, and its natural richness. On another, more personal level, it reflects my own identity. The jaguar embodies strength, independence, and resilience qualities I had to develop throughout my journey in order to pursue my dreams within the fashion industry. Facing stereotypes, discouraging comments, and structural challenges required persistence and autonomy, and this piece becomes a symbol of that process. The jaguar’s spots are particularly significant. Rather than serving only as a visual reference, they are understood as a metaphor for individuality. Much like fingerprints, each pattern is unique, reinforcing the idea that every Brazilian carries a distinct story, even within a shared cultural context. By placing this symbol on the corset, close to the body, I emphasize that identity is something deeply internal something that is carried, lived, and embodied. This sense of strength is also influenced by my mother, who is one of my greatest inspirations. Her life has been marked by resilience, dedication, and care. As a mother of two, she has always worked hard to provide for our family, even in the face of challenges and discouragement. Her persistence and determination shaped my understanding of strength and continue to guide me in my own path. The jacket introduces another layer of personal memory. It is inspired by my childhood, particularly by moments shared with my father, who used to play with me using his leather jacket. Incorporating this garment into the project becomes a way of translating affection and protection into design. Within the jacket, the jaguar appears again through abstracted patterns inspired by its spots. These markings reinforce the concept of individuality each form distinct, each composition unique echoing the diversity that defines Brazilian identity. The use of leather throughout the project is intentional and symbolic. As a material, leather represents resistance, transformation, and permanence. It carries marks of time, use, and process, much like human experiences. By working predominantly with leather, I reinforce the idea that identity is not static, but something shaped through lived experiences. Ultimately, this project exists as a dialogue between past and present, between memory and identity, between the personal and the collective. It is both a tribute and a statement, a way of honoring my roots, recognizing the value of what came before me, and transforming these influences into a contemporary visual narrative. Through this work, I seek to make visible what was once invisible, to give form to memory, and to affirm identity as something powerful, unique, and worthy of recognition.
