Home JOURNAL Behind the Label | Isolda

Behind the Label | Isolda

Isolda is considered one of Brazil?s hottest young design brands. Each collection is known for its bright digitized prints in contemporary sportswear shapes. Designed by former architect and textile designer Alessandra Affonso Ferreira, this whimsical, upbeat collection has captured the imagination of bloggers, editors, and fashion followers worldwide. We recently connected with this Sao Paulo-based designer and asked her to share the inspiration behind her charming and oh-so-chic label.

How does travel inspire your collection?

We love traveling! Since we were kids, our British mum would take us on holidays to England. Our inspiration is the differences between England and Brazil -- the opposite landscapes, culture, people and of course the fashion. We found everyone's style so intriguing -- we grew up in tropical Brazil, but in England there were punk rockers and a Queen. Everything was so different and exciting!

Describe the Isolda brand in 3 words.

Flamboyant, unique, artsy. Our prints are truly unique wearable works of art. We have a lot of love for each collection. We only work with 100% natural fibres like crepe silk, satin, organza, chiffon and 100% cotton stretch.

Your collection of products keeps growing. What creative endeavors are on the horizon?

Technology has helped us to make things happen so much faster. We would love to have a homeware and a kids line soon. But first we need to focus on what we do best: designing clothes!

Who is your muse? Describe the woman who wears Isolda.

The Isolda woman likes tradition but is also open minded. She loves art and traveling; she appreciates well-made, haindpainted, artsy pieces. She has a taste for the exotic. She is modern -- an empowered and confident woman. But, our biggest muses of all time are three women in our family: my grandmother Silvia (daughter of Isolda), my auntie Sissa Almeida Prado, and my mum, Veronica, a British brunette with emerald eyes! They are truly the chicest women we have ever known and a huge inspiration to our collections.

Tell us about your favorite piece (or one of them) and where you were inspired to create it.

Our favorite piece is from our new Resort 15 collection -- the Madeleine jumpsuit in light crepe silk. Maya, our graphic designer and partner, was always wearing a jumpsuit to work when she was pregnant, so it was homage to her and her baby Maddy (who is now one month old).

What do you love most about the city you live in? Please name your top 3 spots for shopping, eating, and sleeping.

I live in S?o Paulo for almost two years now. I love jogging in Parque Ibirapuera because it is my escape from the chaotic city. The nature is so beautiful and pleasant! I love Oscar Niemeyer's buildings and theater. I also love Sala S?o Paulo -- it's an old train station built in the 1920's meant for the purpose of entertaining rich coffee farmers in the city with concerts and parties. Nowadays, it's an amazing concert and wedding venue. It's a beautiful place that breathes history. Nagayama Sushi is one of our favorite restaurants in town!

What are your upcoming summer travel and/or vacation plans?

I can't wait to discover Portugal in August (my boyfriend is Portuguese). I'm also going to Marrakech this October!

Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Store?

I love both!

DIY or Concierge Service?

DIY

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing?

Neither. Buy consciously what's worth it.

Camping or 5-Star Hotel?

5star hotel -- comfort and luxury, please!

Drive or be Driven?