Inside the Brazilian streetwear scene

The worlds streetwear scenes tend to be Europe or American centric, although the majority of the most innovative trends come from outside. One of those emerging scenes in streetwear fashion is the Brazilian one: it mixes favela and football culture with sports apparel, keeping a fresh and original street touch. Brazilian culture is currently riding with a high momentum in the contemporary world: the traditional music is getting remixed in all the clubs, the street and football culture is emancipating, and proud of its routes.
In order to understand a little bit more about the rising Brazilian streetwear vibe, we had a talk with Amanda Adàsz, an emerging photographer and art director based in São Paulo and author of the latest Les Vetements de Football editorial PLAYERS. 

#1 Your latest editorial PLAYERS featuring the LVDF shirts was a huge success and it really captures the Brazilian contemporary vibe. Can you tell us a little bit more about the inspirations behind the styling and the photography?

The styling and photography were inspired by our own experiences, where we live and how we live in Brazil, with a glimpse of the outside fashion world. We try to capture all the essence and energy that exists here, the realness of the people that really live here. The editorial was a great success because of the good reputation of Brazil in being the country of football and really is the strongest culture here so everything that has happened was really natural.

#2 We know everything about the US and European streetwear trends, but we know little about the Brazilian streetwear scene: what is the state of the Art?
Can you name some differences and similarities with Europe?

Streetwear in Brazil varies a lot. There is an underground youth movement that makes street fashion happen. The deconstructing fashion trend is growing strong, young guys wear luxury items, though pay for almost nothing (but there is the challenge of finding second-hand clothing), others spend a bunch of money for brands from Europe, US...
But the biggest streetwear scene in Brazil is certainly the movement around the music of FUNK. It's connected with the favela's style and football, it has a unique identity for using football shirts, surf's brands, skating stuff etc. I think it is quite similar to Europe for the use of SPORTSWEAR. 
Other similarities are, for years in "Baile" (party in the favela) people used the AP VEST from Oakley, that is a very strong identity of FUNK. And now it's something "hype" in the world's streetwear. Brazil has its own fashion and has one beautiful thing… It has its own identity.

#3 Which brands are the hottest and most influential in Brazil at the moment?

I Think HIGH Company. and NIKE when it comes to footwear.

#4 How is the traditional Brazilian culture mixing with the native streetwear scene?

Football street culture is definitely the bridge between these two different worlds, everything is flowing in a very natural way. In Brasil, football was ALWAYS mixed with fashion. Football shirts were always street style.

#5 Since Sao Paulo is one of the most cultural and dynamic cities of South America, could you suggest some cool emerging Brazilian photographers, stylists and artists to follow?

There are many talented people in Brazi which inspire me. If I have to name some I would say:
Photographer Hick Duarte.
Styling and production Limbo Projects and Nicholas Germano. 
Brands and designers Class, Cajá,  Korshi01.
Artists Anna Mascarenhas, Samuel d'Saboia, Venus.

#6 I cannot help to ask you something about Football itself: tell me your favorite team, favorite player and favorite jersey ever!

My team is Corinthians, my favorite player ever is Adriano The Imperador and my favorite Jersey is Brasil Italia 90 World Cup. 

Creative Director & Photographer Amanda Adász 
Stylists Samir Bertoli, Amanda Adász 
Production Amanda Adász, VáriosCorre, Lucas Fleezus 
Models Rodrigo Croc, André Luiz, Malcolm, Lucas Fleezus 
Support Nike Sportwear, Flagcx