Rio Fashion Week has kicked off in Brazil with luxury brand Osklen’s new beachwear collection. <br /><br />Its 1960’s minimalist vibe had a slick, sporty finish. A recurrent palm leaf print adorned outfits in black and white, bright orange, pinks, blues and greens. <br /><br />The brand’s founder says his inspiration is a combination of European and Brazilian influences: <br /><br />“For me, it’s the capital of the beach wear. So I did chose to launch my beach wear collection here, and you know the DNA, the elements of style I bring for Osklen, who knows my style and understands that it’s European aesthetics with Brazilian culture, beach culture,” said Oskar Metsavaht. <br /><br />For her collection, Patricia Viera displayed a sophisticated collection that included not only beach wear, but other essential items for a day at the beach. <br /><br />Models with sexy bedhead hair appeared in sunflower yellow diamond patterns, baby blue and woven taupe. Viera added tie dye, sparkling holograms, jungle print, and laser-cut lace pieces.<br /><br />Dresses, camisoles and jackets with strong colors and designs were the main ingredients for her collection.<br /><br />From Brazil to China, where Shanghai Fashion Week opened in the trendy Xintiandi neighbourhood. <br /><br />Local designer Zheng Shijing works for Aimer, the leading Chinese underwear brand.<br /><br />“To be humble, we still can’t compare with the big international brands. But it won’t take long for us to catch up. Consumers are not as obsessed with big brands as a couple of years ago. They are starting to buy items because of their design, and not because of the fancy logo,” she said.<br /><br />The brand is focused on fashionable swimwear to be worn when walking along the beach or dining in beach restaurants. <br /><br />Classical swimwear in China is the one-piece bathing suit, but bikinis are gradually making inroads. <br /><br />Chinese movie star Gong Li, on a promotion tour for her upcoming movie ‘Return’, attended the event as an ambassador for the brand.
