Fashion And Democracy With Francisco Costa

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Francisco Costa, Creative Director of the renowned house Calvin Klein, recently launched a limited edition collection designed exclusively for Macy's, which he called “Brasil: A Magical Journey”. On the occasion of this launch, the Fashion and Beauty Director of People en Español magazine, Kika Rocha, spoke exclusively with the renowned Brazilian designer about her work and her vision of today's fashion.

How has your creative vision influenced Calvin Klein in your Brazilian culture?

In the small Brazilian town of Minas Gerais where I grew up, people lived a simple and very natural life. That culture was transferred to a clean and pure aesthetic that motivated minimalism and the meaning of my designs.

What are your inspirations? Who are the women who inspire you?

I am inspired by strong, confident and intelligent women. I also draw inspiration from my surroundings and from understanding how things work. When I look at something, I always want to figure it out, find out what's inside and how it works. This is why it is so important how I cut and build my designs.

Were you influenced by your mother's work designing for children?

Not exactly, but I did work a lot at my mom's factory after school. It was there that I began to appreciate the work of draping and cutting fabrics.

How did you start in the world of fashion in New York?

I moved to New York from Brazil in 1985. I didn't speak the language at the time, so I signed up for English classes at Hunter College and took evening classes at FIT. Then I had the opportunity to work with amazing designers including of course Calvin Klein. In 2003, I became Calvin Klein's Creative Director.

How did working with Bill Blass inspire your aesthetic?

Bill taught me about the art and beauty of individual design.

You have mentioned on other occasions that working with Oscar de la Renta was your first big challenge. How has your work motivated?

From Oscar I learned a lot about the construction, the quality of the materials and the color.

Did working with Tom Ford, who has a totally different artistic vision, change your perspective on the fashion industry?

Yes. For Tom, the whole picture is everything. The end result, from hair to makeup and pose. By working with him I developed a better understanding of sophisticated brands and a particular lifestyle.

Click here to see photos of some of the famous people who have worn Francisco Costa's designs!