Baiana brand highlights female empowerment and connection to Afro-Brazilian roots.
Celebrating the strength of feminine ancestry, Ateliê Mão de Mãe showcased a powerful collection at São Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW) 58, blending Afro-Brazilian heritage with modern craftsmanship. Founded by Vinícius Santana, the brand pays tribute to women artisans, particularly Santana’s own mother, and emphasizes the role of women as creators and cultural preservers.
The collection drew inspiration from the revered ìyàmìs, spiritual mother figures in Candomblé, highlighting their significance in Afro-Brazilian traditions. Partnering with Patrick Fortuna, Santana presented pieces that featured intricate crochet work, the hallmark of the brand, along with bold materials like feathers and piaçava straw. These elements were thoughtfully chosen to represent themes of fertility, femininity, and transformation, reinforcing the connection between women, nature, and tradition.
Collaborations with local artists played a central role in bringing the collection to life. Designer Cristiane Carlos contributed to the development of the piaçava straw pieces, while accessories created by Carlos Penna, inspired by Afro-Brazilian artist Nádia Taquary, added a deeper cultural resonance. Taquary’s work, which often explores the spiritual significance of Black women, infused the collection with a sense of history and reverence for the sacred.
The runway pieces, including flowing dresses and textured linens, embodied a blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing Ateliê Mão de Mãe’s commitment to elevating Afro-Brazilian feminine narratives in contemporary fashion. The brand’s growing presence, marked by the opening of its first store in Salvador, reflects its mission to continue honoring and amplifying the stories of Afro-Brazilian women through innovative design.
