In a tribute to resilience and creativity, the brand LED presents a collection that transforms the everyday act of improvisation into high fashion.
Brazilian brand LED, led by designer Célio Dias, once again pushes the boundaries of fashion by embracing a concept deeply embedded in Brazil’s cultural fabric: gambiarra — the art of makeshift solutions. The collection, aptly titled “Gambiarra: The Great Artifice of Brazilian Mechanics,” highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of creating something functional from limited resources, a practice many Brazilians have perfected in the face of adversity.
Created in collaboration with Piauí-based researcher Sávio Drew, the collection draws inspiration from the innovative spirit of Brazil, where scarcity often fuels creativity. Dias showcases this ethos through the use of unconventional materials like ropes and carabiners, symbols of street improvisation, repurposed in a way that exudes both style and functionality. These elements, alongside intricate embroidery and handmade finishes, come together to redefine high fashion with a distinctly Brazilian touch.
The collection features linen fabrics in shirts and trousers, striking a balance between rough, utilitarian aesthetics and elegant craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story of survival through creativity, making a bold statement on how independent brands like LED continue to thrive despite a lack of industry support and investment.
Accompanying the collection is a dynamic soundtrack curated by Max Blum in collaboration with Garotos do PB (Pizero Boys), infusing the show with the vibrant energy of the streets. The fusion of fashion and music celebrates not just a collection, but the Brazilian way of life — where ingenuity, resourcefulness, and improvisation are keys to overcoming challenges.
Through this collection, LED reaffirms its commitment to showcasing the strength of independent brands and the power of gambiarra — an undeniable force in both Brazilian culture and high fashion.