At the 59th edition of São Paulo Fashion Week, Walério Araújo once again proved why he is celebrated as one of Brazil’s most daring and provocative designers. Closing the fifth day of the event with a bold statement, he presented a collection that delved deep into reflections on identity, sexuality, and the hidden layers within us all.
Unofficially titled “The Inside Out That Reveals,” the collection started with the idea of exposing what usually remains concealed. Instead of showcasing the traditional perfection of tailoring, Walério turned garments inside out — visible seams, daring cuts, and open backs became central elements in this visual narrative. The very first look set the tone: a tailored suit worn inside out, symbolizing the emotions and traits we often hide from the world.
Duality was the thread that tied the collection together. From the front, garments maintained a classic and composed appearance — tailored suits, voluminous dresses, and velvet jumpsuits. But as models turned, the hidden side emerged: sheer fabrics, vinyl textures, exposed lingerie, and dramatic reveals, challenging traditional ideas of gender expression and public persona.
Iconic figures and close friends of Walério, such as Maya Mazzafera and Janaína Torres, also graced the runway, each embodying this dual spirit. Maya appeared in a masculine-inspired suit, while Janaína wore a hybrid piece — part chef’s jacket, part fitted dress — alluding to her alter ego, Dona Onça.
The show also marked the debut of Walério’s collaboration with leather accessories brand Guarda Mundo. The bags, combining leather craftsmanship with artistic techniques like honeycomb textures and signature animal prints, reflected the unmistakable Walério aesthetic. His signature headpieces, though more minimalist this season, maintained their extravagant spirit with rhinestone balaclavas and floral-covered masks.
Footwear was another highlight, created in collaboration with Claudio Carvalho, a renowned shoemaker from Maranhão. Exclusive boots and sandals designed for the show perfectly complemented the looks on the runway.
Blending fabrics like taffeta, vinyl, German velvet, and artisanal textiles, Walério’s collection balanced drama with wearability. Reflecting his recent move towards more accessible fashion — propelled by the launch of his e-commerce platform — the collection included more casual pieces such as oversized knits featuring the WA logo and printed T-shirts with empowering slogans like “I’m not sorry.”
The response was unanimous: a standing ovation for a designer who doesn’t simply sell clothes — he builds experiences and cultivates true devotion among his followers. As one front-row guest put it, “Walério doesn’t have clients, he has fans.”
In a SPFW season that often leaned into technical precision and introspection, Walério Araújo brought the emotion, the celebration, and — above all — the bold reminder that fashion is, at its core, about freedom. Freedom to reveal, to reinvent, and to unapologetically be oneself.
