Brazilian designer Márcia Ganem's differential of clothing lies in her techniques for using recycled polyamide fiber, a highly resistant artificial synthetic fiber. Márcia's work, which she has developed for 12 years now, also includes handicraft lace, stones and embroidery supplied by eight communities in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia.
Ganem's collections feature dresses, blouses, skirts, pantaloons, corsets and even wedding gowns, which are sold at Browns Brides, a renowned store in London, England. In the domestic market, the designer always attends Fashion Rio, a fashion week in Rio de Janeiro that also attracts international buyers.
Márcia's atelier, located at the Pelourinho, in the historic center of Salvador, capital of Bahia state, counts on 15 employees. However, the fashion she creates involves more than 200 people from impoverished communities as well. Among them is the lace-maker community in the city of Saubara.
Their lace has an African influence. With each new collection presented by the designer, new techniques are incorporated, creating greater possibilities to the communities of Bahia. Every item is crafted using material researched on by Márcia, and under her guidance.
The designer has her haute couture already being exported to eight different countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
"I had never imagined that the Arab world would be interested in our product, but it was extremely well accepted," stated Márcia, who has been exporting twice a year to the Arab countries for two-and-a-half-years now.
Her clothing is sold to Arab storeowners, who usually attend fashion events in Europe, where Márcia also showcases her work in fashion shows or stands. According to her, in order to break into a new market, first she needs to explain what polyamide fiber is.
"Most people have never seen the type of work that we do. However, when we showcase it, the reaction is very positive," she said.
In June this year, the designer's clothes also featured in the Beautyworld Middle East, a trade fair for cosmetics held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. The models at the Brazilian stand were wearing her items, and also appeared on a fashion show during the event.
In November, the designer from Bahia should travel to the emirate again to attend the Brazilian fashion week in Dubai, "Brazil Fashion Now," to be promoted by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), the Brazilian Clothing Designers Association (Abest), the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious Metals (IBGM), among others. In addition to clothing, the event is going to display shoes, purses and jewelry made in Brazil.
Service
Márcia Ganem
Site: www.marciaganem.com.br/
Telephone; (+55 71) 3322- 2423
E-mail: atelier@marciaganem.com.br
Anba – www.anba.com.br
