Summer

Summer
‘s
reaching its end and we’re already planning our next warm-weather
getaway. And wherever we go, we’re taking CLUBE BOSSA.

After graduating with a degree in business, Guilherme Vieira
taught himself design. Today, his dedication to the craft and
careful analysis of the female body yield beautiful results:
feminine styles and flattering cuts. The
swimwear mirrors the elegance and sophistication of evening
wear, yet he accomplishes it in comparably small pieces. CLUBE
BOSSA is fashion-forward without being overly complicated.

While the garments stand perfectly on their own,Vieira’s varied
selection of ready-to-wear offers plenty of cover-up options. From
two-piece crop tops and skirt sets to floor-length dresses, the
clothing included in his swimwear collection is more than just an
accompaniment. The designs are thoughtful and alluring – and it’s
no wonder: Vieira himself is an introspective and intriguing
character. He talked to us about Buddhism, finding inspiration in
bossa nova and his home country of
Brazil.

Designer:

Guilherme Vieira

Origin:

Brazil

Homebase:

São Paulo

Type of brand:

Swim and resort.

Where can we find you?

In Brazil and 30 other countries worldwide (in London, you can shop
the designs at Fenwick).

Who is the ideal CLUBE BOSSA customer?

We don’t like to label an ideal customer. We believe that anyone
who identifies with our proposition, values and products can be
part of the club.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the countryside near
São Paulo where my grandparents were coffee farmers.

Why did you decide to design swimwear?

After my graduation in 2002, I started working in a trading
company doing outsourcing for international swimwear brands. After
a while I started understanding the market and the players. In
2006, I decided to launch my own brand that focuses on the luxury
market.

Explain your practice from start to finish.

I am a self-taught designer and always go with my gut feelings
in terms of what I think will work. The most appropriate method for
us is the moulage – I can develop pieces from scratch and create
new signatures all the time.

What elements of design remain the same for ready-to-wear and
swimwear – and what changes?

I think that the concept and the creation processes are the
same, but in swimwear you have to respect the human figure much
more. I think about comfort and how the body shows, making sure to
highlight the best of it. In Brazil women worry about “body
dictatorship”, something that is reflected in their choices when
buying a two-piece. I think about the bikini all day, I even dream
about it.

How do you want women to feel in your creations?

Beautiful and feminine.

Where do you find inspiration?

Anywhere and anything, from people to places. The bossa nova
music genre inspires me quite a lot.

How would you describe bossa nova?

Bossa nova is a mix of samba,
jazz and nuances sang in softer
and slower tones. It also represents a transgression movement in
the 1960s where the music was used as a form of protest.

What else from Brazil influences your designs?

The rainforest, animals, Amazonia, Pantanal, the
beaches, the plurality of people as well as colonial and 1950s
furniture design and architecture.

What does Brazilian style look like?

It’s difficult to define, but I believe the happiness of people
reflects into something colourful and fresh in terms of their
clothing.

How does this change from São Paulo to
Rio?

São Paulo is a metropolitan city; people are less casual and
more urban. Rio is a beach city – it’s sexier and more relaxed.

24 hours in São Paulo…

For me it’s work, work, work. Otherwise, I’d suggest breakfast
at Pao, lunch at Mani or Mocotó for a genuine taste of Brazilian cuisine. For
dinner, there’s Komah in Barra Funda, which serves
typical Korean food, Gero at Jardins for Italian or
Ritz for burgers. If you’re into art, you have to
visit Fortes Villaça, Luciana Brito, Vermelho, Nara Roesler and Emma Thomas and
the MASP. For a night out, I’d go to Mamba Negra and ODD.

Which are the best
beaches in Brazil?

Praia do Patacho, Ipanema in Rio, Carneiros, Paraty, Pontal do
Marípe, Praia do Gunga, Saco do Mamanguá and Praia do Félix.

Have you been Buddhist your whole life or when did you discover
these practices and beliefs?

I became Buddhist two years ago through one of my best friends
who presented me with the practices of Nitiren Daishonin.

How does Buddhism affect your relationship with design?

I believe that I became less impulsive and more reflective about
the things I’m doing. Japanese culture in particular also
influences my aesthetics and designs.

Finally, what’s your favourite holiday destination?

Any place with people I love.