GUEST EDIT: FRANCISCO COSTA
GUEST EDIT: FRANCISCO COSTA
The ultimate minimalist, entrepreneur behind Costa Brazil, and former womenswear creative director of Calvin Klein Collection picks his favorite works on Platform—and shares some of the best places to visit in Brazil.
What do you collect?
Masks, ceramics, books, experiences.
Are there any young artists you’ve discovered recently whom you love?
I love the work of NY-based artist Nick Theobald.
If you could collect any one artist, who would it be?
Bruce Nauman.
Is there anything in fashion or beauty that excites you right now?
What does “sustainability” mean to you in a broad sense? And how do you integrate it into your business?
Working toward creation that is inherently more connected to the health of the earth.
Some of your work while designing was inspired by art. Do you still take inspiration from art for Costa Brazil’s products?
Absolutely—our whole packaging concept was inspired by the Arte Povera movement & Piero Manzoni’s Artist's Shit. We celebrate creativity as a brand. It is our belief that creativity brings us closer to purity. Creativity produces innovation which is the center of our brand.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of launching a new business? What about the most rewarding?
The challenge is to ensure that the vision is worthy and real. The most rewarding part of this journey has been to have the space to be creative while working with so many different people from environmentalists to scientists and indigenous peoples. Watching our team grow has also been incredibly rewarding.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
Dream dinner guests (dead or alive)?
Jane Goodall, Gisele, my mom.
What’s the best gift you’ve given/received recently?
A book called Ideas Arrangements and Effects: Systems Design and Social Justice.
What are you doing right after this?
Going to bed!
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Martinis. Sleeping in.
What are your must-see travel tips for Brazil?
Museu Oscar Niemeyer. Lençóis Maranhenses.