It is safe to say that Brazil is a fashion capital like no other. Rather than follow rules established on Europe and America’s runways, that country’s designers fearlessly invent their own with garments, shoes, swimwear and accessories that make many statements and no apologies. Belo Horzonte-born L.A. transplant Flavia Mosci brings that provocative spirit to the same block as fellow fashion maverick Christian Audigier with a Hollywood storefront and partnering web site (www.fmmosci.com) that brings the best of her home town, Rio and Sao Paulo to fashionistas looking to samba to the beat of a different drummer.
After completing her education and working a few entertainment industry internships, Flavia realized that her heart was with fashion. After assessing the market, it only made sense that she devise a concept for a store that could offer a look no other store in L.A. was offering. Her strategy has so far paid off, as her store is still going strong after three
years while some of her competitors have shut their doors. Ironically, Mosci is still very much a place waiting to be discovered by the locals.
“We have a lot of customers come in from Texas, Florida and New York, but Angelinos are a little tougher to sell as they seem used to their tee shirts and neutral colors,” Flavia observes. “However, I think that will change given who has shopped at our store and come out with really fun individualized looks—Leighton Meester, Camilla Alves, Lindsay Lohan, Ali Landry and Cheryl Burke among them. Even E!’s Debbie Matenopoulos hosted a party in our store this past July.”
Celebrities aside, Flavia points out other things in the store that you just cannot find anywhere else, including unique costume jewelry from emerging Brazilian designers which Flavia sources during her periodic buying trips in Brazil. Labels carried in the shop include the mega-label Colcci (think Brazil’s eye-popping answer to Italy’s Diesel).
This week, one lucky reader (L.A. Area only) will receive a $150 gift certificate to explore Brazil Flavia’s way.
Winners will be randomly selected and notified August 11, 2008.
US only. Rules
