Made In Brazil

Brazil is no lightweight—from its soccer players to its models to its flip-flops, the South American country always seems to get it right.

But does that extend to its fashion sense?

NYLON headed south to check out Sao Paulo Fashion Week firsthand. Turns out, a bunch of warm-weather designers know a thing or two about cold-weather clothing. Here are seven brands worth checking out come fall ’09:

Osklen
Beach bum Oskar Metsavaht started this eco-friendly brand back when he spent his summers surfing and his winters snowboarding. Twenty years later and he’s  managed to mix function with an architectural sensibility. Prepare to let out your inner gutter-punk—wool dreadlocks optional, of course.

Do Estilista
The royal blue blazers and plaid pants from Do Estilista can endure more than just the nine-to-five grind. Proof? Rather than walk on the runway, the models ran on a treadmill during the show.

2nd Floor
Chuck Bass called, he wants his wardrobe back. Too bad you’re keeping the thick knit sweaters and old-school airplane print button-downs.

V. Rom
Classics with a twist—think shiny plaid raincoats and Kelly green suits you can wear to meet your girlfriend’s parents.

Alexandre Herchcovitch
While his women’s collection gets the Bryant Park treatment during New York Fashion Week, Herchcovitch’s men’s collection is still stuck in Sao Paulo. Lucky them. For fall, just ask yourself, “What would Steve Zissou wear?”

Amapo
Wishing nu-rave was an actual movement, rather than a phrase made up by the media? Amapo feels your pain. Totally ‘90s, with acid-wash denim, deconstructed blazers, and enough trippy prints to send you raving. A favorite of the Brazilian hipster set.

Oestudio
Brazil’s answer to Comme des Garcons, with a collection of avant-garde threads ready to be worn to an art gallery opening. If you’re willing to don a skirt, may we suggest the drop-crotch as your next wardrobe challenge?

REBECCA WILLA DAVIS