The Brazilian designer who spins a great yarn
Lucas Nascimento himself.
Lucas Nascimento is the latest in a crop of exciting Brazilian designers wowing the fashion world. Based in London, Nascimento is becoming renowned for creating exquisite knitwear that breaks the boundaries of the age-old technique. His slick, sculpted silhouettes, in finely spun textures, defy all previous preconceptions of any type of knit and have taken the fashion world by storm. The look is new and luxurious with the feel of a hi-tech fabric but deftly knitted in cashmere, cotton and chenille.
We spoke to the rising star about his work, his life and his inpirations. >>
Chenille Knit Bodice Dress - click image to buy
What inspired the A/W 12 collection?
The AW/12 collection is looking at really textural knit fabrications and interesting yarns and combining these with very clean, modern shapes.I travelled a lot for work in the past year and was inspired by the people I saw in the streets – from the youthful skate/street culture to the length and proportions of old ladies’ outfits; I wanted there to be this balance of elegance and urbanity in the collection.
What’s your starting point when designing your collections? Who/what inspires you?
My starting point is always the yarn and I love to develop interesting combinations and experiment with knitting techniques. I really enjoy using colour and being playful with my choices.
What is your favourite piece from the Matches buy and why?
I think the two dresses which were made exclusively for Matches are fantastic – I love the 3 dimensional effect of the ‘beehive’ knit and how it can work with both the sporty/boxy or more elegant, fitted silhouette.
Chenille Knit Strapless Bodice Dress - click image to buy
What were you doing before you were designing?
My interest in Fashion began with styling jobs in Sao Paulo but really picked up when I moved to London in 2001. I was living in East London, working at Beyond Retro and fascinated with the incredible vintage designer pieces filtering through the warehouse.
How would you describe the Lucas Nascimento woman?
She is a confident woman with a playful side, who appreciates the detail in a garment and buys a piece for life; not for a moment in trend or time.
What are your favourite fabrics to work with and why?
I design my own knitted fabrics each season so it would be difficult to say!I like to work with very innovative yarns to develop knitted fabrics, which don’t look like they’ve been knitted.
Lucas Nascimento A/W 12
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Being awarded NewGen sponsorship was fantastic, but I think there are many other highlights – the first show, the first time you see somebody in the street wearing a piece from your collection.
Being from Brazil, tell us about your childhood and heritage and how this has influenced your work in anyway?
As a child, quality time was spent with my mother and sister being taught to hand knit. It’s something that I’ve never lost the will to do.