The 32nd edition of Sao Paulo Fashion Week gets underway.
Four brands presented collections on the first day, however Animale stole the spotlight by sending British model-turned actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley down the runway.
Collection designer Priscilla Darolt named Russia's czars as inspiration - and featured aristocratic-like garments with geometric cuts and lush fabrics.
Celebrated fashion consultant Erika Palomino says Darolt has managed to transform the 21-year-old label into a more consumer-friendly brand.
SOUNDBITE: Erika Palomino, fashion consultant, saying (Portuguese):
"I really like the work of (designer) Priscilla Darolt and, as head of Animale, she has been building a very interesting career. This is a very big brand, which sells all around Brazil -- they have fifty stores, so there is a huge distribution -- and she has managed to make this brand lighter."
Fashion reporter Eduardo Araujo says Brazil's strong economy is pushing the clothing industry into making more commercial designs.
SOUNDBITE: Eduardo Araujo, fashion reporter, saying (Portuguese):
"I think this is a (commercial) moment that our market is going through. This is one of the few countries that are not going through a crisis, so I think this is a more commercial moment; it is time to really sell."
Twenty-four Brazilian designers will present their upcoming collections throughout the week.
Alicia Powell, Reuters.