Mohair Wool Cropped Jacket - Shakespeare Collection
Philosofée means fairy in French. It is also the name of a gorgeous and contemporary women’s fashion line with a modern femininity. The brand was established in 2016 in New York by Brazilian designer Glaucia Stanganelli. Every designer has their signature look and Stanganelli places an emphasis on the accentuated waistline and superb attention to detail, as Philosofée is dedicated to very feminine tailoring. The core of the collection are cocktail and tailored dresses with a hint of couture, details to improve fit, flattering shapes, and functional fashion elements such as expected pockets.
About The Designer
A former ballerina, Brazilian designer Glaucia Stanganelli’s journey spans three continents, from Sao Paulo to London, then New York and now Los Angeles. Glaucia has been in the fashion industry for over 16 years. She started her career at Brazilian designer Maruzia Fernandez’s couture atelier honing couture techniques, followed by stints at Zandra Rhodes and Topshop before founding Philosofée.
Currently, Philosofée consists of three collections: Shakespeare, Wonderland, and Tropical. Glaucia is very passionate about her work and it shows in her designs and constant desire to take on new risks. I loved chatting with her and getting her perspective on fashion and the brand that she has built — known as Philosofée.
Hi Glaucia! Thank you so much for chatting with Occhi Magazine. We are thrilled to speak with you.
Did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer? I know that you were also a ballerina.
Growing up I was always involved in the arts, painting, dancing and all sorts of manual crafts. I was really committed to ballet and for me, that was my future until I started to see other things that I felt connected with. I was 16, it was time to pick a college and I didn’t know for sure where to go, so I started reading a brochure explaining all the careers and options. Fashion caught my attention and I decided to give it a try. Since day one in college, I loved everything about it — I was totally connected with all aspects of the creative process, the techniques, and especially getting in touch with other people with similar passions.
Philosofée is a beautiful and versatile brand. You started it in 2016 (after working at various fashion houses). What inspires you to keep creating?
I look for inspiration in everything I do, as a way of life. In general, I try to not get caught in the busy, crazy routines that we all know we can fall into. Even on my busiest days, I find time to meditate, to listen to myself.
Nature inspires me, a flower, the sky, a landscape, the rain, the sun, a cloudy day. I also find inspiration in different cultures, traveling around and seeing new perspectives: in people, in art; everything can be a starting point to connect the dots and create a beautiful history around it.
Philosofée means fairy in French. How would you describe the Philosofée customer?
I design to value the female figure; I tailor everything to flatter the body. It’s an aesthetic that I value and believe in, the very feminine and tailored look. Also, I don’t think I design for a specific age group, it is more of a mindset, a lifestyle. I design for the woman that wants to be elegant at all times. It doesn’t matter if it is a work meeting, a dinner with friends, or on vacation, the Philosofée woman will be elegant at all times.
Feeling comfortable is so important. This is why I say my clothes are functional, I myself wear everything I design and I am on the move 24/7. I travel a lot, I work long days, and I want to look sharp, yet, in an easy way so that it comes across as effortless and even somehow playful.
Do you bring touches of the Brazilian aesthetic into your work? If so, can you elaborate?
I definitely do, consciously or unconsciously. I never thought about that on purpose but it does make sense.
If you think about the Brazilian woman’s aesthetic, you can relate my designs accentuated waistline and the focus on flattering the body, however; in a subtler way than the stereotype. It’s more of a subtle statement that the Philosofée women can travel anywhere in the World and feel just right.
“I have a passion for classic shapes, my signature designs have accentuated waistline and a playful attitude. In my collections, every piece is thought to be functional and versatile, silhouettes are timeless and tailored to flatter.”
– Glaucia Stanganelli
Philosofée designs were recently featured at NYFW☺, how was the brand received?
It was a really wonderful opportunity, I received good reviews, met incredible people from the industry, and it especially helped to spread the word about the brand, introducing the line to many people that never heard about Philosofée before.
You also just made a major move from NYC to LA. How are you enjoying the LA lifestyle?
Being from Brazil, the tropical vibe and the weather just feels right to me. I love California, it is beautiful, and there are so many more people here living the lifestyle that I like and connect to. In this sense, it feels like home.
Any upcoming shows for your brand? I, personally, feel it is perfect for the LA woman.
Right now we are booked for a trunk show in New York at one of our newest collaboration’ store, Wolf & Badger in SoHo, on Nov 19th.
We will be in NY on November, 18th for a special event at Perfumarie (www.perfumarie.com ). It will be a multi-sensory event, relating colors, textures, fabrics, and shapes with scents. I’m very excited and it should be Super interesting!
On December 17th, I have an event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a fun happy hour X pop up.
And yes, I really want to put something together here in LA and am looking forward to it. I just moved to LA from NY and I am still finding my way around, looking for the right team and collaborations that will flow.
What is your personal opinion on LA fashion/style?
I have observed LA style and like many aspects of it. Each neighborhood has its own strong personality and it’s so different from each other, which I find very interesting.
I like numerous parts of LA that has more of a casual, chic tone; the effortless elegance, with a touch of “California personality”. I look forward to connecting more with that.
To learn more about Philosofée:
Web: http://www.philosofee.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/philosofee_
FB: https://www.facebook.com/philosofee.demicouture/
Featured Image Credit: Philosofée – Mohair Wool Cropped Jacket – Shakespeare Collection
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