Carol Bassi and La Gea join forces for a year-end collab

LM: What was the inspiration behind this new collection?

ACB: Iran and I revisited 1960s and ’70s Rio de Janeiro, when Carioca life was steeped in music, art, and sophistication. Diving into that universe, we brought a lot of bossa and glamour to the pieces, making them ideal for the year-end season.

IC: I was inspired by the bossa of Rio de Janeiro, specifically archival magazine photos from the ’60s and ’70s and the social column images by journalist Ibrahim Sued. This glamorous yet effortless spirit is part of La Gea’s core and aligns perfectly with the design of the Carol Bassi Brand.

LM: How did you incorporate current fashion trends into this collection?

ACB: It’s very important for us to stay aware of trends, but without losing sight of the brands’ DNA. This collab reflects that balance, featuring contemporary pieces with lots of sparkle and fluid silhouettes, yet at the same time versatile and classic—a strong characteristic of CB—and full of laces and handcrafted details—a hallmark of La Gea.

IC: We pay attention to trends; however, we are not guided by them. My designs are dictated by feelings and references from a universe woven to dress each character in every collection. Lace, a recurring trend in recent seasons, is already part of La Gea’s DNA, crafted in my hometown of Tobias Barreto (Sergipe) to honor my roots and the manual work of my state. Sequins, also a trend, belong equally to La Gea’s codes. Therefore, we cultivate an eye for trends, applying them according to our brand’s design codes.

LM: What are the key pieces of the collection, and what is the story behind them?

ACB: I’m biased to say this, as all the collab’s pieces are very special and speak to each other, offering a perfect summer wardrobe. However, I believe the long slit dress with silver sequins will be a huge hit, as it carries the glamorous essence of past Carioca life that Iran and I sought so much.

IC: The collection was conceived so that the La Gea and Carol Bassi Brand customer can assemble a capsule wardrobe for the holidays and the summer. All pieces dialogue with each other, creating various styling occasions that accompany women from the sand to the cocktail party with a simple swap. That connects perfectly with the soul of the Carioca woman, who transitions between these settings with unique elegance.

LM: Which materials and fabrics stand out in this collection, and why were they chosen?

ACB: Without a doubt, this was the most exciting part of the creative process alongside Iran. Since La Gea works with laces developed by the lace makers of Sergipe, his home state, we made a point of featuring this meticulous, distinctly Brazilian material. In addition to lace, we also used plenty of cotton, linen, and silk, as they are lightweight, breathable fabrics perfect for high temperatures.

IC: We are a Sunny Couture brand that combines the manual and meticulous processes of pattern-making and embroidery for both beach and city. The collection’s fabrics include lace, sequins, pure linen, and Lycra, which is adorned with embroidery and lace appliqués to become a special piece. They all connect to the spirit of summer and equally reference the imagery of 1960s and ’70s Rio de Janeiro that inspired me.

LM: How did this collaboration influence the style and design of the collection?

ACB: Beyond being our second collab, the brands share very similar values and visions, making the process highly synergistic and seamless. Both CB and La Gea value high-quality materials and a feminine perspective, so we proposed pieces that carry La Gea’s meticulous, artisanal, lace-filled essence, while also incorporating CB’s classic, versatile, and timeless touches.

IC: La Gea and Carol Bassi Brand share a vision of style, lifestyle, and values. It’s a symbiotic, light, and fun process because we speak the same language. We value high textile quality and an elegant, feminine, and timeless design. This second collab symbolizes the joy and mutual respect we have for each other. Our mission is always to provide the best for our customer, who trusts us to dress her for every moment of her life with elegance.

LM: How do the designers plan to celebrate and share Sergipe’s rich cultural heritage through this collaboration, beyond the fashion pieces themselves?

ACB: Iran has always told me about his roots, his emotional memories in Sergipe, and how that influenced his unique fashion perspective. So all the laces featured in this collab are developed by lace makers from his home state, honoring their work, promoting the local industry, and offering pieces that are both timeless and unique.

IC: I’m from Tobias Barreto, Sergipe, and my roots are integral to La Gea’s identity. From the manufacturing process—largely carried out in my hometown—to the textile references like lace, everything connects directly to Sergipe and my formative memories there. We foster the local industry by empowering our atelier and bringing it to the world. That is something I’m very proud of. The design speaks for itself, and our communication also draws from my origins. We honor my roots from the inside out. Representing Sergipe is representing Brazil—our rich culture and our joie de vivre that we Brazilians carry within us.

LM: Which essential piece would you recommend including in a travel wardrobe to make this year-end adventure even more stylish and memorable?

ACB: Without a doubt, the bikini sets, because besides being essential for summer, they feature an unmatched fit and embroidered details that evoke the Copacabana promenade. If I could mention one more, it would be the off-white trousers, as they become indispensable for anyone wanting to go straight from the beach to another event.

IC: The strapless bikini with high-waisted bottoms is a favorite, making a woman look elegant on the sand, by the pool, or on a boat. When leaving the beach for an aperitif, the silver sequined pareo complements the look, making it even more sophisticated yet comfortable and effortless.