Designed by Ronaldo Fraga, the Cartas de Algodão collection marks the 10th anniversary of the Sou de Algodão, an initiative of Abrapa
Brazilian cotton took center stage on the runways of the 61st edition of São Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW), one of Latin America’s leading fashion events. On October 15, the Sou de Algodão movement, an initiative of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), presented its fifth fashion show at the event, featuring a special collection designed by Brazilian fashion designer Ronaldo Fraga. The show marked the initiative’s 10th anniversary, celebrating its work to bring together and recognize professionals across the cotton production and textile supply chain.
Titled Cartas de Algodão (Cotton Letters), the collection explored the relationship between fashion, memory, and cultural identity. Inspired by letters, old photographs, and family memories, Ronaldo Fraga placed cotton at the heart of designs featuring embroidery, prints, different textures, and artisanal techniques. The collection celebrated the artistry of handmade creations, weaving tradition, memory, and the timeless beauty of cotton into each piece.
“Every piece that reaches the Sou de Algodão runway carries the work of an entire supply chain, from cotton growers to weaving mills, knitting mills, and other partners who, year after year, have believed in this project alongside us. Celebrating 10 years with this fashion show also means celebrating these partnerships, which are essential to showcasing the potential of Brazilian cotton, from the field to fashion,” said Renata Caixeta, Business Development Manager at Abrapa and head of the Sou de Algodão movement.
“Through the runway, we inspire consumers to increasingly choose natural fibers, Brazilian fibers, cotton fibers. Ronaldo Fraga brought so much affection and so many memories, and Cartas de Algodão has left its mark on history,” she added.
Colors, shapes, and textures
Featuring 29 looks, the collection presented a color palette composed of different shades of white, ivory, and other natural tones, with touches of color inspired by pen ink. In terms of silhouettes, Ronaldo Fraga explored defined waistlines, volume, tailoring, and layered fabrics.
Styled by Paulo Martinez, the models walked the runway wearing pieces featuring different lengths, collars, vests, and accessories. Prints inspired by envelopes and correspondence, along with handcrafted details, completed the designs, highlighting the many ways cotton can be used in fashion.
For Alessandra Zanotto, spokesperson for Sou de Algodão and a cotton grower in Bahia state, the initiative once again shone on Brazil’s leading fashion runway. “Ten years of history, ten years of connecting the fields with fashion, above all valuing those who create. Seeing each piece, each creation, with embroidery and buttons reminiscent of stamps, all of this is an embrace for the soul,” she emphasizes.
A decade of promoting Brazilian cotton
Founded in 2016, Sou de Algodão develops initiatives to raise awareness of responsible consumption and promote Brazilian natural cotton fiber. Over the past decade, the movement has built partnerships with fashion professionals, brands, and companies, strengthening the dialogue between those who produce cotton and those who transform it into products for end consumers.
“Ten years after we were born at SPFW, we return to this runway at a very symbolic moment. Inviting Ronaldo to design this collection on his own was a way to bring depth and authorship to this celebration. With rare sensitivity, he translated what cotton represents as a fiber that holds stories and spans generations,” concluded Renata Caixeta.
Photo credits: @agfotosite
