Meet Felipe Veloso, one of Brazil’s finest and most original fashionistas.

How would you describe your style in these photos?

I don’t think this is a one  specific style, it’s a mix of many. l do think there is a lot of “Carioca” in the way l dress.

At what age did you fall in love with clothes?

I think I’ve always been in love with fashion and clothing. My parents used to pay lots of attention to the way they dress,  so as a little boy l started putting outfits together. Even in school people noticed that l had a particular style.

Your style is constantly evolving. Is it a form of survival or just a ritual?

It’s a way to cope with everyday life. It changes all the time, always new things rolling in and l absorb them. As I take in the changes around me, I too change. Not just the way l style an outfit but also as a human being.

There is the belief that many people in the fashion world are simply hiding behind extravagant outfits without much substance to them. What’s your take on this?

I don’t think like that. Every style of dressing is a code. Being extremely basic can be a way to hide or disguise too. Fashion is a way of communicating a message.

Does Rio de Janeiro produce its own street style the way London, New York or LA do?

Yes, but with different codes obviously…totally different.

Which Brazilian designers would you recommend for us to understand these codes?

Alexandre Herchcovitch, Isabela Capeto and Patricia Viera.

Do you remember how you felt when you heard about the death of Alexander McQueen?

We met twice, through a common friend. He was genius. It was really sad that he couldn’t handle the pressure.

Interview & photography by Andrea Vecchiato