A week ago, Paola Oliveira did a fitting with the designer Michelly X to find out the last details of the look chosen for the rehearsals on Grande Rio street on Saturday the 28th, in Rio de Janeiro.
With no free space on the agenda until April 15, Michelly X lives the height of her working career until Carnival. 9 out of 10 musical ideas from samba schools and stages define the designer’s image in the credits of carnival productions. In addition to Paolla, Michelly’s studio clients include Anitta, Thelminha, Sabrina Sato, Pabllo Vittar and Lore Improta.
When I ask her what is the secret to retaining these stars, the designer does not think twice: “My specialty is modeling that enhances the body as they want, either through corsets or embroidery,” says Michelle, who usually work in pairs with stylists.
While she was submitting the sketches, I talked to the team about the best way to make this project workable. “I make the drawing a real and functional production”, she says, “because it doesn’t make sense to be a pretty and elegant costume, but rather to disfigure the person”.
Another point of interest for Micheli is raw materials, especially with regard to their impact on the environment. Elements of animal origin, such as feathers, for example, are a thing of the past. “Every year we look for new synthetic solutions to make this substitution,” explains the expert, who is also a fan of foam to make coasters and costumes more comfortable.
According to her, this is one of Paola Oliveira‘s requirements, who prioritizes comfort and a light cut to be able to perform well on the court and in Sapucaí.
The indisputable space that Michelle occupies in Carnival is the result of a journey that began in the 80s, while she was watching Xuxa’s programs. “My Name Takes X is a tribute to her, who has always been my greatest reference in fashion and in life,” says the designer, who even had a collection of paquita caps while she sewed the pieces.
Between one appearance and the next on freshman shows, Michelle’s creations have been noticed by industry professionals. “I worked for 10 years with Monique Evans, I dressed Fernanda Lima in ‘Amor & Sexo’, Ivete Sangalo in Rock in Rio and, of course, Xuxa”, she recalls. The blonde discovered Michelle’s work in the 2000s and they have been in an intimate relationship ever since. The designer even produced the wedding dress that Sasha designed for herself.
Check out a tour of the Michelly X signed look below: