A Conversation With… Alexia Hentsch
Alexia Hentsch is a costume designer whose work has found a diverse platform ranging from world-famous telenovelas and the Rio de Janeiro carnival, to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio. Most recently she launched a bodysuit collection which blurs the line between costume design and fashion, and aims to bring a sense of carnival to evening wear.
Alexia graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2003 with a major in graphic design, founding her first label Hentsch Man soon after in 2006. The collection grew quickly retailing in 120 stores around the world including Selfridge’s, Colette, Barneys and United Arrows. In 2015, she relocated to Brazil to design costumes for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio.
Today Alexia is based in London where she designs her eponymous line of highly original and creative body suits. We caught up with her to discuss London living and who she thinks has the best style on earth.
© Alexia Hentsch © Gabriel Mendes
Q: Hi Alexia, where are you from?
A: I’m half Brazilian, half Swiss.
Q: How do you define yourself?
A: Probably quite half Swiss and half Brazilian (with all of their respective stereotypes)!
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: Fun, sexy, light and colourful.
Q: What is the Brazilian way of life?
A: Passionate and colourful.
Q: How do you like living in London?
A: I’ve had periods of love and hate (mostly in the winter) but ultimately London is a fantastic city.
Q: How would you describe French style?
A: The French have the best style on earth. Fundamentally French.
Q: Where can we find you when you’re not in the office?
A: If I’m lucky, at the seaside
Q: What’s your favorite city in the in the world? Why?
A: Rio de Janeiro. It’s just pure magic from the moment you land.
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure this season?
A: Going to the movies in the middle of the day on a weekday.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: I love Chucks Mayfair. It makes me feel like I’m on a boat somewhere
Q: How do you switch off?
A: Literature.
Q: How do you exercise? Where?
A: The occasional run in Hyde Park.
Alexia Hentsch is available from Browns, London and Farfetch
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