Angela Brito Preserves Cape Verdean Heritage Through Fashion in Brazil
Angela Brito’s journey into fashion was deeply inspired by pánu di téra—a fabric that symbolizes Cape Verdean identity. Introduced to the region in the 15th century by artisans from Guinea, its name translates to "textile from the land" in Creole.
"As a little girl, I was already thinking about creating a thousand things with pánu di téra,” says Brito, a Cape Verdean designer who has lived in Brazil for 30 years. Growing up in a traditional family that valued handmade crafts, she developed a deep appreciation for cultural textiles.
Much like Brito herself, pánu di téra represents a fusion of influences—Spanish-Moorish and African. Historically worn by elites across Cape Verde, Guinea, Niger, and Ghana, the fabric was used in significant life events, from weddings to mourning rituals. Brito vividly recalls her grandmother’s elegant ways of styling pánu di téra for church, draping it over her shoulders or tying it in various forms.
For Brito, working with pánu di téra is an act of cultural preservation. "One of the things I value most in fashion is reviving techniques that are at risk of being lost," she says. The fabric, once banned under Portuguese rule, was reclaimed during Cape Verde’s independence movement, becoming a symbol of resistance and national pride.
Her Identidade (Identity) collection, launched as a fashion film in 2020, marked the first time she incorporated pánu di téra into her brand. The high cost of production initially made it inaccessible—each fabric panel, woven by artisans, takes nearly a week to complete. Traditionally black and white, Brito reimagined it in pure white to highlight its intricate textures.
Brito’s roots remain central to her brand, but her identity is also shaped by her present in Brazil. "My origins are within me, but living in a foreign country—even one with a majority Black population—comes with challenges," she reflects. Her designs blend Cape Verdean heritage with contemporary elements, creating a cosmopolitan aesthetic that speaks to both memory and modernity.
Through her collections, Brito crafts a narrative of cultural intersection. Her latest collection, Romaria (Pilgrimage), explores parallels between Cape Verdean and Brazilian religious festivals. In collaboration with Afro-Brazilian artist Maxwell Alexandre, she integrated illustrated pieces into her runway show, further enriching the storytelling within her designs.
For Brito, fashion is not bound by linear timelines but by an ongoing dialogue between past and present. "It’s a continuous collection, divided into years and seasons, always reconnecting with my themes,” she explains. Her work challenges conventional fashion narratives, fostering discussions that reshape perceptions of identity and heritage.
By weaving Cape Verdean traditions into Brazil’s fashion landscape, Brito ensures that her cultural legacy not only endures but evolves.
