2025 Collection Fashion Show at Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

Natural Cotton Color, recognised for its commitment to sustainability and exclusive use of organic cotton that grows naturally coloured, presented its new “Calunga” collection on 20th September during Milan Fashion Week. The fashion show took place at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, organised by the World Sustainability Organization & Foundation (WSO), in partnership with the Brasil Eco Fashion (BEF) platform.

Celebrating Brazilian Cultural Heritage

Comprising 35 looks (20 women’s and 15 men’s), the collection celebrated Brazil’s rich cultural heritage and Maracatu, a traditional Carnival manifestation in the Northeast, especially in Paraíba and Pernambuco. Inspired by the Calunga, a symbol of magic and power in the Maracatu procession, the collection brought tailoring and artisanal details as the foundation for contemporary design. The pieces were conceived by Francisca Vieira, CEO of Natural Cotton Color, in partnership with Leo Mendonça, under the creative consultancy of Elis Janoville.

For Francisca, presenting the “Calunga” collection at the Museo Leonardo da Vinci was a special milestone. “Da Vinci was a visionary, someone who looked to the future and united art, science and innovation. Bringing a sustainable fashion show, with innovative fabrics, to a space dedicated to his legacy reflects exactly what we seek: fashion that respects tradition but advances with technology and environmental awareness,” she emphasised.

Textile innovations and sustainability

Natural Cotton Color stood out once again through the use of organic coloured cotton from Paraíba, cultivated by family farmers in settlements and quilombola communities in the state, with guaranteed purchase contracts. Cultivation without irrigation and without pesticides, combined with an industrial process that eliminates chemical dyeing, provided an 87.5% water saving compared to conventional industry, according to Embrapa data.

The cotton used in the collection holds international organic certification, and Natural Cotton Color products are recognised with Friends of the Earth traceability and sustainability certification, issued by WSO.

Innovative Fabric Development by Natural Cotton Color

Among the innovations presented, new fabrics developed from organic coloured cotton yarns and yarns obtained from silk waste stood out. One highlight was the luxury twill created with silk and coloured cotton, resulting in an exclusive denim with silk yarn in the warp and cotton yarn in the weft. Another advancement was the organic cotton knit blended with silk through the intimate blend technique, ensuring a soft touch and satin appearance. Fabrics combining organic cotton with linen were also presented, as well as jacquard with patterns inspired by chita, bringing a vibrant reference to Brazilian culture.

Valuing Brazilian culture and craftsmanship

The “Calunga” collection paid tribute to Afro-Brazilian traditions and the communities that keep alive the artisanal techniques of the Northeast. Labyrinth embroidery, intangible heritage of Paraíba, was present in the pieces, reinforcing the connection with the municipality of Ingá, the state’s largest organic cotton producer and centre for this type of embroidery. Renaissance and bobbin lace, crochet, macramé and fringes were also used, adding movement and sophistication to the creations. The presentation featured bags created exclusively for the show by Makano and footwear developed by Pacoa, which brought pieces in crochet, macramé and filet lace.

Important support and notable presence

The fashion show had support from TexBrasil, the internationalisation programme of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), managed by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT). Among those present in the front rows of the event were ApexBrasil representatives, including Maria Paula Velloso, industry and service manager at ApexBrasil, and Lilian Kaddissi, superintendent of strategic projects at ABIT, and members of the Brazilian consulate in Milan, such as the consul-general, ambassador Hadil da Rocha Vianna, and Maria Ester Gonçalves de Almeida – head of the Fashion Division of the Commercial Promotion Sector, reinforcing the importance of Brazilian sustainable fashion on the Italian and international scene.

Reaffirming Commitment to Sustainable Fashion

With the “Calunga” collection, Natural Cotton Color reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable fashion and the valorisation of Brazilian culture. The brand continues to integrate innovation and tradition, promoting sophisticated and timeless design for the global market.