This Spring, we invite you on our journey to Brazil, a country that lives and breathes joy—alegria is woven into every aspect of life, from the colors of the streets to the rhythm of samba. Inspired by the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spirited people of Brazil, our collection is a tribute to the beauty of living life to the fullest. Each piece brings a touch of Brazilian warmth and energy to your family’s everyday moments, encouraging you to celebrate the big and small joys of life. Whether it’s a playful day at the beach, an impromptu dance party, or a quiet moment together, our collection is designed to be part of every smile, laugh, and memory.
We sat down with our Director of Design, Margie, to get the inside scoop on why we choose to venture to Brazil this Spring and what designs she is most excited to share with you!
Why did you choose to go to Brazil?
“Brazil is an endless source of inspiration, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the sun-soaked beaches of Bahia, Brazil provides an unparalleled palette of colors, patterns, and textures. Its diverse flora and fauna, lively street art, and deep-rooted traditions make it a dream destination for a designer. We wanted to capture the essence of Brazil’s spirited culture and translate it into pieces that reflect the country’s joyful, carefree vibe.”
What designs are you most excited about?
“I’m especially excited about our new woven dresses for Spring, which feature colorful tropical florals, rich textures, and a touch of shimmer that perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Carnival. The bold, joyful prints radiate energy and movement, bringing the celebratory feel of Brazil to life. For the boys’ collection, the variety of animal icons we explored for our graphic tees made the design process incredibly fun. We played with the playful and exotic wildlife of Brazil, from jaguars to toucans, and the results are fresh, exciting, and full of personality.”
What designs do you think captures the essence of Brazil the most and why?
“Brazil’s essence is best captured through the use of bold, expressive color and iconic motifs. Our tropical floral, fruit, and animal prints truly channel the vibrancy of Brazil. The wave patterns inspired by the iconic Copacabana Promenade bring a sense of movement and playfulness to the collection. One of my personal favorites is the cashew fruit print—a nod to Brazil’s cultural and culinary heritage. For those who know, they know (IYKYK)!”
Were there any art techniques you loved learning about from Brazil that you brought into this season’s collection?
“Absolutely! We were inspired by the hand-drawn, organic style seen in traditional Brazilian crafts and indigenous artwork. The way Brazilian artists embrace imperfections and celebrate authenticity influenced our approach to prints and textures this season. We incorporated hand-painted elements and mixed-media techniques to give our pieces a unique, handcrafted feel that reflects Brazil’s artistic heritage.”
Did you meet any artists on your trip? Did they inspire any designs?
“Yes! We were deeply inspired by the street art scene in São Paulo, particularly the murals in Beco do Batman. The vibrant colors, bold compositions, and expressive brushwork seen there directly influenced the hand and color story of many of our graphic tees. We also took inspiration from indigenous Brazilian art styles, which emphasize a simple yet powerful naive hand and a mix of textures and animal prints.”
What was your favorite part about your inspiration trip?
“Trancoso, a quiet beach town with its laid-back charm, was an absolute highlight. The colors, the artisanal craftsmanship, and the relaxed coastal vibe left a lasting impression on me. It was the perfect place to soak in inspiration and reflect on how to bring the essence of Brazil into our designs.”
What was your favorite part about the photoshoot?
“Riding in the vintage green Fusca was such a fun moment! And shooting on the beach at sunset—there’s nothing quite like the golden hour glow in Brazil. It added an undeniable magic to the collection and brought our vision to life in the most breathtaking way.”
What was your favorite thing to do in Brazil when you had downtime?
“Laying on the beach and people-watching was a favorite pastime—Brazilian beach culture is so lively and full of life. But one of the most memorable experiences was riding motorcycles up to Vidigal. Our local crew member, Piu, gave us a tour of his neighborhood, which has one of the most stunning views of Rio. The favelas often have a misunderstood reputation, but being there, we felt the deep sense of community and care. We had an unforgettable night dancing, meeting his family and friends, and listening to childhood stories.”
What was the most interesting thing you saw in Brazil that was unexpected/surprising?
“One of the most picturesque moments was seeing a young boy riding bareback on a horse along the beach in Bahia—it was like a scene from a storybook. I was also fascinated by the popularity and cultural significance of the cashew fruit, which appears in art, graphics, and cuisine throughout Brazil. Another surprising takeaway was how body-positive and comfortable Brazilians are in their own skin. There’s a beautiful, effortless confidence and acceptance that is truly inspiring.”
How do you bring inspiration to your team in San Francisco? Do you bring them photos, stories, etc. ?Â
“I inspire my San Francisco team by sharing thousands of photos, compelling stories, and samples from my trips. I use these experiences to kickstart design concepts and integrate them into our creative ideas.”
What motivates you to create inspired designs?
“I draw motivation from seeing children in Tea clothing, whether at home or abroad. Engaging with Tea families, listening to their stories, and learning why they connect with our designs deeply inspire my creativity.”
Shop our new Brazil inspired collection here.