Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulo Josepetti

Hi Paulo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

From a young age, I’ve been immersed in the world of fashion and art. I started drawing fashion sketches before I was even old enough to attend school, inspired by my grandfather who taught me how to draw. At six, my mother noticed my fascination with design and gifted me a sewing machine, sparking my journey as a creator. Growing up in Brazil, I spent my childhood sewing alongside my mother and eventually pursued formal training at Senai, where I studied industrial sewing and fashion design.

After moving to Curitiba at 18, I worked as a salesperson at a luxury department store while saving to enroll in the newly established fashion design program at Senai. Although financial challenges forced me to pause my studies, I later found inspiration to continue pursuing my dream, completing my degree and refining my craft. I gained hands-on experience working for renowned Brazilian brands like Izabel Brides and Farm, and later drove exponential growth at Lafort, expanding its national presence and significantly increasing revenue.

In 2019, I made the bold decision to move to the United States to expand my career, taking a position as head designer for Ley Swimwear, where I grew the collection and positioned the brand for success. Since then, I’ve worked as part of design teams for RSweader, Savant Studios, and Urban Zen by Donna Karan, while also building my own label. I’ve also gained valuable retail experience working for Marni, an artisanal luxury fashion house, and Matriark, a luxury retail shop in Sag Harbor, Hamptons.

My love for gemstones and fine jewelry inspired me to begin a gemology course and work at The Seven, a fine jewelry boutique, where I developed a deeper appreciation for precious stones and craftsmanship.

Today, I’m based in Brooklyn, NYC, where I continue to create as both a fashion designer and a mixed-media artist. I’m also pursuing further studies in haute couture at FIT, blending art and fashion to push the boundaries of my craft.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist and designer I am today. Growing up in Brazil, I faced financial difficulties that forced me to pause my education and reenter the workforce at a young age. However, I returned to complete my education, earning a degree in fashion design and later pursuing an MBA in Marketing in Brazil. This education gave me the tools to understand not only the creative side of fashion but also its business and strategic aspects.

When I moved to the United States, I had to adapt to a new environment, rebuild my career, and prove myself in a highly competitive industry. In New York City, I expanded my knowledge further by completing a course at Parsons focused on fashion business, and I’m now pursuing a program in haute couture at FIT, where I’m exploring the artistry and craftsmanship that elevate fashion to a true form of art.

As an artist, navigating corporate worlds has been one of the biggest challenges. The demands of structure, commerce, and constant innovation sometimes conflict with the creative freedom and spirituality that drive my work. Over time, I’ve come to see these experiences as opportunities to grow stronger and more adaptable. My spiritual journey, particularly studying Kabbalah and exploring various philosophies, has been transformative. It has helped me see beyond the immediate struggles and understand the “big picture”—that everything around us is a projection of our own creation. This perspective gives me strength, grounding, and the clarity to embrace challenges with resilience.

The scar on my arm from childhood reminds me every day of the importance of perseverance and purpose. That same determination helped me drive exponential growth for brands like Lafort in Brazil and later rebuild my career from scratch in the United States. My work in retail, fine jewelry, and fashion design has given me a broad understanding of the industry while deepening my connection to craftsmanship and creativity.

While the journey has been far from easy, I see every struggle as an essential part of the process. Each obstacle has brought me closer to fulfilling my purpose—creating, inspiring, and pushing the boundaries of art and fashion.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a fashion designer and mixed-media artist with a passion for blending art and fashion. My work revolves around creating unique, custom, one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients, focusing on craftsmanship and individuality. I take pride in using my favorite fabrics, such as linen and other natural fibers, and I prioritize sustainability in my processes. Whether it’s through dyeing, tailoring, or hand-finishing, I strive to ensure that every piece is both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

What truly sets me apart is my ability to combine different forms of art into wearable pieces. My designs are not just garments—they are expressions of creativity and storytelling, rooted in my background and experiences. Growing up in Brazil, I was inspired by the vibrant culture around me, and today, I channel that energy into my work by mixing textures, colors, and artisanal techniques.

While I currently specialize in custom pieces, I’m excited to expand into ready-to-wear in the future. This will allow me to bring my vision and artistry to a wider audience while maintaining the same focus on quality, sustainability, and individuality that defines my work.

I’m most proud of creating work that feels deeply personal, both for myself and for my clients. Every piece I design reflects my commitment to individuality, sustainability, and authenticity. My approach is not about following trends but about connecting with people and creating something timeless and meaningful. Through my art and designs, I aim to inspire others to see fashion as a form of expression and connection, not just a product.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

Luck has played a fascinating role in both my life and career. While I believe in hard work, determination, and preparation, there have been moments where luck—both good and bad—has shaped my journey in unexpected ways.

Bad luck has often tested my resilience. Growing up in Brazil, I faced financial challenges that forced me to pause my education and step away from my dream of becoming a designer. A childhood accident left me with a scar on my arm, but it also taught me the value of perseverance and purpose. These moments of adversity pushed me to grow stronger, more resourceful, and more determined to pursue my goals.

Good luck, on the other hand, has often appeared as opportunities disguised in challenges. Moving to New York City, for example, was a leap of faith. I had no guarantees of success, but along the way, I encountered people, brands, and moments that opened doors for me. Finding a course at Parsons, discovering the haute couture program at FIT, and working with incredible brands like Urban Zen by Donna Karan were all instances of being in the right place at the right time—and being ready to seize the opportunity when it came.

However, I’ve come to see luck as more than random chance. My spiritual journey, particularly through studying Kabbalah, has helped me understand that luck is often about alignment. When we focus inward, live with purpose, and approach life with positivity and intention, we create opportunities that feel like “luck.” I’ve learned that even bad luck can be reframed as a lesson or a stepping stone to something greater.

In my business, luck has often been about the connections I’ve made and the ability to pivot during tough times. While I’ve worked hard to refine my craft and build a foundation, I’m grateful for the moments of serendipity that have shaped my path. Whether good or bad, luck has taught me to embrace uncertainty and trust in the process, knowing that each step—no matter how difficult—has brought me closer to my vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulojosepetti?igsh=cWdwdHc3ajl3NnF0
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PauloJosepetti/

Image Credits

First
Simon Porte – Cameron Silver

Flower . Actor broadway performace Pedro Garza

Last one Model- Lillian Tereza