Fashion Rio 22: Full of fashionably trendy items, like racism.

The season’s energetic colors and eye-catching prints adorning fresh fall dresses and smart winter suits at Fashion Rio’s 22nd edition were clouded by storms of objection emitted from brightly painted protesters representing the Afro-Brazilian and indigenous majority in Rio de Janeiro last week.

AFP reported the activists from labor rights group Educafro were not just demanding spots on the runway, but more opportunities for black and indigenous people to work in general. A main difference between a lack of diversity on runways in Brazil vs the same lack of diversity on catwalks in the US and Europe? – Brazil’s black and indigenous population make up more than half of their 194 million people.

Punkie the Zebra

Punkie the Italian Fashionista/Blogger Speaks to ZIF

Having an Italian woman send you pictures of herself in a zebra outfit is one way to get your heart palpitating. When that woman is a talented fashion blogger from Milan, you need to slow that pulse down, process the images and post about it. Because this young star on the rise is not just another trick attempting to satiate your grossly juvenile desires. No, this is a real woman, a fashionista, a pleasurable token from Italy. Bellissima! Catch Punkies fashion features at her blog A Dream of A Lifetime.

ZIF: What is the deal with all the Zebra print in fashion this past year? Zebra print is a la mode, correct?

Punkie: Of course! I think zebra print could be current and a la mode, all the time! If you match it in the right way, it can always work!

ZIF: We are a hip hop site. Do you listen to rap music? Italian rap? American? Your impressions?

Punkie: I listen to all kinds of music! If a certain song attracts me, I will surely add it to my playlist! For example in Italy I love so many artists, one is named Caparezza. He is a bit rapper and a bit storyteller… his songs are always amazing me! And I ADORE Sean Paul. I know that he’s more dancehall than rap, but he’s great! Oh and I also like Matisyahu a lot, the melodies of his songs are stunning!

ZIF: What about hip hop fashion? Where does it find its inspiration, in your opinion?

Punkie: I don’t know where the inspiration comes from… I think from the streets! Personally I don’t strictly follow this trend. But I think that in summer a large pair of jeans, sneakers and a simple cotton tank works so well! Oh and the collaboration between Missy Elliot and Adidas is just a fantastic! Some pieces of the collection are AMAZING! Anyway, I respect all kinds of fashion. Even if someone is being himself wearing a certain type of dress, he should be admired!