Positioned as a new brand development platform, Acuarela had entered the U.S. luxury market with the goal of elevating Latin American design through curation and strategic visibility. Founded by Matilde Fabiani and her family, alongside cofounder and mentor-curator Marcelo Quadros, the company officially launched in February with an intimate presentation at the Baccarat Hotel during New York Fashion Week. The event introduced editors, clients and cultural figures to a platform that aims to reframe how Latin American fashion is positioned globally.
“Our family was raised in South America surrounded by color, craftsmanship and a joyful way of dressing and living,” Fabiani told WWD. “When we moved to the United States, we realized how much of that richness was not fully visible internationally. There are extraordinary Latin American designers, but they’re often fragmented or misunderstood in the global luxury market.”
Early conversations within the Fabiani family evolved into a formal partnership with Quadros. “Together, we asked how we could create a platform that brings global visibility to this talent with the level of curation and care it deserves,” Fabiani said. Nine months later, Acuarela was introduced in New York.
The New York showcase featured Quadros, Adriana Degreas, Ammi, Blue Bird, Leela and Reinaldo Lourenço. Beyond these six, Acuarela’s broader portfolio includes brands such as Agua de Coco, Farm Rio, Johanna Ortiz and Silvia Tcherassi, among others.
Dr. Wellinthon Garcia Mathews, Tania Fabiani, Ross Mathews, Marcelo Quadros and Andre Furini at Acuarela’s launch event.
Quadros, whose experience spans design and creative direction, described Acuarela’s approach as fundamentally collaborative. “We do not see Acuarela as a traditional retailer. We see it as a long-term partnership platform,” he said. “Our work begins months before a collection reaches the consumer. We collaborate closely with designers to refine positioning, storytelling and market readiness while protecting the integrity of their vision.”
For Fabiani, Acuarela’s value also lies in its cultural impact. “Commercial performance validates the model,” she said. “But culturally, success means something deeper. We succeed when clients use the platform not simply to purchase, but to express identity — when what they wear feels personal, intentional and empowering.”
Beyond the New York launch, Acuarela intends to expand its presence through pop-ups and activations. “While our foundation is digital, we believe luxury today must also be experiential,” Fabiani and Quadros said. “We plan highly curated pop-ups and cultural activations beginning with Miami, Palm Beach and Dallas, followed by a seasonal presence in the Hamptons.”
According to them, Acuarela aims to reposition how Latin American fashion is perceived globally. “We hope that Latin American design is no longer framed as a niche category, but simply recognized as powerful luxury,” Fabiani said. “If in a few years the work stands on its own without geographic qualification, then we will have achieved what we set out to do.”
Acuarela is now live at acuarela.co.
