Lidianne Andrade’s journey from a young girl fascinated by fashion sketches to the founder of Ostra Brasil is one filled with artistic expression, deep-rooted connections to nature, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Since its inception in 2009, Ostra Brasil has become a unique player in the fashion industry, offering timeless, artistic designs that reflect the soul of Brazil.
In this interview, we dive into Lidianne’s creative philosophy, the story behind the brand, and what it means to build a fashion empire rooted in authenticity and purpose. Read on as she shares insights on the journey that led her to create Ostra Brasil and her vision for the future.
How would you describe your design philosophy at Ostra Brasil, and what makes your approach to fashion distinctive?
What I can say is that the work we do at Ostra is an artistic and genuine commitment. We do not follow ready-made formulas; instead we strive to be the creative author of each stage of the process — presenting creative solutions in pattern-making and using exclusive manual techniques to create details that express our authenticity and intensify new senses in those who look at, touch, or wear them.
Drawing Inspiration from Nature: The Essence of Creativity
Various landscapes and environments can spark creativity for designers. What sources of inspiration have you found yourself drawn to throughout your creative journey?
When I think of creativity, I think of connecting with nature. Because it is close to nature that I tune into my creative frequency. I realize that it has always been this way. I see nature in all my emotional memories, in the colorful daily life and unforgettable family vacations. Nature awakens my senses, stirs my sensitivity, leads me to new perceptions, and expands my creative repertoire.
Many fashion brands today are thinking about their environmental footprint. How does sustainability factor into your vision for Ostra Brasil, if at all?
My connection with nature is reflected in the sustainable awareness that has accompanied Ostra since its birth and is intertwined with its essence. My vision for Ostra is born from the desire to make fashion with purpose — from the responsible intention of creating fashion with purpose and balance, from the silent stance of care that respects the time of things, from the human relationships behind each piece, and from the commitment to sustainable practices. I believe that the future of fashion lies in the choices we make now.
Creating for the Modern Woman: Designs with Purpose
When you’re designing a new piece or collection, what considerations matter most to you during your creative process?
A well-defined concept and identity aligned with Ostra’s DNA, innovative design, originality, quality, rigor in modeling, comfort, durability, and timelessness of the piece.
Who do you envision wearing your creations? How has your understanding of your audience evolved since launching Ostra Brasil?
I imagine a woman with a strong personality who decides to live by choices. She is feminine, free, spontaneous, bold, practical, and finds herself increasingly confident in both attitudes and style. Confident women are practical, determined women, and they want to wear what expresses who they are.
I see that today’s women seek fashion brands that represent who they are or want to become. Today, Ostra is focused on keeping up with the pace of life of the modern woman who does not give up femininity and authenticity when dressing.
Looking at your collections, is there a creation that represents a particularly meaningful moment in your career? What makes this piece special to you?
I have affection for many pieces from Ostra, but the Aurora skirt/pareo reminds me of the CROMA Collection launched in 2021, which represents a turning point for the brand. We were living in quarantine, and I asked God to whisper a tangible theme for summer 2021 — something that would bring a new perspective to people at that moment.
That’s when I started to notice the changes in the color of the sky every day from dawn to dusk. I started to study the battle of colors to contour the particles and molecules of the atmosphere and finally dye the horizon and oceans. To represent this, we held a fashion show on the beach with a sequence of looks that went from white (aurora print) to black (twilight print). That theme attracted worldwide attention, and the brand expanded a lot from that moment on. It was wonderful for the brand and very satisfying for me too.
The Evolution of Ostra Brasil: Growth, Challenges, and Cultural Influence
As Ostra Brasil has gained recognition beyond Brazil, how has this evolution shaped your perspective on your work and the fashion industry?
Seeing my work cross borders makes me realize that authenticity is a universal language. This recognition has shaped my perspective on my role as a designer, and I saw the need to expand my knowledge of universal modeling techniques to make our creations even more accessible to diverse bodies. With international e-commerce, we have the opportunity to talk to countless customers from around the world and we lose sight of the fact that diversity goes beyond physical structure — it is also cultural. Knowing that we are meeting the expectations of thousands of women around the world drives us to evolve even more.
How do you navigate the balance between creative expression and the business aspects of running a fashion brand?
Maintaining the balance between creative expression and commercial management of the brand is a great challenge. I live in constant training and mental control to organize the space for each demand. This requires performance and a lot of emotional control so that the commercial side does not compromise the creative and the other way around. Decisions are made all the time, and a poorly thought-out decision can cause a catastrophe for the company, so I am aware of my responsibility. I am very grateful to the entire Ostra team for supporting me with such dedication, especially Kelly, my manager. I learn a lot from her.
In what ways has Brazilian culture influenced your work? Are there specific traditions or aesthetics that resonate with you as a designer?
I think the Brazilian tropical climate was one of the reasons I came here… lol.
It all started way back when we used to travel with my family. I always loved the sun and, since I was a child, I had a passion for swimwear, which is very strong in Brazilian culture. This passion remained strong and persisted until I founded Ostra, which started with a collection of 7 bikinis and 1 one-piece swimsuit, evolving into a range of resort fashion products and even a sportswear line (Ostra Moving line).
Travel, Inspiration, and the Future of Ostra Brasil
What’s your favorite hidden gem in Brazil that travelers should know about?
It’s hard to choose my favorite places, but among the Brazilian beaches that I love, I can’t help but mention the beaches of Tamandaré in the state of Pernambuco. It was also the place I chose to hold our first beach fashion show. I love not only the beauty but the calmness there. I have a childhood fondness for Florianopolis – SC, for the dunes of Joaquina beach, Campeche Island, and finally, I think Arraial do Cabo – RJ also enchants me. I could mention countless other beautiful spots here.
Looking ahead, what dreams or visions do you have for yourself and for Ostra Brasil? What would you love to explore or accomplish in the coming years?
My dream is to see Ostra Brasil increasingly consolidated as a global brand of original fashion which consciously values the simplicity of art with sophistication.
I want to expand internationally, maintaining our Brazilian essence, exploring new creative fronts such as artistic collaborations, sustainable design, and sensory experiences.
Personally, I want to continue evolving as an artist and entrepreneur, always guiding Ostra with purpose and authenticity.
Lidianne’s journey and the vision behind Ostra Brasil are a true testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and sustainability in fashion. If you’re inspired by her story and the bold, purposeful designs of Ostra Brasil, now is the perfect time to experience the collection for yourself. Each piece tells a story of Brazilian artistry, commitment to quality, and timeless elegance. Explore Ostra Brasil today, and step into a world where fashion meets purpose — your next favorite wardrobe staple is waiting.
To explore more of Ostra Brasil’s unique, sustainable collections or to inquire about collaborations, follow the brand’s journey on Instagram @ostrabrasil, Facebook Ostra Brasil, and visit the website at ostrabrasil.com.
See the interview at:
https://houseofcoco.net/ostra-brasil-lidianne-andrade-bold-sustainable/