At the forefront of fashion
Rhodia, a Solvay Group company, revolutionized Brazilian fashion that has conquered Europe and the world in past and recent decades. Learn more about Solvay's involvement in the revolution of the Brazilian textile industry.
Back to the 1960s
Hippies, Beatles, miniskirts, protests against the Vietnam War... Vibrant, restless, and marked by disruptions, the 1960s were a period for Rhodia to reaffirm its ability to innovate. The textile universe became the perfect arena to demonstrate its ability to translate the spirit of the time into new products and strategies to disseminate them. Beyond bringing new textile technologies to the country, Rhodia led a movement to create Brazilian fashion, mobilizing and engaging every link in the chain.
Launched at the end of the previous decade (1958), the Rhodia Fashion Selection, created to showcase the versatility and beauty of polyamide yarns, traveled the world – France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United States – parading Brazilian fashion on international runways. During this period, Rhodia played a significant role in shaping the profession of the mannequin, which did not exist in the country, and in the consolidation of fashion magazines.
Rhodia also sponsored Fenit (National Textile Industry Fair), the main stage for fashion at the time, turning each participation into a memorable event. Fenit editions became a highly sought-after cultural agenda, with crowds gathering to see Rhodia's fashion shows featuring performances by stars of MPB and Bossa Nova, such as Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Nara Leão. On the catwalks, the Giseles Bündchen of that era enchanted the audience – names like Mila Moreira, Monique, and Christia, among others. Famous brands of the company during this period included Rhodianyl, Crylor, and Tergal.
1990s
In 1992, Rhodia launched microfibers, innovations that would compose the products of the Amni® brand. The fibers quickly won over fashion creators and consumers with their distinctive drape, beauty, and comfort. As an important reference in the fashion world for many decades, Rhodia was among the sponsors of the first edition of São Paulo Fashion Week in 1995, a runway it frequented in several subsequent editions showcasing collections by the most acclaimed designers.
2000s
Rhodia continued to weave innovations and enhance its portfolio of functional yarns. The highlight of this decade was Emana®, an intelligent yarn with therapeutic properties that stimulate microcirculation. Clothing made with it contributes to good sports performance and, in women's garments, helps minimize signs of cellulite.
The Evolution of Fashion
Rhodia's pioneering spirit in the textile industry did not stop, as the world is constantly evolving, and so is our industry. In recent decades, Rhodia has built a new story in the textile sector, focusing its efforts on creating sustainable, intelligent, and functional textile yarns from the Amni® and Emana® lines. Thanks to our innovative spirit, we are now recognized as one of the leading textile industries in the world.
A Milestone for Brazilian Fashion
Journalists, historians, and writers occasionally publish their research on the important role of Rhodia and its yarns in the revolution of Brazilian fashion through books, articles, videos, exhibitions, and other cultural manifestations. In the references below, you will find some of these materials produced entirely independently and without any interference from Rhodia in their content.
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