Patrick Fortuna is the co-founder and creative director of Mão de Mãe, a São Paulo-based designer brand that has become one of Brazil’s most sought-after fashion houses. Founded in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, the studio began with a simple idea — to promote, develop, and raise the profile of women artisans, starting with the handmade crafts made by his business partner’s mother.
Today, Mão de Mãe creates timeless crochet pieces with hints of modernity, has shown at Milan Fashion Week, Tranoi Paris, and White Milano, and draws steady interest from buyers across Europe and the US.
For LocalsInsider, Patrick wrote about how Mão de Mãe was born, what Brazilian fashion looks like now that it has stopped chasing Europe, where he finds inspiration in Candomblé and his own roots, and the São Paulo spots he returns to when the city needs to feel like home.
Follow him at @patrickfortuna and Mão de Mãe at @ateliemaodemae.
How Mão de Mãe was born — a pandemic-era idea from a mother’s crafts
I’m the co-founder and creative director of the brand, responsible for transforming the studio into one of the most sought-after brands in Brazil. The studio was founded in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, with the goal of promoting, developing, and raising the profile of women artisans.
It stemmed from an idea my business partner had at the time: to sell and monetize the handmade crafts his mother made—initially dream filters, crocheted bikinis, etc.
Brazilian fashion is finally finding its own identity
Brazil is going through a process of understanding its own fashion, whereas before we were based on Eurocentrism. Today we see a Brazil with its own identity and colors, one that multiculturally values its roots and draws heavily on references from its fauna, flora, and music!
“Today we see a Brazil with its own identity and colors, one that multiculturally values its roots and draws heavily on references from its fauna, flora, and music!”
Why European fashion has become monotonous — globalization and the fear of taking risks
I find it interesting to observe European fashion, especially the cyclical changes brought about by street style trends and designers at major fashion houses, as well as by young designers.
I think globalization contributes to that a bit; after all, everyone is drawing from the same well of research, consumer behavior, and nostalgia.
I believe this varies from culture to culture, but it does seem that everyone is a little afraid to take risks.
“I believe this varies from culture to culture, but it does seem that everyone is a little afraid to take risks.”
Who Mão de Mãe is for — timeless crochet with hints of modernity
The Mão de Mãe atelier is a designer brand with a unique identity that creates timeless crochet pieces with hints of modernity—but always wearable and with impeccable fit!
Where I find inspiration: my roots, Candomblé, and life experiences
My roots, my connection to Candomblé (Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian syncretic religion—a faith that blends elements from multiple traditions—that emerged in Brazil during the 19th century. It developed as enslaved Africans, primarily from Yoruba, Bantu, and Gbe cultures, combined their ancestral spiritual practices with elements of Roman Catholicism.), and my life experiences.
I love transforming stories into art, whether they’re inspired by beliefs or something I’ve experienced firsthand. The important thing is to tell beautiful stories that connect people.
“The important thing is to tell beautiful stories that connect people.”
Why Brazilian fashion is having a moment abroad — and where the real potential lies
Absolutely. We’ve already shown our collection in Milan, the fashion capital; we’ve participated in Tranoi in Paris and White Milano, where we’ve seen the interest in and high regard for Brazilian fashion!
We constantly receive emails from the United States and Europe expressing interest in our products. But I see Europe as having a lot of potential…
“But I see Europe as having a lot of potential…”
My São Paulo — the city I come and go from as I please
I live in São Paulo, coming and going as I please. I love the city—it’s a huge metropolis with plenty of options for entertainment, fashion, art galleries, music… great food, and wonderful friends! Plus, it offers us great business opportunities.
My favorite São Paulo spots — from Cuscuz da Irina to Ibirapuera Park
There are so many, but I might grab some couscous at Cuscuz da Irina, have lunch at Orfeu, dinner at Preto Cozinha, and enjoy a good glass of wine at Fito Contemporânea. Or go to a great party at O Pente, which features lots of Bahian music.
Watch a special concert or just go for a run in Ibirapuera Park.
The insider São Paulo — SP Arte, Cana Cachaçaria, Fundinho, Bar de Manu
SP Arte takes place twice a year and showcases major names in Brazilian art, including established artists.
I love the Cana Cachaçaria bar in Vila Buarque, and I love the thrift stores the city has to offer—Fundinho is one of the most beautiful.
Bar de Manu is undoubtedly one of the coolest spots to hang out with friends and have a great time.
Patrick’s São Paulo — the 10 cool addresses
- Cuscuz da Irina — Rua Iperó, 47, Vila Madalena (a second location has since opened at R. Fortunato, 224 in Santa Cecília)
- Orfeu — Av. Ipiranga, 318, República — at the foot of the iconic Copan Building
- Preto Cozinha — R. Fradique Coutinho, 276, Pinheiros
- Fitó Contemporânea — inside the Pinacoteca Contemporânea, Luz (the newer sister venue to chef Cafira Foz’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Fitó in Vila Madalena)
- O Pente — a travelling cultural night celebrating Afro-Brazilian music (pagodão baiano, brega funk, funk, afros), founded in Salvador by Uran Rodrigues. Check @opentesalvador for the next São Paulo edition and venue.
- Ibirapuera Park — Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, Vila Mariana
- SP Arte — held twice a year, at Pavilhão da Bienal (Ibirapuera Park) in April/May, and as SP-Arte Rotas Brasileiras in the second half of the year. See sp-arte.com for 2026 dates.
- Cana Cachaçaria — Rua General Jardim, 415, Vila Buarque
- Fundinho — thrift store
- Bar de Manu — bar
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