UMA

UMA is a Brazilian contemporary fashion brand created in São Paulo in the 1990s by Raquel Davidowicz and her husband Roberto. It makes timeless womenswear, plus menswear and accessories, often in collaboration with Brazilian artists.

What is UMA?

UMA, also known as UMA by Raquel Davidowicz, is an independent São Paulo label that describes itself as contemporary fashion with an independent and timeless essence. Rather than following trends, it built its identity on collaboration and a close link to art.

History

Raquel Davidowicz and her husband started the brand in 1997 with a first stock of 3,000 pieces sold at an art gallery, followed by itinerant stores similar to pop ups. UMA presented its collections at São Paulo Fashion Week from 2004 to 2018.

Products and positioning

Collections have been created with Brazilian artists including Lygia Clark, Regina Silveira, Jac Leirner and Macaparana, and one collection featured paintings by Raquel herself. The brand has also worked with natural dyes such as turmeric and onion and with upcycling of past season stock. Today the range spans dresses, tailoring, knitwear, beachwear, jewellery, bags and shoes, plus a men's section.

A sister label, UMA X, led by Raquel's daughter Vanessa Davidowicz, targets younger customers with gender neutral pieces.

Distribution

UMA sells through its own stores, including locations in São Paulo's Vila Madalena and Rio de Janeiro's Leblon, through multi-brand retailers and online.

Why it matters

UMA is a reference for Brazilian independent fashion that favours longevity and art collaboration over scale.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded UMA?

UMA was founded by Raquel Davidowicz together with her husband Roberto in the 1990s.

Where is UMA from?

UMA is a Brazilian brand from São Paulo, with stores in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

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