He only has to celebrate, in the middle of Black Consciousness Week, his victory and professional achievement, after years of hard struggle for his social inclusion and in a competitive market of big names and brands.
The designer had to overcome huge obstacles, being black and gay, but he never victimized himself and never gave up.
– Originally from the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, he is a designer, creator and creator of the brand that bears his name, which has already become a reference for its bold and eclectic style when it comes to men’s fashion in the city.
From a young age, the artist was interested in sewing, creating his own designs, always experimenting with mixing colors and fabrics.
After a short career as a model, where he suffered prejudice because of his color, he decided to use his name as a brand and, encouraged by those close to him, decided to invest in his creations signed with his last name (Inocencio). , inherited from the Italian grandfather.
In 1994, the Hermes Inocêncio brand appeared, launched as big news in an elegant bazaar in the south of Rio, at the Galeria Café (Ipanema), where it remained for 18 years until its disappearance in 2018.
During this period he also visited Mercado Mundo Mix, Babilônia Feira Hype, among other well-known fashion fairs frequented by opinion-makers and young hipsters, not delaying long to fall in favor with artists and personalities.
According to the designer, it was an arduous and continuous struggle against prejudices related to race and sexual orientation.
But, with great pride, today the designer and businessman can only celebrate the success of his physical and virtual store, which celebrates its 7th anniversary. The already internationally known brand launched a new project dedicated to women, the “Water Ladies” store, opened in the middle of a market still emerging from a pandemic.
Hermes Inocencio is an example that, with determination and will, a person can overcome any obstacle and what he considers most important to this day is not to give in to prejudices and difficulties.
“Don’t victimize yourself, but fight for what you believe in”
