Art Basel at the Mondrian South Beach dazzled with creativity and purpose as it hosted Briana Lee of Love Cashionista, Amarildo Ruçi of Amarildo Shop, Samantha Chandrashekar of Fioletowy Studio, and Dr. Rajeev Fernando of Rajeev Fernando Apparel. These visionaries brought to life a harmonious fusion of art, fashion, and humanitarianism, leaving attendees mesmerized.
Team Credits:
Production and Creative Direction: Chez Les Mannequins @chezlesmannequins
Artists: Amarildo Ruçi @amarildoruci and Briana Lee @lovecashionista
Brands: Amarildo Shop @amarildoshop Fioletowy Studio @fioletowystudio Rajeev Fernando
@rajeevfernandomd Love Cashionista @lovecashionista
Fashion Photography: Karine Charlemagne @k.c.picto_films
Art Photography: Briana Lee @lovecashionista
Venue: Mondrian South Beach @mondrianhotelsobe
Love Cashionista
Hailing from Boston, MA, Briana Lee’s Love Cashionista transformed the mundane into the extraordinary. Her fashion and abstract art creations blur boundaries, as she uses unconventional materials like yarn, tinsel, sand, and even dish-cleaning tools instead of brushes. Briana’s paintings and designs reveal hidden beauty, proving that art can truly be alchemical.
At the event, she painted live using one of her signature tinsel necklaces, demonstrating her innovative approach. Her display also featured Love Cashionista’s iconic tinsel bracelet and clutch handbag, which perfectly exemplify her ability to merge artistic vision with wearable fashion.
Fioletowy Studio
On the same stage stood Fioletowy Studio, an India-based brand co-founded by Samantha Chandrashekar. Fioletowy Studio merges global influences, drawing from European sophistication, Japanese minimalism, and Indian craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story of empowerment, aiming to inspire confidence and beauty in women worldwide.
Samantha’s creations, showcased alongside Briana’s accessories, featured luxurious fabrics and intricate details, a celebration of individuality and grace. Her work is a beacon of encouragement for women, blending tradition with modernity to create timeless fashion.
Amarildo Ruçi
Albanian artist Amarildo Ruçi captivated audiences with his surrealist painting, crafted live during the event. Ruçi’s art is a journey into alternative realities, using semi-abstract forms, vibrant colors, and juxtaposed shapes to tell stories inspired by his life experiences.
His work stands as a testament to originality and imagination, offering attendees a chance to witness surrealism come to life. Amarildo’s one-of-a-kind pieces challenge perceptions and redefine creativity.
Dr. Rajeev Fernando
Dr. Rajeev Fernando, a Harvard-trained Disaster Medicine Specialist turned designer, brought a powerful message to the event. His Rajeev Fernando Apparel combines high fashion with humanitarian impact. A standout piece—a blush leather trench coat—carries a deeper purpose, raising awareness about violence and human trafficking against women.
Dr. Fernando’s designs fund his charitable organization, Chiraj, which aids victims of natural disasters and human-made crises. His exclusive leather jackets, already showcased at Paris Fashion Week, will make their return at his Women’s Day event in March 2025. At Art Basel, Dr. Fernando’s presence highlighted the transformative power of fashion in advocating for global causes.
The Chez Les Mannequins Bridges event was a testament to the convergence of art and fashion as powerful tools for expression, empowerment, and advocacy. Each participant brought a unique narrative, blending creativity and purpose, ensuring their work left a lasting impression on all who attended.
