The new spring-summer fashion collections by the hottest Buenos Aires designers launched at BAF Week in La Rural last week. Designs by Mishka, De Porcelana, Natura, Amores Trash Couture, Fabian Zitta and more are captured by fashion photographer Allison Kate Cherkis who brings some of the behind-the-scenes and not-so-behind-the-scenes moments to our readers.

Mishka SS 2012/13 presentation opens BAF Week in the Paseo Alcorta parking garage.

The Visentini presentation featured handmade hats by De Porcelana.

A model waiting her turn to walk in the Seco show.

The Natura beauty spread backstage.

A model gets the finishing touches in the Natura makeup chair and another model being prepped by the Estudio H team.

The runway is prepared for the Amores Trash Couture show.

Gams backstage at the Amores Trash Couture presentation.

The Natura beauty moodboard.

A look is debated by the Natura team before the Fabian Zitta presentation.

The Fabian Zitta SS 2012/13 collection.

Fabian Zitta smiles after his show is finished.

A display by Vicki Otero and Consuelo Vidal at the entrance of BAF.

IdeaMe: is an online platform, which helps creators, be they inventors, artists, or designers, among others, to finance their projects through crowd funding. Each week, the Indy features and promotes one project every week, with the aim of helping the creators finance and achieve their dreams. This week: Lara Pujal, designer

Feather Earrings by Lara Pujal

From brightly coloured beads, to shiny gold metallic, and creamy laces, Lara Pujal can embellish any article of clothing and take it from last year’s short-sleeved T to this year’s hottest night look.

“I started designing two years ago but my life has always been about designing, since I was a little girl,” says Pujal.

The 29-year-old designer started simple by designing and producing earrings, necklaces, and rings. Now, her line has grown to include scarves, skirts, tops, and shorts.

“My designs are predominantly bright and colourful, favouring blue, fuchsia, and coral. However, I also have the classic black and white, but with them I mix different textures. I like to play with colours and textures.”

Looking through Pujal’s collection is a treat for the eyes. Her earrings dangle with feathers in blues, purples, greens, and pinks with always a tiny flash of metallic in the form of a wing, fairy, or simple chain. With a layered lace brooch attached to the shoulder of a plain black shirt she suddenly makes the T-shirt look fancier and more feminine.

Her clothing line is less daring than her jewellery but still has an embellished feminine edge to it. Lace is the favoured fabric of her first line, making an appearance in almost all her clothes including a pair of shorts made entirely of the creamy white nimble fabric.

Scarves are the other major product of her line. With her signature touch she mixes fabrics and patterns with a tiny bit of embellishment. A simple black fabric flower transforms one grey plaid scarf while a solid grey scarf is feminised with lace trimming and a tiny lace bow.

Pujal works out of a tiny brick walled room in Tigre full of fabrics, thread, and sewing machines. She does all her own sewing and designing. She is currently looking for donations from IdeaMe to help with the cost of fabrics and materials.

“The donated money would really help me finish my collection because right now the costs are very high. My goal is to make a living from designing clothes. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.”

If you would like to help support Lara Pujal by making a donation please visit the IdeaMe website.

Sustainable Fashion has become somewhat of an elusive concept in the past few years. Is it fair-trade? Is it organic? Recycled? Slow? Green? With such broad language, how do we know exactly what we’re buying? What we do know is the conversation has brought much attention to the not just the “what” of design materials but the “how” of design processes – buying, trading, making and selling.

Argentina, eager to join in the conversation, has suddenly found itself bursting at the seams with eco-conscious fashion designers expressing their talent through endless mediums. From sustainable knits to recycled fabrics, not to mention traditional artisans hand-crafting their goods which inherently fit the green profile, eco-minded shoppers have plenty to choose from without compromising values or quality. The following ten eco-designers in Argentina and their creations top the list.

1. Sustainable knits produced in Toba indigenous community

Sustainable knits produced in Toba indigenous community for Agostina Bianci.

Agostina Bianchi Thames 1733, Palermo.

2. Bracelet made from fabric scraps and paper beads made from discarded magazines

Bracelet made from fabric scraps and paper beads made from discarded magazines by Lua Chea.

Lua Chea Borges 2029, Palermo

3. ‘Bolso Pescador’ Shoulder Bag made from aluminum can tops, $868

Aluminium

4. Unisex Scarf made from sustainable knits (100% Llama), $180

Cubreme, Godoy Cruz 1720, Palermo

5. Wallet made from Tyvek materials, $55

Confitte

6. Dress made from recycled neckties

Salve

7. SURI sweatshirt hand-printed with water-based inks onto unbleached canvas, $255

Bill et Bill

8. Laptop case made from recycled coffee sacks, from $140

Carro

9. Rococo necklace made from recycled textiles

Marina Callis

10. Unisex messenger bag made from recycled vinyl, $174

Baumm

Buenos Aires is a city that loves fashion almost as much as steak. Style conscious portenas alight the subte in towering platforms, while their male counterparts stroll the city streets in shiny brogues and sharp suits.

We took to the streets for a little sartorial stalking and each month, will be bringing you the best in boots, bags and belts from various barrios around the city.

This week we travelled to up-market Palermo to catch up with some fashionable locals. Among the designer boutiques and inviting restaurants we snared this group of style conscious locals to talk about fashion in Buenos Aires.

Name: Erica

Age: 40

What do you do? Work in a University of Art

What are you wearing today? ”My coat is from Nadine Zlotogora, I’m also wearing Religion, Kostüme.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? ”I like shopping here. There are some places that are interesting but a lot of people here look exactly the same. I like to have my own style but a lot of girls here just want to look like Barbie. It’s hard to find really interesting things that don’t cost a lot. I like to buy original things but there’s a lot that’s very uniform. That doesn’t interest me.”

Favourite brands/ designers? ”I really like Religion and Nadine Zlotogora”

Name: Jenny

Age: 26

What do you do? Actress and model

What are you wearing today? ”My shoes (creepers) are from We Love Meme. I’m also wearing trousers from Jazmin Chebar, a sweatshirt from Josephine B, bag from Clara Ibarguren. My jacket and shirt are vintage.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? ”I love it. I’m fanatical about fashion generally and I love the fashion you find here in Buenos Aires. Palermo is a great place to shop.”

Favourite brands/ designers: ”I love these shoes which are by We Love Meme.”

Name: Augustina

Age: 25

What do you do? Fashion manager for Groupon

What are you wearing today? ”Today I’m wearing fuschia and coral striped leggings from Maria Cher, they’re my favourites. My coat, shoes and sweater are all from Delaostia.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? ”I love it, it’s really colourful and I like the designers here. Palermo Hollywood is my favourite place to shop.”

Favourite brands/ designers: Maria Cher

Name: Vera

Age: 21

What do you do? Study photography and work in a dermatology clinic

What are you wearing today? ”I’m really interested in fashion but I like to wear things that represent me best – I like wearing tights and always wear skirts and dresses.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? ”In Buenos Aires you can get everything, there is a lot of fashion from outside Buenos Aires but here I think people look really distinctive, which I like.”

Favourite brands/ designers? ”I love Rapsodia, Mishka and Paula Cahen D’Anvers…I like so much it’s hard to choose. I really love clothes!”

Name: Chloe

Age: 26

What do you do? Part of the Bolivia family (Argentine designer) and a painter.

What are you wearing today? ”Everything I’m wearing is Divina Bolivia or Bolivia mens. My favourite bit is the elephant appliqué V neck sweater because it’s a one off.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? “People like to dress well here. The mainstream can look a bit commercial but then you get individuals who do something a bit different and really enjoy doing something different so it gets a bit more creative. So you see some really interesting things here too.”

Favourite brands designers? ”Bolivia, I also really like what Trosman is doing with prints at the moment.”

Name: Alfredo

Age: 31

What do you do? Singer in a rock band, and work in a fashion shop in Palermo.

What are you wearing today? ”All my clothes from Bolivia apart from my shoes, which are Hush Puppies.”

What do you think of fashion in Buenos Aires? ”It‘s good because you can mix styles and put vintage things with newer pieces. In Buenos Aires you can wear loads of colour and no one says anything!”

Favourite brands designers? “I love Bolivia and Lovers and Fuckers.”

Unlike the abundance of vintage shops in cities like Paris, London and Berlin, Buenos Aires has not quite embraced vintage shopping yet.

Many believe porteños view vintage less as fashion and more like putting on a stranger’s second hand dress, but some locals have begun moving away from the designer circuit on their search for something no one else has.

The city’s vintage shops are the most part, chaotic, whacky, diverse and random, but vintage is gradually creeping into wardrobes here in Buenos Aires.

With markets like the Sunday San Telmo market, and the weekend market besides Parque Centenario, vintage shopping here can be a rummaging paradise. This week’s Top 5 is your guide to the best places to buy vintage in BA.

Portobello Vintage Boutique (Photo: Hannah Flint)

Portobello Vintage Boutique

Having grown up in West London, near the vast selection of vintage shops and boutiques in Portobello Road and Notting Hill, Argentine/English shop-owner Julieta Cameron arrived in Buenos Aires 11 years ago. After quickly noticing a shortage of vintage boutiques in the city, she opened Portobello Vintage Boutique – probably the best vintage shop in the city.

While its exterior may not suggest it, Cameron has, quite literally, imported a Portobello vintage shop into the heart of Recoleta. Once inside you’ll find the quintessential London road signs, newspaper cut outs and posters of iconic British figures among the selection of vintage and second hand clothes.

It’s also miles away from the average vintage shop you’ll find in Buenos Aires. While others can tend to stray into costume dress territory, Portobello Vintage has its head firmly turned towards vintage European style, with a range of different designers, prices and items for both men and women.

In one of BA’s most expensive barrios, the shop receives clothes bought by wealthy residents of the area during their travels to Europe during the 60s and 70s, as well as those sourced by Cameron on her own travels back to the UK. The shop is also orderly, meaning you can pop in here quickly and find something great. Find Argentine labels, as well as designs from London and Paris, ranging from bargain buys to more expensive, special pieces.

Paraguay 1554, Recoleta. Open Monday to Friday 11am-7pm.

Juan Pérez Vintage (Photo: Hannah Flint)

Juan Pérez Vintage

Juan Pérez is one of the most well known vintage stores in the capital and stocks just about everything you can imagine.

Walking around the huge shop is an experience in itself, with obligatory lockers for your bag, a bizarre section of vintage ski-wear (including skis) woolly jumpers and fur jackets.

Crammed with clothes, Juan Perez offers hats, jewellery, bags and shoes for both men and women, and it’s easy to spend hours in here, rummaging through everything they’ve got.

The price range here varies: a beautifully intact vintage Louis Vuitton leather bag for $2000 hangs next to a range of other designer as well as far cheaper options.

Although Juan Perez is admittedly more expensive than most of the city’s vintage shops, the pricier items do tend to be worth the money; a delicate silk white shirt from 70s Paris will set you back $200, for example. Nonetheless, there are definitely bargains to be found here; such as a great selection of winter coats and jackets, which are probably nicer than what you’ll find in the average Palermo shop, and definitely a lot cheaper.

A red screen and a mirror alongside a cabinet of costume jewellery encourages all sorts of fun, so don’t be surprised if you find groups of wealthy 60-year old women playing dress-up during the day time.

M. T. de Alvear 1441, Recoleta. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-9pm.

Retro Vintage (Photo: Natasha Ali)

Retro Vintage

Located inside the Mercado de San Telmo on Bolivar, this little-known vintage shop is just a step away from the busy San Telmo market on Sundays.

Open every day, Retro Vintage may be small, but there’s a lot to be found here. The stall is crammed with mainly women’s clothes, and items are sourced through donations from churches and local residents. The shop offers a whole host of items at reasonable prices, such as winter jumpers, dresses, skirts, shirts and shoes, which are all definitely worth spending some time rummaging through.

What really makes the stall stand out, however, is its wide selection of bags hanging from the outside walls. Ranging from backpacks to small purses to weekend bags, the prices begin at around $80 making them cheaper than most bags you’d find at the touristy San Telmo market.

The selection beats many vintage shops in the city, and what’s on offer is for the most part still in excellent quality. If $80 still sounds too expensive, haggling is possible and could save you around $20-30.

Mercardo de San Telmo (Local 37-48) Bolivar 970.

Quinta Avenida Galería (Photo: Hannah Flint)

Quinta Avenida Galería

Talk to porteños about vintage shops, and most of them will mention Quinta Avenida Galería. Located among the numerous galleries that line Av. Santa Fe, Quinta Avenida Galeria looks like a normal gallery from the outside, but houses tiny shops all selling second hand and vintage items.

The shops are all run independently, and are full to bursting with clothes for both men and women. Interesting jewellery, one off jackets and blazers along with a selection of bags are just some of the items on offer.

Turning up at around 1pm will give you access to the best stock, and you could quite easily spend the whole day rooting around all the different boutiques in the gallery. Assisted by eccentric shop owners, you’re likely to leave the gallery laden with bargain buys.

The gallery is the perfect place for the dedicated vintage shopper or the rummaging expert as here persistence and patience is key. Particularly noteworthy is That 70s Shop, which specialises in vintage items mainly from the 70s as well as other eras.

Avenida Santa Fe 1270, Open 9.30am-8.30pm daily.

El Buen Orden (Photo: Natasha Ali)

El Buen Orden

With probably the most ironic shop name in Buenos Aires, El Buen Orden has been at its current address in San Telmo for 17 years and is a local favourite.

Not just a vintage shop, it offers every type of antique imaginable. Come here to find vintage jewellery, bags, trinkets, clothes and hats among a whole load of other things such as dolls, pill boxes and doll houses.

More than the clothes or accessories, the best thing here has to be the experience: walking around the strange variety of objects all arranged in a random and haphazard way can be pleasantly surreal. Yet, this is another vintage experience where dedication pays off, and you’re sure to find some interesting pieces at fairly reasonable prices if you persevere.

Antique cabinets stuffed with purses, address books and sunglasses means the chances of finding quirky one off accessories you’re unlikely to find anywhere else are high. Stock changes almost daily, so if you don’t find what you want, you can come back another day and try again. Similarly, if you do want it, get it there and then, because it’s unlikely to be there when you come back.

Defensa 840, San Telmo. Open 11am-6pm daily.

There are some days when you wake up, shower, and no matter how much product you use on your hair, or whether you straighten or curl it, it just doesn’t look right. Even though you may sometimes wish you could just shave it all off, there are less drastic measures you can take to remedy a bad hair day. Hats and scarves provide an obvious quick fix, but if you really want to mix things up, a wig can work wonders.

Currently popping up all over Hollywood and featured in the music videos of iconic singers such as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, wigs may seem to have gained a fairly recent popularity but they’ve actually been seen as a sign of a fashionable woman since the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Back then, wigs could be made of human hair, vegetable fibres or sheep’s wool but, whatever the material, were a sign of social status – the more money you had the more beautiful the wig was. Thankfully, it’s possible to find a good quality wig these days without needing to be a goddess.

Greeks and Romans also sported wigs, but it was 17th century France where wigs gained a noble reputation. King Louis XIV turned them into fashionable accessories for the aristocratic and powerful, and England’s Queen Elizabeth I is known for stepping out in elaborate hairpieces a century later.

As the 20th century rolled around, the use of hairpieces began to replace wigs as a way of enhancing a coiffure and unsurprisingly, as times changed and fashion evolved, wigs never regained their royal status.

Nowadays, any stigma that may once have been attached to wearing a wig is long gone – proving that it’s as desirable and fashionable to change your hair, as it is to change your clothes every season. And on the streets of Buenos Aires it’s not uncommon to spot a stylish do, wig or not.

Barrio Once, a neighbourhood that used to be the hub of Jewish life in Buenos Aires, houses almost all of the wigs shops in the capital and for anyone unfamiliar with the reason, this may seem perplexing.

According to Jewish biblical law, after a woman marries she is required to cover her hair and not expose it to anyone other than her husband and family. Because hair is considered a mark of beauty, many women chose to use a sheitel (the Yiddish word for wig) or a kerchief called a tichel to maintain the modesty rule.

With the Jewish population in Buenos Aires being the third largest in the world, it’s no marvel that Barrio Once would become a wig mecca.

When shopping for a wig, there are some basic factors that need to be considered. The first is whether you want a wig made of natural human hair or a synthetic wig, and each have their plus sides.

Choosing human hair allows the maximum in versatility and styling possibilities but must be washed and styled much like your own hair, whilst synthetic wigs look like healthy human hair, but come pre-styled and are easier to maintain. Natural wigs also last longer, some for several years, whereas synthetic wigs will wear out within six to eight months.

Now it’s style time, and this is what makes the look. You need to decide what length you want: short, medium, long, or that extra long length you dreamt of having one day as a child.

And even once you’ve chosen a style and a cut, there’s still one more essential to decide upon: colour. Chocolate brown, ebony black, platinum blonde, crimson red, pink, violet or blue, there’s no end to the list of shades, and simply switching up or down a few can transform any look.

In terms of selection, El Mundo de las Pelucas has the biggest in the city and, since buying a wig is a time consuming process, the more choices the better. But with a wide range of products comes a wide range of costs.

Natural wigs will always be more expensive than synthetic due to a rigorous selection process. The hair used in human hair wigs is chosen strand-by-strand according to strict guidelines that prevent the use of chemically damaged or low-quality hair. And since nowadays there aren’t a lot of people who haven’t either dyed or undergone some kind of chemical styling process on their hair, that’s easier said than done.

Still, the prices can seem hefty. Natural wigs reach prices of $2,900 with synthetic wigs setting you back $900 for top of the line plastic fibres, but with the price tag comes a certain peace of mind. Known for being one of the best countries in the world to buy wigs, the quality of the hair used by Argentine manufacturers is exceptional.

Of course, for some people, wearing a wig is a necessity no matter what the cost. The staff at El Mundo de las Pelucas cite medical conditions such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments as the most common reason people opt for a wig. So whether it’s to mix things up, cover things up or simply lift spirits, when you’re ready for a real change, just think with your head. A new do can modify not only your looks but also your mood.

You’re on the subte jammed with people and it happens – your bra strap pops. Or maybe you have a date tonight and suddenly your favourite knickers aren’t your favourite anymore. Perhaps none of these scenarios apply to you and you just need to find the perfect gift to smooth things over with your girlfriend after last night?
This list is your quick fix guide to all these situations.

Leaving off the better-known names like Burdel, our selection of Buenos Aires’ lingerie boutiques aims to introduce some of the designers yet to be discovered by uninformed and nonnative shoppers. So whether you’re looking for something classic, romantic, a little daring or utterly unique, rest assured there’s an answer to whatever dilemma you’re facing.

1. Beleidades Lingerie

Walking into Beleidades Lingerie is like walking into a sweet-smelling cupcake. A big oak door opens to reveal a pink utopia where red, yellow and green flowers dance across a fuchsia painted interior and mauve velvet provides a luxurious backdrop for matching sets of vibrantly coloured underwear.

Often featured on the cover of Gente magazine, designer Yoko Inomata’s use of detail and brilliantly contrasting colour has made her line a glamorous favourite.

Sweet and frilly, this is what you dreamt lingerie would look like when you weren’t yet old enough to wear it. Stripes, polka dots, and satin in bright hues combine in a mélange of femme fatal styles, whilst delicate lace and floral designs keep the classical ultra-feminine.

Interspersing shades of pink, purple and red with sea foam greens and crystal blues, Beleidades Lingerie is a celebration of a woman and all of her girlish tendencies. Corsets, silk pyjamas and slips are all staples in the line, not to mention an annual swimwear collection.

Beleidades Lingerie, Honduras 5896, tel. 4899-0491 or Galería Promenade, Avenida Alvear 1883, tel. 4800-1275, beleidadeslingerie.com

2. Virgenes de BA

Despite its racy name, Virgenes de BA is anything but trashy.

With an all white interior and a brushed silver chandelier the sole accent piece, the simple and classic storefront is a reflection of the line and a perfect showcase for the underwear itself.

Twin sets in crimson reds and violets dot the boutique with colour, while platinum and black balance out the use of luminous tones to create a daring look. For the woman who desires an ultra-modern look that’s minimalist yet chic, Virgenes de BA offers designs that reflect grace and sensuality with an antique charm.

Gabriela Millone, the brand’s creator, describes the collection as “unique in every aspect, with retro characteristics and European tendencies.”

Indeed, with trends from the past incorporated into a current fit and shape, the line is comprised of everyday pieces meant to peak out from under your clothes revealing a subtle hint of femininity. But not to be labelled tame, some of the knickers come paired with decorative petals, or pasties that barely cover, in place of matching bras, while scarves make a stylish addition to some sets.

With every piece fitting like a second skin, the line is intended to be comfortable but at the same time sexy. A highly featured and sought after design combines sheer diaphanous fabric with silk, covering everything and nothing all at once in lingerie that strikes a perfect balance between classic and provocative.

Virgenes de BA, Costa Rica 5590, tel. 5324-4447, virgenesdeba.com

3. Jesus Fernandez

Visualise the perfect bra – go ahead, indulge yourself. It could be any color, design or print, and made in satin, silk or lace, whatever you want. Now think about the matching knickers. Then imagine eight rails jam-packed with as many bra and knickers combinations as you could dream up. Welcome to Jesus Fernandez.

The Petite Boutique of Jesus Fernandez is nestled in trendy Palermo Soho, but with barely enough space to contain all the prismatic pairings it has to offer, petite might be an understatement. Parisian in feel, with black and white stripes lining the walls, the presence of feather boas, satin gloves and long strands of pearls all add a theatrical element.

A popular spot for Argentine men to pick up something special for their sweetheart, Jesus Fernandez has an explicitly sexy look that everyone can appreciate. And with designs that are glamorous, detailed and bordering on the risqué, there’s a look for any affair. No pun intended.

Since all of the styles are designed exclusively for each season, along with 15 new looks added to the fall/winter and spring/summer lines twice a year, each design appears only once and then it’s gone.

But don’t panic too much about the disappearance of that two-piece you’ve had your eye on – exquisite layered lace, detailed straps, sheer fabrics and opulent hues are signatures regardless of style or season.

Jesus Fernandez, Petite Boutique, Gorriti 4974, tel. 4831-3287, jesus-fernandez.com.ar

4. Belle Époque

If you’ve never heard of local lingerie brand Burdel, or are simply at a loss for which Argentine designer you want to wear underneath your dress tonight, a visit to the mother and daughter team at Belle Époque can only be a step in the right direction.

Carrying a wide range of designers, from Mariana Arbusti, Amor Latino, Atlier and Nüssca, they offer all the big names in Argentine lingerie, including a designer or two from this list.

So whether you’re looking for something special for a night out or something to comfortable to wear under your favourite tee shirt at home, Belle Époque doubtless has it.

For the romantic woman, the store’s pretty floral interior is only part of the charm and attention to detail isn’t only seen in the décor, but also felt in the service.

Owner Marisol Finkielsztoym says she often comes to regard her customers as friends, commenting: “A woman can receive a personal attention here that she can’t find anywhere else.”

Boasting a lavish medley of the top styles from each designer’s line, the quality and variety of what’s on the shelves comes from a strict but fun selection process. The ladies buy the pieces first for themselves, and wear them to see how they feel and fit. If the style passes the test only then does it go into the store and into your shopping bag.

Belle Époque, Costa Rica 4833, tel. 4833-6860, lenceriabelleepoque.com.ar

5. Mariana Maggi

So you love the leopard print bra but oh, you also like the knickers with the stripes and the lace. Decisions can be torturous, but Mariana Maggi’s playful mix of prints and fabrics and textures makes them simple.

With a retro-style plucked straight from a 50s pinup magazine, unorthodox combinations of colours and prints means you can have it all – and with surprisingly ravishing results. But if fusion isn’t your thing, flattering high-waist knickers and slinky one-pieces also come in solids too.

Besides adorable bra and knickers sets, a range of enticing and comfortable pyjamas are apparently the most sought after pairing, while shorts, nightdresses and baby dolls all bear a signature stamp of vintage with a touch of Madonna.

Aimed not only at fearless females who are unafraid to take risks with what lies beneath, there’s also a sweet and romantic side to Mariana’s edgy line. Charming prints and muted pastels make the collection more versatile, but then again, it’s always exciting to take a gamble and make a statement, even if it is with your unmentionables.

Mariana Maggi, Jorge Newbery 1905, tel. 4774-9997. To discover your statement visit marianamaggi.com.ar 

In Argentine fashion there might be many brands banking on the success of an authentically Argentine image, but few are following through. A quick look at the labels inside Palermo Soho menswear store Mis Intimos Amigos is all it takes to find the exception.

Only three collections in, M.I.A is fast making a name for itself with the creation of clothing that is both distinctive yet understated, and without a single logo in sight.

M.I.A's spring / summer collection arrives in store today (Photo courtesy of M.I.A)

The result of an entrepreneurial venture between father and son Luis and Sebastian Raimondi, M.I.A is a small store that thinks big. As they approach their first birthday, they are already preparing for the opening of a second store inside the Recoleta Mall.

When they opened their first store this time last year with the advertising slogan “Argentina has something to show the world”, their interests clearly lay in the creation of a truly local brand, where every last item is made here.

Even the name – which was originally intended to stand for ‘Made In Argentina’ – was deliberately chosen with the vision of transporting the brand overseas. The more patentable name, Mis Intimos Amigos, was later chosen to reflect the concept of the brand.

Every detail of the clothing collections, the store, the web presence and the marketing campaigns are the product of a collaborative effort between the father and son design team. Sebastian studied fashion at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) while his father had hands-on experience of working overseas in the Italian and North American fashion markets. M.I.A successfully brings Luis’ savoir-faire together with his son’s freshness and creativity.

When it comes to design, Sebastian rallies for the new, fun and eccentric, whilst Luis campaigns for the more classic, toned-down simplicity of the every day. Each sets to work independently before bringing their ideas together to throw around suggestions and sketch up changes. Whilst you might imagine this would result in an occasional disagreement on the cutting room table, what results instead is a refined balance between understated and elegant and playful and experimental. “The key is fluid communication,” Luis reveals – something he says comes from knowing each other so well.

Father and son’s different creative styles are easily apparent in their personal dress sense: Whilst Luis’ subtle blend of smart-casual appears at first to be very different to Sebastian’s preference for pattern and obvious flair for accessorising, both demonstrate a natural talent for piecing together not just patterns and colours, but different textures.

Through overseas travel and a large amount of time spent watching what people wear, they’ve grown sensitive to the consideration that what most men want is a look-book look, without losing wear-ability.

With this it seems Mis Intimos Amigos have hit the menswear nail straight on the head, creating clothing that men love to wear and women love to look at. Even the sales assistant is so sharply dressed he could have stepped straight from an advertising campaign.

Marketing for the autumn/winter campaign included a series of black and white film clips projected onto the wall in-store. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s screen tests of Gino Piserchio and Lou Reed, the film captures a dashing male model apparently following instructions for a still photography shoot – adjusting his bow tie, straightening the lapels of his jacket, and turning his head nonchalantly to the right or to the left.

M.I.A are so confident in the effects of standing a clean-shaven man in well-cut clothes, they chose to film silent film to allow the personality of the clothes to speak for themselves. There’s no room for ripped jeans here; the focus is on the unabashedly impeccable.

Aimed at a fashion conscious business dresser, shirts are M.I.A’s speciality, with variations on as many as seven different fits. Each with their own exquisite (brightly stitched buttonholes, satin herringbone stripes, or double-buttoned collars) their shirts say ‘designer’ subtly. But if it’s statement you’re after, Luis and Sebastian aren’t afraid to inject their collections with refreshing bursts of colour or occasional floral or paisley patterns.

A still from M.I.A's autumn / winter campaign (Photo courtesy of M.I.A)

Running your hand over the shoulders of 120 thread cottons, luxurious velvets, fine silks and soft smelling leathers, it’s immediately obvious that Mis Intimos Amigos is a mark synonymous with uncompromising quality.

Manufactured in Argentina but made with the finest quality Italian wools, their suits are left unfinished for fitting and hand finishing. Luis, whose father was a tailor, was keen to combine the techniques of traditional tailoring with contemporary tastes. He admits they work very hard on the cut, working through a process of trial and error with paper patterns and hand-made prototypes to achieve the perfect fit in each of their styles.

For a polished appearance, personal fitting is included in the price and the finishing of the suit is completed within the week, so you can be confident about suiting up in time for your next big business meeting.

As Buenos Aires transitions from autumn to spring, plush-lined woollen overcoats, suit jackets in English country tweed and paisley-patterned polo necks have already begun making way for summer.

The spring/summer collection, which arrives in store this week, is tipped to feature fabrics that are especially cool to the touch – expect colour schemes of pale blue teamed with Tuscany oranges, tan leather, some greens and whites.

If you’re stuck choosing that perfect look for a special occasion, Luis is on standby with personalised advice on colour combinations and coupling fabrics. And because he knows his whole collection inside out, you can be confident that he really is the best one to tell you exactly which jacket they had in mind when they designed that lilac striped shirt, or to assure you that double stripe is definitely not the same offence as double denim.

His aspiration continues to be to take M.I.A overseas and, while the rest of the world is looking to Argentina as an exotic and emerging market, it looks like the timing might be right for Mis Intimos Amigo’s expansion.

Of course in a metropolitan city such as Buenos Aires, Fine Art museum, MALBA and the Evita museum can not be missed. However, behind these big names of Argentina’s museum world, there are a lot more treasures hidden…Museums that many people don’t even know they exist. Which is a real shame, because they are not only original but also interesting and a pleasure to visit. Often these museums are small and very specialised so you will either love or hate them, but all tastes are catered for. Generally, to see each of the museums properly, will take you maximum an hour and a half and besides, almost all of them are free! We did some research on the most alternative and quirky ones and came up with the following five.

Museo de la Deuda Externa (Photo: Melissa Riggall)

1. Museo de la Deuda Externa (External Debt Museum)

In first instance, the subject itself is perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, nevertheless it is of huge importance for Argentine’s current society. The museum was founded in 2005 with as goal to tell people the ‘true story’ about Argentina’s economic history and the way it built up its external debt. How society, politics and international institutions dealt with this, is explained in a extensive, but understandable way.

Arriving in the museum you will immediately jump back in Argentine’s ‘debt history’, which starts in the year 1824, when Argentina for the first time borrowed money from  the British’ Baring Brothers. From here on, the story and the debt continued, which is explained very well by means of information, images, graphics, charts and photos. The most important moments in Argentines financial as well as general history are highlighted; from the Triple Alliance to the first official default to the Perón years, ‘Plan Brady’ and the intimate relations of Argentina with the IMF. If these terms don’t ring any bells, you should definitely visit this small but hugely informative and interesting museum.

In light of the significance attached to Argentina’ foreign debt, the museum seeks to contribute towards the development of a historical memory and in the same breath strengthen the investigation and promotion of such phenomenons as well as their impact upon Argentine society. It aims at developing a critical reflection scenario and, in turn, disseminating the Argentine foreign debt issue. The museum organises several activities, such as debates, movie cycles and guided tours in which everything is perfectly and carefully explained; highly recommended! The team of the museum is also responsible for making of their own theme comics under the name ‘Foreign debt, an Argentine cartoon’, if you need a more animating version of the entire ‘true story’ the museum wants you to know.

Located on Av.Córdoba 2122, corner Uriburu 781 (recently located in new part of Economy Faculty of UBA). Open Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm. Guided tours available daily on request (in Spanish and English).For more information you can visit their website: www.museodeladeuda.com.ar, mail to [email protected] or call: 4371 4448. Free entrance.

San Telmo Prison Museum (Photo: Edgar Zuniga Jr.)

2. Museo Penitenciario (Prison Museum)

The Argentine Prison museum ‘Antonio Ballivé’ has the mission of collecting, preserving, studying and promoting the historical, social and cultural heritage of the federal prison activity. It is named after the person who made important changes in the National Prison system between 1904-9, who eliminated the silent regime and regulated the qualifications of behaviour, rewards and sanctions for prisoners.

The museum is based in a building which dates back to 1732. During the first half of the 19th century the building was used as a house of prostitutes and abandoned women. In 1822 the Argentine State went in charge of it and it became a ‘Penitentiary of the Residence’; and in 1877 men were transferred and only older women and young people remained in the building. In 1977 the women were transferred to the current Correctional Institute for Women in Ezeiza and so in 1980 the current museum ‘Antonio Ballivé’ opened its doors.

The museum houses a lot of interesting and specific objects of prisons of entire Argentina, provided with sufficient information. There are different rooms such as the ‘criminology room’, the ‘from penalty to treatment’ room, the ‘pharmaceutical room’ and the ‘women’s prison room’, among others. In all of them you can find a variety of interesting objects; archives dating from 1829, emblematic prisons, models of previous prisons, antique prisoners’ clothing, tattoo machines, home-made playing cards, among others. The museum tries to give you an as much as realistic view of the prison life in the past. You can even imagine yourself to be a prisoner by means of having a look into the three different rebuilt cells you will find.

Located at Humberto Primo 378, San Telmo. Open Thu-Sun, 2pm-6pm with Guided tours (in Spanish and English) at 5pm. For more information you can mail to[email protected] or [email protected] or call: 4361-0917.Free entrance.

Museo del Titere (Photo: Melissa Riggall)

3. Museo del Títere (Puppet Museum)

The Argentine puppet museum was created in 1983 and for years it existed without an address. Founded by the two puppet ‘mothers’, Sara Bianchi and Mane Bernardo, who devoted their life to this art of puppets. It was not until 1996 that it started to operate at its present venue; the same house witnessed to the birth of the puppet pioneer of Argentina, Mane Bernardo, a few years after her death. Today Mane’s dream is still alive and her former house turned into a space to display puppets from all over the world, next to a specialised library for researchers and all those who are interested in puppets.

Puppets from all over the world are exhibited, which are mainly donations or collected during the travels of the founders themselves. Puppets in all forms and all sizes; animals made of foam rubber, articulated figures made of papier-mâché and cardboard, animals, dolls, monsters, knights, puppet show puppets, tango singers, a puppet orchestra, marionettes, wizards and skeletons puppets among others. Behind each puppet there is a story to tell. Apart from the puppets themselves the entire space is decorated with everything that has something to do with puppets; stamps, photos, posters and stories among others; all in the theme of puppets!

This sweet and cosy place brings you back to your childhood and to a world of fantasy. It is small, but has a lot to offer, for young and old. The museum hosts several activities and shows with as its main attraction an old-fashioned puppet theatre which has shows every Saturday and Sunday.

Located on Piedras 905, San Telmo. Open Tue, Wed and Fri, 10am-12.30pm and 3pm-6pm. For more information you can visit their website: www.muesoargdeltitere.com.ar or call:4304 4376. For guided tours and information about the puppet theatre you can mail to:[email protected]. Free entrance.

Museo Nacional del Teatro (Photo: Melissa Riggall)

4. Museo Nacional del Teatro (National Theatre Museum)

Established in 1936 – in the same year as the National Comedy and the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art – the theatre museum is now located in the basement of the Cervantes national theatre.The door of the Spanish Baroque-style building, is the entrance to a world of photographs, posters and handbills that will tell you the history of the Argentine theatre.

Different rooms show memories of theatrical activity since colonial days, through the May Revolution, the Independence, the Federation up till the recent years. The museum houses a huge collection of historical documents, clothing and personal belongings of actors, actresses and authors of the theatre scene in Argentina. Big Argentine theatre heroes as Lolita Torres, Milagros de la Vega and Pepino 88 (Pepe) among other, can all be found in the theatre. Also some of Argentina’s main and first museums are rebuild in miniature models to give you an idea how the theatre worls looked like three ages ago, with Teatro de la Ranchería (1783-1792) as Argentina’s first official theatre. All the sights in the museum are illustrated with extensive and useful information.

In the main room (Trinidad Guevara) outreach activities take place, such as theatre readings, book presentations, thematic exhibitions, series of filmed Argentine theatre and workshops among others. The three functional units of the space; the museum, the documentary archive and the library are part of the National Institute of Theatre Studies also provides free services to theatre groups around the country. The museum takes you back in time and provides a specific and detailed view into Argentine’s world of theatre!

Located at Av. Córdoba 1199. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm. Guided tours (in Spanish) on Wed, 2.30pm. For more information you can mail to [email protected] or call: 4815 8883.Free entrance.

Museo del Traje (Photo: Melissa Riggall)

5. Museo Nacional del Traje (National Suit Museum)

This cute little museum is located in a beautiful old house which dates from the 19th century and was declared a historical monument in 1990. It has several rooms connected by three patios and a gallery. The building has eight rooms for exhibitions, an auditorium, a library, recreational areas, a cafe, and a gift shop. If you want to improve your creative skills, there is even the chance to follow various kind of courses and workshops. In 1972 the Luzuriaga de Mercau family sold the property to the Secretary of Culture and in the same year the museum opened its doors.

The museum wants to recreate the allure of the fashion world; reveal the language of clothing and its accessories and show the connection between costume and art within its social context, with a particular emphasis on Argentina. Clothing and its accessories is considered the Argentine’s second skin. It is a part of their culture, a testimony to the Argentine way of being and thinking and a reflection of the times in which we are living. The museum takes you on a journey through the history of Argentine fashion. It possesses important and varied collections of pieces from the late 18th century until the present day. There are over eight thousand valuable pieces from numerous creators and designers, showing both craftsmanship and applied manufacture industries. Most came from public donations.

The main collection consists of civil clothing from different social levels, adults, young and children fashion from the 18th century until our days, organised in several collections: Etiquette, daily wear, evening dresses, costumes, sportswear, beachwear, underwear and regional costumes – from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. All these pretty pieces are showed in decorated rooms among classical furniture and antiques. You can also find collections of accessories; from parasols to antique teddy bears and from hats to classic old watches. The museum is always changing its wardrobe and has various temporarily exhibitions a year. On 23rd June the exhibition of extravagance and glamour clothing will be inaugurated.

Located on Chile 832. Open Tue-Fri, 3pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 5pm-7pm. Guided tours (in Spanish) on Sat-Sun 5pm. For more information (also about courses the museum is offering) you can visit their website www.funmuseodeltraje.com.ar or mail to [email protected] or call: 4343 8427. Free Entrance.

Spoils from an expensive Palermo shopping excursion. (Photo: Beatrice Murch)

When shopping in Buenos Aires comes to mind, I imagine the café-lined streets of Palermo Soho, filled with trendy shops and even trendier consumers. I picture soft leather jackets, tall boots and structured handbags in all cuts and colors, framed by the grand picture windows of the poised Recoleta neighborhood. I feel the sensation of entering a buzzing Alto Palermo on a busy Saturday to comb through crowds in Zara and Maria Cher, Starbucks in hand.

Two years ago, this was my reality. With dollars still in my US bank account and the peso at a relatively good exchange rate, I steadily shopped for what I thought were good deals among the best of the best in BA. But I am sorry to say, ladies and gentlemen, a peso salary and inflation have caught up to yours truly. Long gone are the days of effortless spending and decent prices. Take a peek at any price tag at one of the main fashion players in the city, and, after you pick your jaw up off the ground, you’ll agree it’s gone too far.

So the age-old question arises, where can a girl go shopping without sacrificing the label off her back, but still have pesos to eat?

I have quickly found the answer to be outlets. This is not a new concept to any of us, whether you are a fashionista or soccer mom. But if you’re thinking mass amounts of Gap sweatshirts and noname basics in the middle of nowhere, think again.

Outlets in Buenos Aires are a different story: they are simply last-seasons’ styles, maybe a “second section” item or two and even current merchandise in some cases, all at a fraction of the price – anywhere from 30-60% less than in the malls and Palermo. Plus, they are right around the corner.

But maneuvering outlets in the less touristy barrios of Buenos Aires can be an intimidating venture, so I have compiled a bit of research to get the ball rolling.

The first area and granddaddy of them all is Av. Córdoba, comprised of a strip roughly between the 4000 and 5200 blocks. Here you can find a little bit of everything: Nike, Ayres, BenSimon, Vans, Awada, Tascani and blocks and blocks to literally shop till you drop. Wear comfortable shoes, seriously.

Nike Shoes (Photo: Kyle Lease)

My personal favorite is the Aguirre district of Villa Crespo, which is open 7 days a week. Stick around the 600-900 block of Aguirre and head down Gurruchaga to find even more hidden gems. There are solid international brands like Columbia, Lacoste and RayBan, top Argentine ones such as Rapsodia, Paula Cahen d’Anvers, Akiabara, Prüne and Cardón, many a shoe store, plus a taste from global designers such as Yves Saint-Laurent y Christian Lacroix.

Keep in mind; some outlets advertise themselves as “vintage” to fit into their pretty Palermo surroundings. My advice is check them out, but realize you are still in a major shopping area that is surely going to affect the price. Palermo Vintage is around the Honduras 4700 block, and includes Prüne, Paruolo and Rapsodia.

If you’re willing to travel a bit outside of the capital, there is a group of outlets that I hear is worth the trip. Estacion Central (Av. del Libertador 3080) in Olivos is a hub for brands like Levi’s, Maria Cher, Vitamina, and QuikSilver, all yours for the taking.

Buyer Beware: Outlets can be overwhelming followed by addicting. To save you from making some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way, I’ve gathered a few of the best tips to ease you into the process. Without further ado…

Your Very Own How-to guide to Outlet Shopping in Buenos Aires.

1. Research: A little goes a long way. Fortunately, the World Wide Web has much to offer on the subject. There are several lists online, and keep in mind some outlets advertise themselves as “vintage” (e.g the notorious Rhapsodia in Las Canitas). Always ask around and if you find a seasoned shopper ask questions, we loooove sharing deals. 
2. Take one bite at a time. Outlet shopping is a vast business, so stick with one area at a time. Indeed, there are many outlets scattered throughout the city, and even MORE in the outlying areas. Start small, and work your way around the city. 
3. Plan ahead! Pick a day and set aside ample time. My best advice is to shop weekdays and off-peak hours, specifically mornings when merchandise is tidy and Ariana the sales associate is fresh. Set aside a chunk of time to allow yourself time to dig through the racks. Prepare mentally or prepare to be overwhelmed! 
4. Shop off-season. This rule is your ticket to finding some real steals. You may be in your winter coat, but picture yourself poolside and look around for tanks and frocks, or vice versa.  The outlet system in Buenos Aires favors those who can think ahead and transform last season into next. 
5. BUDGET! Low price seduction is a common affliction among outlet shoppers. No matter how expensive that plaid, bow-bedecked mini skirt was, you’re probably, definitely never going to wear it. So carry only a specific amount of pesos in cash. Remember, cheaper does not mean “buy more”.  
6. Become the best in the fashion game – shop often and shop smart. This doesn’t mean drop everything and train for hours. It means find out when new shipments come in and plan accordingly. Constantly check your budget and try to always stay on track. Once you get the hang of things, you’ll realize outlets are what you’ve been missing in your BA shopping routine.