Rio de Janeiro kicked off its fashion week on Tuesday (January 10) with one of its brightest stars Alexandre Herchcovitch. The Brazilian designer who normally shows in New York unveiled a his younger, diffusion line to press and buyers in the South American capital. 　　Many of the fashions in Brazil reflect the boisterous colours of the country, its people and samba music. But Herchovitch showed his utilitarian designs with his trademark skulls stamped all over. He paid homage to hipsters of the 1980s with lots of cut off denim, nerd glasses and skinny jeans. 　　 He used brown suede in a variety of shapes including a shift dress and jump-suit. Fashion journalist Glen Valdario says Brazil's fashion industry has come into its own. Fashion Journalist, Glen Valdario: "I really love Alexander Herchcovitch's work and I used to go to his shows in NY. 　　You know, it's denim, so it's a little more casual and you know his vision. I mean, Rio's great. Brazil's really having it's moment." Designer Acquastudio looked to fashion's golden age for inspiration and added a Brazilian twist. Shapes were inspired by the 1940s and 50s with nipped-in waists and full skirts and shawls. 　　 But fabrics were different for instance, a wire cage represented the shawl. Bold colours also brought the designs into the 21st century with shimmer the order of the day. Dozens of designers will take to the catwalk at Rio fashion week, which ends on Saturday (January 14).