The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1216617
NATURAL BEAUTY BY A B BY M O NTA N E Z A former creative director for Calvin Klein reconnects with his Brazilian roots to start a sustainable skincare line inspired by the Amazon. F or some, travel can be life-changing. It has the power to shi your perspective, your personality, your values. For Francisco Costa, former Creative Director for Calvin Klein, a trip to his homeland of Brazil allowed him to reconnect with the very things that inspire him. e richness of the Amazon rainforest. Having respect for one's environment. A firm believer that "the spirit of beauty is inseparable from the health of the earth," Costa Brazil was born. Although he spent over a decade at the helm of one of America's most beloved labels, there came a time in 2016 when Costa knew it was right to walk away. And while it seems like venturing into the beauty industry is a complete departure, it was something he had stowed away in the back of his mind for quite some time. Not necessarily a plan to switch from clothing to skincare, but finding an outlet where he could fully express himself. Given Costa's background, Brazil seemed like the perfect place to recharge. "As a designer, you are very intuitive and learn to navigate the creative trends," he explained. "I saw the need for sustainable luxury products that were not yet available on the beauty market. e Amazon inspired me and the ingredients I discovered during my trips reinforced the idea." V U E N J . C O M 58