Olhos nos Olhos - Rosa Palhares "Cabelereira" 23.01.2026

Introduction to Rosso Falhares

Early Life and Name Significance

• Rosso Falhares, a prominent fashion designer from Angola, launched her brand in 2012 and is now highly recognized and awarded.

• Her name was chosen by her parents to symbolize freedom, diverging from the political themes of her siblings' names linked to Angola's history.

Family Influence on Career Choice

• Rosso's mother was a hairdresser who inspired her through interactions with clients; the name "Rose Helena" came from a French client.

• She expresses affection for her unique name but has had to correct people who mistakenly call her "Rosa."

Inspiration Behind Becoming a Fashion Designer

Childhood Influences

• As a child, she admired African fabrics worn by women in the streets and questioned their uniformity in style.

• Receiving a doll that she disliked due to its clothing sparked an early desire for more culturally relevant fashion.

Development of Passion

• At age five, after discovering Barbie dolls, she aspired to create beautiful clothes for independent women with successful careers.

• Growing up in a creative family influenced her decision to pursue fashion design as an inevitable path.

Education and Professional Journey

Studying in Brazil

• Rosso moved to Brazil with the intention of studying fashion design, arriving there around 2007.

• She completed her studies earlier than planned due to eagerness and opened an atelier while still in school.

Return to Angola

• Upon returning home, she quickly established her store within a month of arrival, showcasing her drive and ambition.

Managing Anxiety and Creative Process

Understanding Anxiety

• Rosso discusses how she manages anxiety by focusing on being present rather than worrying about the future.

Coping Mechanisms

• Engaging in activities like going to the beach helps her recharge; she identifies what brings joy over time as part of personal growth.

Personal Insights Beyond Fashion Design

Personality Traits

• Outside of work, Rosso describes herself as extroverted and energetic, often leading conversations within groups.

Hobbies and Interests

• She enjoys dancing and spending time at the beach, where she feels rejuvenated by nature.

Cultural Identity and Personal Growth

Connection to Music and Dance

• The speaker expresses a love for various dance styles, particularly mentioning "cuduro" and "semba," highlighting their connection to personal memories with family.

• They reflect on the significance of music in their life, specifically naming artists Paulo Flores and Carlos Buriti, which evokes nostalgia tied to learning to dance with their father.

Experiences of Bullying and Racial Identity

• The speaker recounts experiences of being teased during childhood due to their appearance, including wearing large glasses, which they describe as a form of bullying that affected them differently in Angola versus Portugal.

• In Angola, they faced derogatory comments about their skin color but felt pride when referred to as "preta" in Portugal, indicating a complex relationship with racial identity.

Overcoming Challenges

• Despite facing racism and negative comments while living abroad, the speaker emphasizes resilience and determination not to let these experiences hinder their self-expression or dreams.

• They discuss how focusing on positivity is crucial for overcoming life's challenges rather than dwelling on negativity.

Entrepreneurial Journey in Fashion

• Transitioning from school bullying to establishing a fashion brand named after themselves in Portugal marks a significant achievement; it reflects personal growth and cultural representation.

• The speaker highlights the intricacies of working in fashion, emphasizing the importance of focus and leadership within creative endeavors.

Intuition and Life Lessons

• They share insights about trusting one's intuition throughout their journey; recognizing that early achievements validated their path forward.

• Reflecting on past regrets leads them to understand that every experience contributes valuable lessons shaping who they are today.

Perspective on Challenges

• The speaker believes that challenges are preordained tests meant for personal growth; they emphasize reacting positively even when faced with unexpected difficulties.

• Acknowledging feelings of injustice regarding recognition for work done but understanding that criticism often comes from those who do not contribute meaningfully.

Reflections on Life and Loss

Embracing Experiences and Moving Forward

• The speaker expresses a calm acceptance of past experiences, emphasizing the importance of not holding onto resentment or anger. They mention a guiding voice that encourages resilience and learning from difficult situations.

• A pivotal moment in their life was walking down the runway for the first time, which brought immense joy and confirmed their passion for design despite initial fears. This experience solidified their commitment to pursuing their dreams.

The Fear of Losing Loved Ones

• The speaker identifies losing people as their greatest fear, highlighting that there is no real preparation for such losses. They reflect on societal tendencies to cling to loved ones despite knowing everyone will eventually pass away.

• There’s an acknowledgment of regret associated with loss—wishing they had spent more time with those who have passed away, indicating a human tendency towards selfishness in grief. This realization drives them to cherish relationships while they can.

Importance of Relationships

• Family holds significant importance in the speaker's life, particularly their parents and siblings, along with close friends who share similar dreams and goals. These connections are seen as vital support systems in both personal and professional realms.

• The influence of parental guidance is emphasized; the father instills a work ethic focused on quality and respect for clients, while the mother promotes humility and self-belief as essential values in life.

Insights from Partnerships

• The speaker discusses how maturity plays a crucial role in relationships, especially when entering into romantic partnerships later in life. Understanding what one wants becomes key to navigating these connections successfully.

• Their partner emphasizes focus and seizing opportunities at this stage of life, reflecting on the limited time left to achieve personal aspirations—a sentiment that resonates deeply with them both due to shared experiences as friends before becoming partners.

Aspirations for the Future

• Looking ahead, the speaker aims to fulfill personal objectives while achieving success across various aspects of life—professional growth, meaningful relationships, and positively impacting others' lives through their work. They express a desire for fulfillment without regrets about missed opportunities or efforts made half-heartedly.

• Ultimately, they seek alignment between their actions today and their ideal self—the version they aspire to be—indicating a strong drive toward self-improvement and purposefulness in all endeavors undertaken moving forward.

The Role of Relationships and Values in Life

Importance of Personal Connections

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of being an essential part of their friends' and family's lives, especially during difficult times.

• They highlight that relationships are not just about joy but also about providing support, sharing quiet moments, and enjoying life together.

Discussion on Consumption and Values

• The conversation shifts to the topic of consumption, noting that perceptions of price vary among individuals based on personal financial situations.

• The speaker argues that in today's fast-paced world, values extend beyond monetary aspects to include respect and beliefs, particularly in light of rising mental health issues.

Fashion as a Reflection of Identity

• The speaker expresses a desire for consumers to invest in timeless pieces rather than fast fashion, aiming for longevity in clothing choices.

• They introduce their latest collection named "Chanqua," which symbolizes self-expression without words through fashion.

Communication Through Clothing

• The speaker discusses how clothing can communicate identity effectively within the first few minutes of wearing it.

• They reflect on personal fulfillment from their work while acknowledging a continuous desire for growth and achievement.

Career Aspirations Beyond Fashion Design

Alternative Career Paths

• If not a fashion designer, the speaker would pursue acting but feels content with their current path as a designer.

Preferences in Fashion Creation

• They express a preference for being dressed by others over dressing themselves, indicating an interest in understanding different perspectives through this process.

Influential Figures in National Fashion

• The speaker names Ana Ditati as an inspiration from their student days and mentions other contemporary designers they admire like Sureia da Piedade.

Community and Collaboration in Angolan Fashion

Observations on Industry Dynamics

• While there is potential for greater unity among Angolan designers, the speaker acknowledges awareness of peers' work and contributions to the industry.

Recognition of Individuality

• They appreciate each designer's unique identity while recognizing both commendable efforts and areas needing improvement within collections launched by colleagues.

Closing Thoughts on Connection

Gratitude for Dialogue

• The conversation concludes with expressions of gratitude towards the host for facilitating an open discussion filled with sincerity.

Vision for Future Impact

• The speaker hopes to continue making significant contributions to national and international fashion while empowering women through their brand.