São Paulo – In Brazil, they are seen on celebrities like actress Taís Araújo and television host Angélica. Abroad, they are on the racks in the same maisons and boutiques that sell Chanel and Dolce & Gabanna. They are the clothes by female brand GIG, which have gained renown abroad for their creativity and knit. The Middle East is currently the main market abroad.
The creations are by stylist Gina Guerra and the great differential is the production of knit articles with stitching and design, as well as different raw materials and noble threads, like viscose. "The Middle East is our main market, a region that is developed, has cash and diversity, several different cultures. They also wish to consume good and different products," said Patricia Schettino, a partner at GIG, alongside Gina.
The brand currently exports to some 20 countries, among them Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. It has even sold to Jordan. According to Patricia, 30% of exports go to the region. But GIG also reaches countries like Japan, the United States, England, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa.
The businesswoman explained that, despite the appreciation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar, there are plans to increase exports, also to the Arab world. "We are importing a new loom," said Patricia, pointing out that the greater production should be turned to export. There is, in fact, a possibility of a deal with a Japanese chain of 150 boutiques that should materialize after the effects of the earthquake and tsunami on the country have been overcome. The businessman is also awaiting Brazilian tax breaks on sector exports.
GIG has a factory in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, and produces around 1,500 items a month. Export consume between 20% and 25% of production. Patricia said that production is small, as the brand works both with state-of-the-art machinery, imported from Germany, and with manual services. Part of the work, like the embroideries, crochet and macramé, for example, are hand-made.
The beginning
GIG was established 10 years ago under a different name to produce for other parties. Six years ago, however, the partners decided to turn to their own production and established brand GIG. Today, they supply other brands in specific projects. Gina Guerra is graduated in design and is from the same generation of professionals from Minas as is Ronaldo Fraga. Patricia graduated in Foreign Trade and worked in a multinational in the smelting sector for 15 years.
GIG clothes are sold in Brazil for an average of US$ 450. Abroad, the price varies according to the import fees of each country. Apart from clothes for adult women, the brand also sells clothes for kids aged two to 12, under brand Mini GIG.
Contact
GIG
Site: www.gigbrasil.com.br
Telephone: (+55 31) 334-6203
*Translated by Mark Ament
