Frida Kahlo once said: “I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to better.”
With strong female figures like Kahlo and fellow artists Lenora Carrington and Hilma af Klint as inspirations, Carmen Borgonovo and Joana de Noronha’s eponymous label celebrates empowered women, who dress for themselves, and live life fully as both master and muse.Borgo De Nor was born of a mutual desire for the feel-good dresses reminiscent of its co-founder’s eclectic backgrounds — from El Salvador and Rio de Janeiro to Miami and Portugal —, and a gap in the market for versatile, tailored dresses. During research trips in London’s museums, the friends and fashion industry experts shared rousing conversations about free-spirited, independent and fearless women, which evoked the brand’s inimitable DNA: with individualism at its core, Borgo De Nor’s boldly-printed dresses aren’t defined by seasons or trends, but are named after women — both real and fictional. Within this sartorial sisterhood, each piece radiates with its own unique beauty.Romantic silhouettes in vibrant colours create a canvas for hypnotically surreal, bespoke prints. While luxe fabrics drape effortlessly to move with the body, whether your day entails a stroll by the beach or running between meetings in the city, and your night ends with dancing on the tables. Polished yet playful, and as feminist as it is feminine, Borgo De Nor transcends dress codes and destinations by redefining art-inspired glamour and bringing a sense of joyfulness into our wardrobes all year round.Carmen’s career in the fashion industry spans editorial and market roles, including titles as Fashion and Accessories Director of W Magazine (US), Vogue (US) and Harper’s Bazaar (US and UK), and as Fashion Director of Hogan (Italy). She is currently Fashion and Jewellery Director of On the Rocks Magazine (UK) and freelances as a brand consultant and stylist for various luxury publications and leading online retailers. Carmen is a native of El Salvador, grew up in Miami, started her career in New York, and has been based in London since 2006.Joana worked in sales for Diane von Furstenberg, establishing the brand across all international markets, and as Head of Wholesale for Heidi Klein, growing their UK and international wholesale business exponentially by securing key accounts. Her expertise in the industry led her to launch Barefoot Chic in 2013, the London showroom that represents top-tier brands in designer resort and swimwear featured in over 300 of the world’s preeminent retailers. Joana grew up in Portugal and lived in New York and Rio de Janeiro prior to settling in London in 2001.