Photo Collection Sports Community / Photographer Mateus Aguiar
With approximately one year in the market, Aphase has already established itself as a brand that goes beyond trends, focusing on creating pieces that balance functionality, aesthetics, and high-quality materials. Led by founder and creative director Rafael Galeano, the brand has been gaining traction in the Brazilian fashion scene by offering items that not only keep pace with modern life but also carry strong emotional and cultural appeal.
Photo Collection Sports Community / Photographer Mateus Aguiar
Aphase's new "Sports Community" collection, inspired by vintage sports lifestyles, goes beyond merely reviving past styles. It taps into something deeper: the power of sports communities in fostering social bonds and promoting collective well-being. "Sports communities hold immense relevance in our lives, whether in sports or daily life. This social connection is something we strive to reflect in our creations and in how we engage with our customers," notes Galeano.
Photo Collection Sports Community / Photographer Mateus Aguiar
With techniques that include exclusive dyeing, natural wear, and carefully crafted textures, the collection reflects a nostalgic aesthetic that dialogues with modernity, promoting a design that celebrates both individuality and collectivity.
Photo Experimental Collection - Drop3 / Photographer Diego Rodrigues
In this exclusive interview, Rafael Galeano shares the challenges, inspirations, and values that guided Aphase's first year, as well as his perspectives on the brand's future.
Interview with founder and creative director Rafael Galeano:
1. Aphase has stood out for its timeless pieces and minimalist design. What inspired you to adopt this approach in creating the brand, and how do you balance trends with aesthetic durability?
The inspiration for creating Aphase is closely linked to clothing I would like to wear, reflecting my own personal style in each collection. We aim to create pieces that go beyond fleeting trends and can easily be integrated into different styles and occasions. To achieve this, the functionality and aesthetics of these products need to always be in harmony.
We also need to select and develop materials that ensure the longevity of these items, allowing customers to enjoy them for many years.
Photo Experimental Collection - Drop3 / Photographer Diego Rodrigues
2. The new collection explores vintage sports lifestyle and the power of the community behind sports. How was this inspiration translated in terms of design and material choice?
In a way, the pieces in our collections have always existed at some point in history, and what we did was reinterpret them.
By using techniques such as dyeing, distressing, and wear, along with the versatility of cotton bases, we were able to convey this vintage aesthetic in the products.
3. You mentioned the importance of sports communities in forming social bonds and encouraging physical activity. How does Aphase reflect these values in its collections and its relationship with customers?
Communities play a huge role in our lives, not just in sports but in almost everything we do daily, whether in leisure or professional life. For a brand today, it’s extremely important to understand this—not only to retain customers and make them feel part of something greater but also to shape the brand’s identity, and that’s what will set you apart from the rest.
Photo Collection Sports Community / Photographer Mateus Aguiar
4. What were the biggest challenges faced by Aphase in its first year, and how did you handle them to consolidate the brand's identity?
I can confidently say that the biggest challenge, not just in the beginning but always present in our journey, is the production of the pieces. Anyone who has had or currently has a brand knows the difficulty of manufacturing high-quality products in Brazil, especially with prices that are reasonable for a startup.
Another major challenge in our first year was establishing ourselves alongside brands that have been in the market for much longer and are doing incredible work. To make this possible, we had to structure our identity and our proposal very well, along with the design and product quality.
5. The concept of timelessness is central to Aphase. How do you see the relationship between sustainable fashion and conscious consumption in the context of your creations?
I believe the starting point is to focus on pieces that remain relevant and desirable over time. When you prioritize well-made and versatile pieces, it reduces the need for frequent purchases. One crucial aspect in our creations is maintaining harmony between collections. Even if they have different themes, older pieces can complement newer ones, creating a more durable and sustainable wardrobe.
Photo Collection Sports Community / Photographer Mateus Aguiar
6. Looking to the future, what are your plans for Aphase in terms of expansion, new collections, or collaborations? Is there anything specific you would like to explore?
One of our dreams is to open our own physical store in the city of São Paulo. More than just thinking about sales, having more direct contact with our customers is something that greatly contributes to the growth of a brand.
We also want to explore many other universes through collaborations with various segments. Bringing together different visions and ideas for the sake of creativity is something that can only add value.
