Photo by Alessio Boni
Though Luisa Moraes just moved from L.A. to New York, the actress remains a Brazilian through and through; connected to her homeland via music, art, her large family, and her commitment to reinvesting in São Paulo. Through her work with nonprofit Instituto Fazendo Historia, the bombshell brunette—whose credits include the Brazilian TV series Em Família and Zoom with Gael Garcia Bernal—is a part of an effort to provide children and teens living in shelters with resources in their communities. This month, 10% of all sales of the Susan in gold will be donated to the organization.
Photo by Alessio Boni
How would you describe your style?
I think it’s important to discover what looks good on your body. My style is very feminine and I’m drawn to more elegant and timeless pieces.
Who is currently inspiring you? Sartorially, culturally, or otherwise?
All the great Brazilian musicians have endlessly inspired me. Tom Jobin, Vinicius de Moraes, Maria Bethania, Elis Regina, Gal Gosta, Joao Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Tim Maia and the list goes on. Caetano Veloso released an album this year with his three sons, Moreno, Zeca and Tom, and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s called Ofertório.
Can you tell us about Instituto Fazendo História in Sao Paolo and you became involved with this organization?
Instituto Fazendo Historia is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 2005 that supports children and teenagers that are living in shelters In Brazil in various ways. One of the programs we are currently working on is selecting, evaluating and training volunteer families that can offer care and a home to children who are up to 3 years old. Therefore the child can live with a volunteer family with constant and specialized care and can establish personal experiences with the family and community that are so important for the initial phase of a child’s life.
You recently moved to New York from Los Angeles. What do love most about each city?
I love the culture in NY- all the museums, galleries and theaters- and of course the energy of the city! In Los Angeles I love the nature—hiking, going to the beach—and all the healthy food!
What is your current favorite shoe from Emme Parsons?
Susan in Gold, perfect for the summer now in Brazil!
How would you style it for a full day on the go?
I’m planning to spend the holidays in Brazil. For the day I would pair the Susan in Gold with a bodysuit from Alaïa or Wolford and a black mini skirt or trousers. For the nighttime, I would pair it with a vintage 90’s Alaïa black dress. I would wear it all with Fernando Jorge jewelry such as the gold stream lines doubled or triple hoops.
@luisa_moraes
Guilty (or not so guilty) pleasure?
Definitely food. I love great quality food. My mother works with gastronomy so food always played a very important part in our lives. My father and brothers and I were very lucky since we all love to eat! From choosing gourmet, organic and local products to cook with at home to traveling and eating in renowned restaurants. Last month while my family was in NY, we had an incredible meal at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare and when I am in São Paulo, we love going to Maní.
Favorite gift to give?
Depends on the person.
Favorite gift to receive?
A letter.
@luisa_moraes
Are there any special ways you like to celebrate Christmas in Brazil?
Christmas is my favorite holiday. I have a big family and we all get together in São Paulo, and on Christmas Eve we have a big feast and then it turns into a party. The day after, on the 25th, there is another big lunch and then we head to our weekend home on the coast. Friends join us and the festivities of the New Year begin which is another favorite. We spend our days on the beach swimming, sailing, surfing and reading and having long late lunches at home and on New Year's there are many traditions such as everyone wearing white.
