Menswear brand Frescobol Carioca has long embodied the spirit of Rio de Janeiro. That effortless blend of sun-drenched ease, refined simplicity and the joyful rhythm of Carioca living. When founder Harry Brantly launched the brand in 2013, it began with a single, beautifully crafted object: the frescobol bat, handmade by artisans using upcycled Brazilian wood. What started as an homage to Rio’s iconic beach culture quickly evolved into a globally recognised lifestyle label, one that redefines modern menswear through craftsmanship, comfort and a distinctly Brazilian sense of alegria.
Today, Frescobol Carioca stands at a pivotal moment. No longer just a resort wear favourite, the brand has grown into a year-round wardrobe rooted in ease, elevated materials and thoughtful design. With men’s fashion trends evolving, the brand As it prepares to launch its first Autumn/Winter collection in 2026, its evolution feels both natural and exciting — the next chapter for a label that has always celebrated movement, versatility and understated luxury.
In this interview, founder Harry Brantly reflects on the origins of the brand, its evolution, and the philosophy that continues to shape its journey.
You launched Frescobol Carioca with a distinct identity rooted in Rio De Janeiro’s lifestyle. What was the original inspiration behind creating the brand?
From the very beginning, it was about capturing the unique rhythm of Carioca life, the ease of moving from beach to city, from morning swims before work to late-night dinners. It’s a way of living like no other, so relaxed yet refined, spontaneous but considered. It’s the feeling of being completely at ease wherever you are, in harmony with your surroundings, that was really the starting point for everything we’ve built since.
How has the brand evolved from its beginnings into what it represents today?
Frescobol Carioca really began as a resortwear brand but has naturally grown into something much bigger, representing a lifestyle that transcends the seasons. We’ve moved beyond the beach, creating collections that carry that same sense of ease into everyday life, wherever our customers are in the world. 2026 marks a really exciting milestone for us as we’re launching our first-ever Autumn/Winter collection. This feels like the final stage in the metamorphosis of the brand’s DNA.
Frescobol Carioca embodies the “art of living” rather than just fashion. How do you translate that philosophy into your collections and brand experiences?
It’s about creating pieces that are genuinely wearable, that move with you through the day, made from easy, breathable fabrics that feel as good as they look. That same thinking extends to our brand experiences: everything we do is designed to complement its environment and hopefully add something meaningful to it. Whether it’s a beach club activation or an in-store event, it should feel like a natural extension of the day, not an interruption.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced building a niche luxury brand in a market dominated by major players?
One of our biggest challenges has been building recognition as a year-round brand. Our customers know and trust us for linens, swimwear, and lightweight pieces – a go-to summer wardrobe. But when it comes to introducing them to our outerwear or knitwear, there’s a bit more of an education needed. People are comfortable investing in these pieces from the larger luxury houses that have been in the seasonal space for longer. We take the same care and craftsmanship approach to every suede jacket or cashmere knit as we do to our iconic resort pieces; it’s just about getting that in infront of people.
Men’s fashion has changed significantly in the past decade. How do you see Frescobol Carioca fitting into that evolution?
We’ve always maintained a close relationship with our customer, and that’s been key. I think men are now more considerate about what they buy, and they want timelessness. They’re looking for quality and pieces they can rewear and restyle across seasons. I think our offering fits quite nicely into that bracket, an evergreen wardrobe built on expertise, craftsmanship, and a sense of style that moves seamlessly between seasons.
What are the key men’s fashion trends you’re noticing for 2025, and how do they align with the brand’s timeless yet modern aesthetic?
Golf seems to be having a real moment right now, and it’s something that aligns quite naturally with our aesthetic and customer. Sport meeting leisure in a very refined way is at the core of our DNA with our founding product, the frescobol bat…and that same refined balance is very much shaping how we think about style for 2025. What I’m seeing in the industry right now feels like a gentle dialogue between performance and ease.
The Middle East is becoming a growing hub for contemporary luxury. What excites you most about the region, and how has the response been to your current pop-up at Twiggy Beach Club in Dubai?
What excites us most is how deeply people in the region embrace a global lifestyle, with experience, travel, and hospitality valued just as much as a quality product. The response at Twiggy has been fantastic, people are familiar with the idea of a blended experience where they can relax, dine, and shop all in one place. In a growing city like Dubai, where distances can be long and time is precious, that 360 approach really resonates with consumers and is very much ingrained in the spirit of Frescobol Carioca.
Sustainability and craftsmanship are increasingly important to consumers. How does the brand maintain these values while continuing to grow globally?
We see ourselves first and foremost as craftsmen. Every piece begins with the finest materials, this choice often means staying close to the source. Our eponymous frescobol bat embodies this: they’re made by upcycling offcuts from the Brazilian furniture industry, giving new life to what would otherwise be waste. Each one is unique, pieced together with the same meticulous artistry that defines everything we do. Maintaining that level of quality and authenticity is absolutely non-negotiable as we continue to grow.
What does luxury mean to you today?
Luxury today is about so much more than just a product, it has become a sensory experience. It’s about excellence at every touchpoint, from how you’re greeted in-store to an online interaction, the visual content you engage with, and the aftercare you receive. True luxury is about creating a sense of belonging, making people feel valued and part of a community.
As a founder, how involved are you in the creative process and where do you continue to find inspiration?
We’re very lucky to have an incredible Head of Design who brings Frescobol Carioca to life through bespoke prints and innovative fabrications. My own role is more about ensuring that every creative decision stays true to our origins and that sense of ease that defines us. Inspiration continues to come from Rio, of course, but also from the rhythm of life in other cities and cultures that share that same spirit of warmth, openness, and ease.
Tell us something about you as a person and as a leader.
I’ve always had a fascination with language and culture, which probably comes from growing up bilingual and picking up several Latin languages along the way. As a leader, that curiosity translates into a genuine interest in learning and evolving. I like to grow with the team and for the team, carving space for creativity and collaboration.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Frescobol Carioca?
We’re continuing to expand our product offering to meet the needs of our customers’ year-round wardrobes, while deepening our presence in key regions like the UAE.
By Lindsay Judge