“I Have No Expenses with Svelte Luxe,” Says CEO of the Fashion Brand Founded at Age 11
With a made-to-order production and a fully digital structure, Svelte Luxe’s young founder, Davi Santiago, is redefining luxury fashion by eliminating fixed costs and focusing on sustainability and social impact.
FORBES NEGóCIOS
07/07/2025 18h08 - Atualizado há 22 horas
Image credit: Courtesy / Svelte Luxe
At just 15 years old, Davi Santiago de Souza runs Svelte Luxe, a fashion brand he created at the age of 11 in Manacapuru, a small city deep in the Brazilian Amazon. What sets this company apart is its innovative business model: it operates with zero fixed expenses, relying entirely on made-to-order production and direct online sales.
Unlike traditional fashion houses that invest heavily in inventory, physical stores, and seasonal collections, Svelte Luxe eliminates overhead by producing only what customers order. This approach minimizes waste, reduces financial risk, and aligns with the growing global trend toward slow fashion and conscious consumption.
According to the Global Fashion Agenda and BCG’s *Pulse of the Fashion Industry* report, nearly 30% of clothing produced worldwide remains unsold, contributing to significant environmental damage and economic losses. By adopting a demand-driven production model from the start, Svelte Luxe avoids this pitfall completely, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability despite being based far from major fashion capitals.
Beyond its operational innovation, the brand offers high-end products like the Aureum shoe, a limited-edition piece priced at around \$2,900 USD. Its minimalist aesthetic, inspired by European design, emphasizes that true luxury lies in essence rather than excess.
Santiago’s vision extends beyond fashion. A portion of the brand’s revenue is invested in youth education and mentorship programs, primarily targeting underserved communities in northern Brazil. As a published author and speaker, he actively promotes entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-confidence among young people.
“I never had to spend money to keep Svelte Luxe running,” Santiago explains. “This business model allows me to focus on impact and creativity without the pressure of fixed costs. Creating a luxury brand in the Amazon was unlikely — but that’s exactly why it was necessary.”
Today, Svelte Luxe has influenced thousands of youths across more than 20 public schools and is steadily growing, catering to a new generation of consumers who value exclusivity, intention, and ethical responsibility in their fashion choices.
While many established luxury brands scramble to adapt to evolving market demands, Svelte Luxe was born ready — proving that innovation and social impact can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Notícia distribuída pela saladanoticia.com.br. A Plataforma e Veículo não são responsáveis pelo conteúdo publicado, estes são assumidos pelo Autor(a):
Lidiane Santiago de Souza
[email protected]
FONTE: Edited by Jéssica F. Souza – Forbes Business Team
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