Brazil has a population of 173 million people, and most of the production goes to the domestic market. The 1990s saw significant changes for the textile industry, when the government opened the country to imports. A flood of cheaper Asian apparel hit local businesses hard. The Brazilian producers however fought back, initiating countermeasures industry-wide that greatly influenced quality, productivity and design.
This led to major investments, quality improvements and cost reductions that have enabled the industry not only to compete domestically but internationally. Out of this movement emerged many Brazilian own-brand names, and these too are attracting international recognition.
Malwee has been very much a part of this movement. Based in the Santa Catarina - one of the textile centres of Brazil that is noted for its beachwear, circular knitwear, table linen, batch towels and gowns - Malwee can date its beginnings back to 1906, when the Weege family opened a dairy in the town ofJaragá do Sul. Within half a century the business had developed into a department store, and in 1968 it diversified into hosiery and garment making and selling.
Today, Malwee is one of the biggest clothing manufacturers in the south of Brazil, undertaking its own dyeing, cutting, knitting, sewing and printing, and carrying out continuous research to ensure that its designs are fashion leaders.
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