Markito

Markito was one of the most regarded fashion stylists in Brazil during the late 1970's and early 1980's. Marcus Vinícius Resende Gonçalves was born in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 1952 and by the age of twelve he was already immersed with fashion design, providing costumes for Carnival events in his hometown. Glitter, glam rock and disco costumes were part of his trademark and among his famous clients were personalities like Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Marília Gabriela, Sonia Braga, Bianca Jagger, Christiane Torloni, Simone, Gal Costa, just to mention a few. Cleavage dresses that were artsy but never vulgar were among his favorite works, and he even contributed costumes for the film Rio Babilonia (1983) - in which he also acted and provided the makeup - and Retrato Falado de uma Mulher Sem Pudor (1982); and by that time he was already an established figure in the fashion world. Sadly his career and life didn't last long. He was the very first Brazilian personality to die from AIDS complications in 1983, the day previous to his 31st birthday, in New York, where he was living for a brief time. In early 2000's, his sister founded a museum dedicated to his work and legacy, exhibiting many of his famous dresses.