In Conversation with Beto Neri

Based in Paris, Beto Neri is no stranger to the world of fashion which he draws on to enhance his multi-disciplinary platform Preto Novo. 

We got to catch up with him during his brief visit to London to discuss all things community, friendship and beauty.

What made you start Preto Novo?

Beto: Preto Novo first started as a finsta, can you imagine? 

The name references Preto Velho, an emblematic figure in Candomblé and part of the Yoruba heritae in Brazil. Preto Novo is literally the opposite: the 'new', but still a tribute to ancestry and memory,

At first it was simply a way for me to express myself and connect with people. However, it very quickly, due to many identity-related experiences I had in France as an immigrant, became deeply connected to my Black identity.

Living in France pushed me to work more intentionally with Black aesthetics, Black movements and questions around representation. It also challenged me to understand how a Black Brazilian person could find their own voice when specking up about racial issues in France.

Since then, Preto Novo has become a project through which I connect more deeply with myself and my community.

How did having a communications background help in developing Preto Novo?

Beto: Honestly, a lot.

People often think Preto Novo grew very fast, and it kinda did, but I think my communications background helped me understand the industry very early.

As I was already working in events and cculture, I knew what brands and audiences were missing. We weren't seeing enough original formats and real experiences, or a more meaningful way of thinking about community beyond marketing.

I also think I had a more commercial understanding than many other creative collectives. A lot of these are built from a purely artistic perspective. This is beautiful but brands and industries also need people who understand business structure, long-term thinking and how to create projects that will actually last over time.

What does 'community' mean to you?

Beto: Community means (almost) everything to me.

Today, my community is present in both my personal and professional life, and one of my biggest challenges is staying aligned with my values while navigating both worlds. 

I also think that as my personal identity and my own image became more visible through Preto Novo, it became important for me to keep that grounded in community. Otherwise, I think it can become something dangerous and disconnected from reality.

For me, community is ultimately about collective thinking, building spaces where people genuinely feel connected, seen and supported.

What creative avenues are there for young people now?

Beto: There are many creative avenues today, from government-supported initiatives to more independent and hybrid platforms.

In Paris, I really admire projects like Union de la Jeunesse and Transplantation, and in Brazil I love what BATEKOO has been building.

I think the most important thing today is creating spaces where young people feel free to experiment creatively without fear.

Who is your fashion icon?

Beto: I actually don't really have one, at least not connected to what I wear or to what I love wearing.

I think I have a very iconoclastic relationship with fashion because I come from a world that's deeply connected to music.

When I think about people who influenced fashion, I think more about attitude, culture and identity rather than clothing itself. For example, Bob Marley and his relationship between Kingston and London, Amy Winehouse and the 2000s vintage perspective. When I think about tropicalismo or Afrobrazilian culture, I go to Gilberto Gil or Djavan; very 70s, jazz, blues and Black aesthetics.

Who has been your favourite person to work with?

Beto: Honestly... my friends!

They would probably say I'm lying because they know how much of a nightmare I can be while working. Separating friendship from work is never easy.

Throughout the whole Preto Novo journey, we created incredible memories together. And honestly, seeing how friendship can survive creative pressure, chaos, deadlines and all those barriers is something very beautiful to me.

That's probably why my answer is still my friends.

You're now based in Paris, but what city is your favourite to visit?

Beto: I love going back home. Bahia will always be my place in the world.

Outside of home, I would have to say Cape Verde. I discovered it in 2024 and immediately felt connected to the culture, the music and the people. The fact that Portuguese is spoken there also creates a very emotional connection for me.

What do you love about Paris?

Beto: Its devotion to beauty.

I come from a country where beauty is central and often very instinctive. Sometimes things don't need to be functional, they just need to be beautiful. I know for some peopler that would feel chaotic, but I honestly love it.

I think Paris has that same obsession with beauty, and as a Brazilian, I connect deeply with it. Beauty can seem superficial, but I think it's necessary because it reminds us that life goes beyond what is simply functional.

What designer do you think is the 'one to watch' this year?

Beto: Definitely Tidjane Tall.

I met him a little before the shoot we did for Dazed in 2024, and I think he's a very talented young designer who has been gaining more and more visibility.

He's currently working at ALAÏA and honestly, I think he deserves all the space he's starting to conquer.