Sandra Rodrigues Pinto: «A Trip to Marrakech Had a Lasting Impact on my Life»
Sandra Rodrigues Pinto founded her fashion label Lamarel with a clear vision and a lot of passion. The Basel-based influencer talks about her personal drive and why you should listen to your gut feeling.
Every Wednesday, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences on finews.privé.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
I usually start my day at around 6 a.m. and use the early morning hours for a walk with my dog Pancho or go to a cycling class at Openride. On the way home, I like to stop by Confiserie Bachmann, they make the best Schoggiweggli.
What is the best thing about your job?
It has always been my dream to start my own fashion label. In 2018, this dream became a reality when I founded the Swiss fashion company Lamarel. Together with my great team, we designed garments that create the perfect capsule wardrobe – timeless fashion that can be effortlessly combined and outlasts trends.
A moment that changed your life?
A trip to Marrakech with my husband Miguel in 2017 had a lasting impact on my life. The vibrant colors and fabrics in the souks in particular inspired me to found Lamarel. I wanted to create clothing that combines high-quality materials with timeless design and is perfect for a capsule wardrobe. This decision laid the foundation for our brand.
What cars do you drive? Which is your favorite?
As influencers, my husband Miguel and I have the opportunity to test a variety of beautiful cars, including models from Porsche and Range Rover. However, when in Switzerland, we prefer using public transport – it's efficient and saves us the hassle of finding parking.
What advice woul you give your 20-year-old-self?
Be brave and strong-willed. If you have a clear goal in mind and work hard for it, it usually comes true. Stay true to the motto: «Listen to your gut feeling» – even if it sometimes seems like the path ahead is impossible.
What are you particularly proud of?
Of my family, my team, my friends and all the people who support us every day in making the Lamarel dream come true. None of this would be possible without teamwork. I am especially proud that, with Lamarel, we have created a brand that blends classic design with ethical production and has gained international recognition.
What was your biggest defeat?
Challenges and defeats are part of success. Probably one of my biggest defeats was that I listened too much to the opinions of others in my early 20s. That's normal at that age as you gain experience, but I should have started my brand much earlier.
What is your favorite wine?
Every now and then I enjoy a Bellini, preferably in the lobby of the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz.
Are you currently working on any projects?
Yes, we are currently preparing the launch of our Lamarel summer collection. Our summer basics reflect the philosophy of the brand – timeless design and high-quality materials that can be effortlessly combined. In addition, the Lamarel Home collection is also a top priority on our project list.
What is most important to you at the moment?
To make our company Lamarel even better known internationally and to expand further.
What would be the biggest surprise for someone taking over your job for a day?
In the fashion industry, priorities are constantly being realigned. What the customer considers a «must-have» today may be passé tomorrow. Great flexibility and the will to constantly adapt without losing values and quality are the be-all and end-all.
What is your personal motivation?
My creativity and passion for new things. I like to be inspired by the most diverse things in life and am always looking for a challenge – that's where I get my energy from.
What are you afraid of?
To be honest, I'm afraid of standing still. I love to develop and create new things – the idea of running out of new ideas at some point would be hard for me to imagine.
Your favorite watch brand?
I really like wearing IWC watches. I am particularly fond of the Portofino Chronograph 39: timeless elegance and Swiss precision. What more could you want?
What do your employees value most about you?
That I put people first and offer everyone the platform where they perform ath their best. I think as a leader you have to be people-oriented and do everything you can to create an environment that focuses on people's strengths.
Your best investment?
My Lamarel team. Without the passionate and dedicated people who work on Lamarel every day, our success would not be possible.
Sandra Rodrigues Pinto launched her fashion label Lamarel in 2018. The 31-year-old from Basel also works as an influencer. She studied exonomics at the University of Basel.
