Zuzu Angel

Brazilian fashion revolutionary who fought dictatorship through design

Zuzu Angel (1921-1976) transformed from Rio's top fashion designer to military regime critic after her son's disappearance. Her rebellion:

• Created protest dresses with printed torture instruments
• Showed 1971 collection in NYC exposing regime crimes
• Smuggled anti-dictatorship messages in garment linings

Her mysterious 1976 car crash death was later proven assassination. Legacy includes:

• 2006 film 'Zuzu Angel' starring Patrícia Pillar
• National Human Rights Award namesake
• Pioneered fashion-as-protest movement