Meet Claudia Lebenthal - writer, creative director, and the inaugural voice of our new Series Água Viva or ‘Living Water’.

With a deep-rooted passion for the ocean and an eye for beauty in motion, Claudia is the author of Surfer Stories, a new collection of untold tales about the world’s greatest surfers. She is also the founder of STYLE of SPORT, a digital publication celebrating the intersection of sport, style, and culture.

Her career has spanned fashion and publishing, with creative leadership roles at Allure, Women’s Sports & Fitness, SELF, and the esteemed photo agency Trunk Archive. Whether behind a book, a magazine, or a screen, Claudia brings a signature blend of elegance and energy to everything she touches. She captures the spirit of movement - on waves, in design, and through words.

Explore more of her world at STYLE of SPORT and shop Surfer Stories.

COSTA BRAZIL [CB]: In what way do you feel connected to Costa Brazil?

CLAUDIA LEBENTHAL [CL]: I interviewed Francisco for my editorial site STYLE of SPORT in the summer of 2020 about the evolution of Costa Brazil and he shared how it began with a trip to the Brazilian Rainforest that happened by chance. It was there that he discovered ingredients that are at the core of the brand. The products are an olfactory delight, the essence of which is a resin called Breu, revered for its sacred aromatherapy benefits. The aroma is hard to describe. It is exotic, like a place you’ve never been but want to go… a jungle, forest, or some other natural wonderland where the scent is so fragrant it’s almost intoxicating, and makes you want to return again and again. I became obsessed and still am!

CB: Do you remember when you first met Francisco?

CL: We both have a house in the same town in Long Island. I don’t remember when I first met him but it’s a small community and it must have been at someone’s party. I knew he was the creative director of Calvin Klein but had none of that fashion pretense. He was warm and engaging and always is. He’s got a great smile too.

CB: What's a place where you feel most creative?

CL:I live in NYC but my most creative places are in nature. I find that in Central Park on a daily basis. I go there for a walk everyday. My favorite spot is The Reservoir. This body of water is framed by the different skylines and views of Manhattan that are always different depending on the time of year and time of day. There is a 1.5 mile track that goes around it where innumerable creative ideas and solutions to problems have come to me running around it, and is always a source of inspiration.

CB: Place you feel most connected to nature?

CL: On and in the water. I love the ocean. It truly cleanses my soul. Diving into a wave with it crashing over you is the most refreshing and restorative experience. In the summer I like to paddle across the Great South Bay early in the morning to the beach. Countless times I've had that vast ocean all to myself.

CB: Is that why you became so interested in surfers?

CL: Surfing has an allure, a mystique that captivates people even if they don’t surf. To see the ocean rising up, cresting into a wave, curling over as a surfer rides down its face and tucks into a spiraling barrel of water is mesmerizing. But I have also been drawn to it as a creative director. The sport has a rich history of photography and the incredible images that have captured these moments on film and moving imagery have been an equal part of my attraction to the sport.

CB: Do you have a ritual that you like to keep in practice?

CL: I am very affected by light and in the evening the lights are always dim. The bedroom is candle lit to keep the vibe chill - and always a bit sexy.


CB: What are some of your favorite things to gift?

CL: I love natural wines and finding a special one I think a particular person and pallette might enjoy. Photography books make a beautiful gift as do candles. The Vela Candle by Costa Brazil has that earthy Breu scent that men like too, and the chic metal container in which they come make a beautiful tabletop item and storage canister long after the candle has burned.

CB: What is your favorite Costa Brazil product?

CL: The first time I smelled that Kaya Oil when we did the interview I became obsessed! The smell is intoxicating. I’m not someone who has ever cared about beauty products but that and the face oil is all I have ever used since!

CB: Necessary indulgence?

CL: Dark chocolate!


CB: Song you’ll play on repeat?

CL: At the moment, its “Is It Worth It” by Rae Khalil. It kind of goes with the candlelight vibe.


CB: Love of your life?

CL: I’ll keep that one in my heart and to myself.


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