On Monday the 15th Rio de Janeiro opened its doors to Fashion Rio, a 5 days sartorial extravaganza, showcasing over 20 emerging designers that celebrated the lifestyle, culture and beauties of the most hipster Brazilian city with their Spring 14 collection.
Most of the runway shows were held at the postcard-picturesque Marina da Gloria venue, in Guanabara Bay with its breathtaking landscape setting off the perfect atmosphere for the newest bikini and semi-bare clothing trends.
The luxury swimwear label Blue Man displayed a fun and hip collection mixing the themes of tropical and baroque. The result was a parade of color, exotic prints and extravagant details.
Lenny Niemeyer eye-catching show took beachwear to another level. Chic sculptural shapes, asymmetrical signature pieces and metallic scuba-like fabrics reconfirmed that bikinis can be elegant and sophisticated. The catwalk, was graced by top models Naomi Campbell, Maria Carla Boscono, Isabeli Fontana, and Gisele Bundchen.
The Triya collection presented some of the most inventive looks of the whole brazilian edition. The rigid metal bandeau top, that seemed to be forged directly on the model’s body and the image-printed kaftan, tribute to the “Big Nudes” series by Helmut Newton, were among the standouts.
The Coca Cola Clothing label offered a statement collection that took inspiration from the late 80’s where grunge-surf elements were mixed with fluo accessories. Roughly-cut denim outfits, neon patent leather shoes, colorful playsuits and sporty jackets suggested that comfortable clothes can be effortlessly glamorous.
Espaço Fashion displayed a chic sportswear collection dominated by street art and safari prints. Cropped tops, oversized sweatshirts and loose pants were enriched by unique accessories like roped-urban backpacks and maxi visor hats.
2nd Floor collection took us back to the 60s with remarkable allusions to the psychedelic pop art world of Roy Lichtenstein. They also included tongue-in-cheek nurse outfits, inspired by the Richard Prince paintings, fun polka dots insertions and mini Lolita sunglasses. This runaway show highlighted that a sense of humour is always in vogue.
But alas, the fashion carnival is over. Once again, Rio Fashion with its creativity and unique energy was able to convey a city of harmonious contrast. With its beautiful models, talented designers, and exquisite beaches, Rio de Janeiro seems to have it all.
