Vivid patterns,
platforms and turquoise elements work perfectly in the hands of this
plaza for tropical pręt-a-porter: Rio sets its own standards, and
compares only to itself. A very unique use of tones, raw and shiny
textures, as well as geometrical or flaunty shapes give an
unmistakable flair to the runways, in fashion shows as well as on
the beach.
Until early 20th Century Brazilian fashion was
almost entirely determined by European trends, which meant that
clothing rarely adapted to the tropical climate. In these early
decades international styles were led by French designers, who
liberated women from the corset.
The bikini was designed
in Paris in 1946, causing such uproar that it was named after the
Bikini Atoll, a small patch of the Atlantic Ocean where Americans
performed atomic tests. It was first worn in Rio de Janeiro two
years later, and has since become an iconic symbol of Carioca beach
culture. In 1962, the very first flip flops were created in Brazil,
based on Japanese footwear, which paved the way for the world
renowned Havaiana brand.