Just the word "Brazil" conjures up an image of exotic beauty and tropical glamour. And "Rio de Janeiro" evokes sunshine, sensuality, and the fabulous. But in a city with a greater metropolitan area of nearly 13 million, it is difficult to know where one would go to experience what every Brazilian woman treasures- an afternoon spent shopping. Come with Bromelia Rio Travel Concierge as we take you into the world of Rio luxury shopping.
RIO’S BEST SHOPPING AREAS
Rio certainly does not lack for shopping, but there are certain places that bring atmosphere as well as incredible finds. From outdoor to indoor, the following stores are a part of a local Zona Sul Brazilian woman’s shopping routine. Please note: the word shopping in Brazil refers to a commercial shopping mall. So if you're given retail-therapy advice for the best shopping in Rio, expect a modern, organized collection of stores, restaurants and often times, a movie theater. Our list covers both shoppings and single boutiques.
Ipanema Neighborhood (Visconde da Pirajá & Side Streets)
This is ideal for that “I’m shopping at the beach” feeling. Starting off with a nice glass of bubbly, at one of the few spots that serve good Brazilian champagne, Quiteria is where you want to be for a refreshing glass and a light snack before strolling down the pavement. Specializing in prêt-à-porter, this neighborhood will leave you rubbing elbows with the city’s boho-luxury residents. While there are some international brands, Ipanema has many of the flagship stores for Brazil’s own hottest fashion designers.
Nestled between the Tijuca Forest and São Conrado beach, one of our favorite indoor places to spend a Sunday afternoon has fabulous restaurants covering the entire top floor. It's a pleasure to grab a glass - or a bottle - of champagne, and then spend the next few hours exploring the large variety of luxury and bohemian Brazilian shops. If you only have a short time in Rio, Fashion Mall is ideal, because you can visit a handful of the best in a single afternoon.
For a collection of haute couture including Gucci and Jimmy Choo, Village Mall is the Saks Fifth Avenue or the Harrods of Rio. With an emphasis on design and service, this luxury experience will satisfy any retail therapy craving. And for local foodie flair, try Capim Santo which serves up classic Brazilian dishes in a novel way.
BRAZILIAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Brazil has one of the largest beauty industries in the world. From the daily beauty self-care regime to weekly manicures, keratin haircare treatments to body hair removal, there is an enjoyment to one’s own beauty ritual in Brazil. For the best of luxury Brazilian beauty products, this is where Bromelia Rio Travel Concierge shops.
This Brazilian make-up and skincare line plays a role in most local women’s morning rituals. Since the opening of the initial pharmacy in 1978, Dermage has specialized in the most modern technological practices and high quality control. Recognized by top Brazilian dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetologists, it offers solutions for skin treatment and wellness, offering products focused on facial, body, sun, skin, make-up and male products. The company does not test on animals and go through extensive research to create options ideal for Brazilian skin and weather.
Natura stands out for its image as a sustainable and eco-friendly company. Their line is inspired by ancestral Brazilian traditions using ingredients derived from the country’s own biodiversity. Working together with 36 communities, they create unique, rich textures and fragrances involved in daily Brazilian beauty rituals. You can feel good about your purchase, because they use 100-percent recycled packaging, pay fair wages and help local organizations such as opening new schools. And to top it all off, the company also uses ordinary women rather than supermodels in its ads. Imagine that!
A few years back, this French skin care brand started its own Brazilian line. Offering ingredients and scents from the Amazon to the Brazilian desert, L’Occitane does not stray from its reputation of using the highest quality ingredients. Even the packaging reflects the vibrancy and fabulousness of this tropical country. We have tried and tested them all, but our favorite scent will forever remain Olinda.
MODA PRAIA: THE BEST OF BRAZILIAN SWIMWEAR
From the classic Brazilian bikini to the this season’s trendy one-piece, Brazil has perfected the art of the swimsuit. Designed to make you stroll Ipanema beach with confidence, the following swimwear lines make suits that feel as good as they look.
What we love about this swimwear line (and not only because it is our own), is that you will not see anyone else on the beach wearing it. Our exclusive, online boutique has just launched for summer 2017, taking inspiration from the vivacious colors of this South American country. Think local fruit, tropical birds, and balmy fauna. Straying away from the standard floral prints, this line is original. Additionally, every bikini is designed with the softest fabric, feeling as good on the skin as it looks on your body. Designed in Brazil with a California touch, we ship to you wherever you are in the world.
Up-and-coming beachwear designer Niord has made the move in recent years from online to brick and mortar. Its first shop, located on Ipanema Beach, is simple but unique, offering in addition to swimsuits beachwear such as cover-ups, an après-beach collection, and resort wear. What we especially adore is the detail of the live aquarium in the shop window.
A longtime luxury designer and local favorite, to have a Lenny Niemeyer swimsuit means you are truly a carioca (local). At the forefront of Ipanema Beach fashion for decades, you can not spend an afternoon on the sand without seeing at least a dozen pass by. With a variety of cuts and classy colors, this line appeals to women of all ages.
A must on our Rio shopping list, not only do they do a superb job of offering your high-end classic Brazilian bikini, but also a great line of sungas, skimpy male swimsuits. They're figure-flattering, designed to stay put even in the largest of Rio waves, and some even have built in pockets for keys and cash, leaving your hands free to enjoy a refreshing cold beverage.
And if you want a local by your side to guide you in and out of Rio’s hottest locations, drop us a line at Bromelia Rio Travel Concierge and we will arrange a private tour!
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