I loved the op art prints, palmtrees, and cherries at the Totem spring 2008 show last Friday. Aside from the political moment with a rock-inspired print (which was totally out of place), everything else was perfect for summer in Rio.

At Complexo B, Felipe Hulse opened the show dressed in a black cape to the sound of live music. The inspiration was Afro-Brazilian culture and religion, which was a bit too literal in the headdresses and helmets. The shoes resembled crocs and could have been a lot better. Overall, the actual collection lacked the excitement of the presentation. Heads up to designer Beto Neves for sending out a parade of black models.

Alessa closed the week in Rio showing at the tents for the first time. Known for her taste for funky presentations, she surprised everyone with a cleaner line of great printed dresses (the best one printed with gems and stones worn by Rhaisa). The tent dresses with "A" printed on the front could have easily been left out of the show, and I did not need to see her on a swing at the finale, but I do give her credit for presenting a much more concise and wearable collection.

It was great to have Evandro Soldati and Andre Ziehe in Brazilian soil for the shows, but I must say that the male model of the season was certainly Ford's Alex Schultz.

For more coverage of the men's shows, head over to Lula Rodrigues' Homem Ponto Com. I had the pleasure of meeting Lula this season, and he was a sweetheart.

Fashion Rio is over, but SPFW starts tomorrow. The big fashion import this season is model Hana Soukupova, in the country for the Arthur Caliman ad campaign.

Since Carol Trentini is not in the country, I hear that Flavia Lucini will be opening and closing the Forum Tufi Duek show tomorrow.

It has been confirmed that actress Chloë Sevigny will be making her Brazilian runway debut for jeanswear label Ellus this Thursday in São Paulo. There will be a party for her on Thursday night.

Alessandra Ambrósio will also be making a quick stop in São Paulo this Thursday exclusively for the Zoomp show, and to photograph the ad campaign with Jacques Dequeker the following day.

Musical addiction of the week (expected to be heard at shows this week): Kanye West's Stronger. Genious.