Made in Brazil

A Semana: São Paulo Pride, Loveland, Fashion Rio, SJP, And An Earthquake

São Paulo's Military Police and the Gay Pride Association met last week to come up with new security measures for the parade on May 25th this year. Although I am happy to report that a hospital with 40 beds will be set up for the weekend, I am not thrilled with the number of police officers which will be on duty during the event. Only 1,000 have been confirmed so far. Considering the parade attracted a crowd of 3.5 million people last year, the number almost sounds like a joke.

With the parade a month away, Embratur has relaunched its pathetic Loveland website. I still have not figured out what the government hopes to achieve with it as it is not useful or informative to any foreign tourist coming to this country.

Screenwriter Aguinaldo Silva promised the first gay kiss broadcast on national TV on the primetime soap Duas Caras. I hope Globo networks will not boycott it again.

Who knew Jesse Metcalfe could look this hot? It is all about the chest hair.

The controversial adult Abercrombie & Fitch catalog is back.

I love the pictures of the lifeguards in Rio exercising taken by duo EXU which I found over at my friend JD Ferguson's blog.

Brazilian labels are fleeing Fashion Rio this season. Colcci and Reserva had already announced that they would be moving their shows to São Paulo Fashion Week, and today swimwear label Blue Man confirmed that it will be moving in the same direction. Considering that several other labels have made the same switch last season, is Fashion Rio soon going to be over?

Rumor has it that Sarah Jessica Parker got paid US$600K to star in the campaign for São Paulo's new Cidade Jardim shopping center.

A totally unexpected earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale hit São Paulo last night. No significant damage was caused.

Backstage At Fashion Rio

Fashion Rio is already over, but I had to post these shots of models Rodrigo Calazans and Leandro Okabe.

Fashion Rio: Ivan Aguilar F/W 2008

Any designer who sends down a parade of short shorts worn with sweaters and coats has my vote, but designer Ivan Aguilar deserves to be mentioned for other reasons. In his debut collection at Fashion Rio, he finally got rid of all the unnecessary styling and the costume-like character from his previous collections, and showed an easy and unpretentious selection of pieces which proved that, above all, he knows how to tailor outerwear and play with layerings and proportion. In a mostly gray color palette, punctuated by shades of violet and tomato red, Mr. Aguilar ended up creating the one of the most effortless and best edited collections shown in Rio. I hope he sticks to this path for next summer.

More pictures of the collection at Fashion Rio.

Fashion Rio: All About Camila Finn

One of the best surprises this season in Rio was Camila Finn, who had been absent from the runways in the city in the past due to a law that does not allow any models under 16 to work at Fashion Rio.

The 2004 Ford Supermodel Of The World winner booked shows such as Victor Dzenk, Colcci, Juliana Jabour, Coca-Cola Clothing, DTA, Redley, and others.

I hope that she will be in São Paulo this week.

Fashion Rio: Made In Brazil Mania

New faces from 40 Graus Models Christian Rosa, Jean Carlos Zonta, Weder Wilham, Daniel Grah, and Reinaldo Berthoti.

I may not be in Rio covering the shows this season, but I am certainly feeling the love. There are more male models after the jump.

Fashion Rio: Redley F/W 2008

Redley's spring 2008 presentation last year was one of my favorites, and my feeling is the fall show would have had the same impact if I had seen it in person.

The collection was not as strong as last spring's, but it was one of the few fall collections shown this week which made sense for the weather in Rio. Designer Jurgen Oeltjenbruns sent out a wide range of nylon parkas, down vests, cargo pants, and military blazers, in a color palette that moved from black and gray to turquoise and hunter green, perfect to keep the boys in Rio looking cool and warm come fall (think camping with an edge). As Redley is establishing itself as one of the most promising brands in the country, I only wish most of the pieces existed out of the runway, and made their way into the stores.

More pictures of the Redley collection at Fashion Rio.

A Semana: Fashion Rio, MJ, Rami Kashou, BBB8, And Orlando Bloom

Even though actors Lázaro Ramos and his wife actress Taís Araújo were the main attraction last night at Marina da Gloria and got paid R$ 60K to do the TNG show, it is still rare to see black models at the shows. To bring attention to the issue, fifteen black models organized a silent protest.

The new Fasano Hotel with its Londra Bar has become the place of choice for fashionistas to gather after the shows in Rio. Osklen's owner Oskar Metsavaht threw a party by the hotel's pool yesterday.

Models Irina Lazareanu and Coco Rocha will be in São Paulo next week for the Zoomp show. Raquel Zimmermann will be doing Animale exclusively.

Marc Jacobs threw Victoria Beckham in a bag for his new ad campaign shot by Juergen Teller.

Model Daria Werbowy confirmed that she will be spending Carnival in Rio, and will even be going to the Sambodromo.

Rumor has it that Paris' ex Stavros Niarchos has the hots for Victoria's Secret angel Izabel Goulart, and that he left her roses on several occasions at her hotel in Floripa over NYE.

Even though I haven't been writing my critique of Project Runway, I am following this season of the show religiously thanks to YouTube. This week my prayers were finally answered, and we got a shot or Rami in nothing but a towel. My guess is that he is going to be the winner.

A Big Brother Brazil contestant came out on the show.

Who even knew that Orlando Bloom was in the country? The actor was photographed by a paparazzo in Itacaré, Bahia, but the photos never made it to the internet because his five bodyguards removed the memory card from the camera, and compensated the paparazzo for it with $500.

Shakira and Justin Timberlake will be performing in the country in April and May, respectively.

Fashion Rio: Eat Your Heart Out

After skipping the shows last season and spending some time in New York, Rodrigo Calazans is back on national territory (and holding a Made In Brazil sign).

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Fashion Rio: Backstage at Coca-Cola

Models Raphael Sander, Daniel Grah, Pedro Polo, Pablo Lorenzatto, and Renato Rangel, share the love backstage at the Coca-Cola Clothing show yesterday.

Click to enlarge. And yes, in case you are wondering the sign does say Made In Brazil, and I also have no idea why Coca-Cola decided to put out a clothing line and show it in Rio.

All models at 40 Graus. More backstage pictures after the jump.

Fashion Rio: Rômulo, DTA, Vivi Orth, Recovered Works Of Art, And Andre J

Actor Rômulo Arantes Neto closed the Victor Dzenk show in peacock-printed tights.

Who the hell did the eyebrows for the Mara Mac show? I am just asking because anyone who can make Michelle Alves look scary should be working in sci-fi movies and not in fashion.

I could have lived without the keyboard-inspired scarves and the woven sweater worn by Rodrigo Calazans at DTA, especially considering the collection needed some fine tuning.

If I had to pick three good things to say about the DTA show, they would be the names of the models below.

I am loving Viviane Orth as a blonde. Hope that she will be doing the shows in São Paulo as well so that I will get to see her.

Brazilian Police recovered the paintings by Picasso and Candido Portinari which had been stolen from São Paulo's Museum of Art. Two suspects were arrested yesterday.

In the meantime, in New York my friend Matthew (who looks like he has been working out hard lately) turned it out with Andre J for a special edition of Ford Models 360.

Fashion Rio: Backstage at DTA

Models Rodrigo Calazans and Henzo Hülle getting dressed for the DTA show last night.

All of a sudden I am regretting my decision to skip the shows in Rio. Pictures courtesy of Sergio Mattos.

R$ 1 Million Walk

And let me tell you, Gisele deserved even more than that to make some of the outfits from the Colcci show work on the runway last night.

Gisele had three looks as usual, opening in red jeans and a beret, working a parachute-inspired potato sack with gold military buttons and tartan knee-high lace-up boots, and closing in a Grecian lame dress. Do the math and it is about R$ 333K per outfit (even though am pretty sure the second look was harder to work, and therefore, must have cost a lot more than the others).

The party for La Bündchen took place at nightclub The Week this season, and look who was there: Malvino Salvador and model Leo Peixoto.

More pictures of Gisele at O Globo Online, and at every single Brazilian site and newspaper today.

Fashion Rio: Gisele Madness, Top Models, And The Golden Globes

The fall shows start today at Marina da Gloria in Rio. Unfortunately due to previous work commitments I will not be covering the shows live, but I will do my best to keep you posted on what is happening.

Gisele is the big attraction tonight at the Colcci show. She landed in Rio yesterday, and has already shot the new ad campaign for the label with photographer Gui Paganini.

Mario Testino, who has been in the country since NYE, is expected to attend the Colcci show tonight, and the after party at nightclub The Week.

La Bündchen is not the only supermodel in Rio this week. Michelle Alves, Bruna Tenório, Viviane Orth, Daiane Conterato, Carol Pantoliano, Guisela Rhein, and Drielle Valeretto are also confirmed for the shows. Now that she is 16, Camila Finn is allowed to work at Fashion Rio and has already been confirmed as well.

With a Prada booking under her belt, Claudia Seiler is destined to become the new face of the season.

Caroline Trentini is skipping the shows in Rio. Isabeli Fontana is doing the same, spending time in Florianópolis with her new beau Rico Mansur.

As if the new Versace campaign and the Colcci show were not enough, Gisele also teamed up again with Jamie Dornan in the new spring Aquascutum ads shot by Mario Sorrenti.

As you already know by now, the Golden Globes has been cancelled and replaced with a news conference because of the strike by writers. If there is not going to be a ceremony, they may as well cancel the whole thing. I am not interested in the winners. I want to see the dresses. Make sure to read what Cathy Horyn has to say about it.

A Semana: Fashion Conglomerates, Wi-Fi, Coming Attractions, And Britney

Brazilian label Zoomp, which has been controlled by the HDLC group since 2006, announced this week that it will be acquiring four other labels: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Fause Haten, Clube Chocolate, and Cúmplice. The five brands, along with Zapping, will be managed by new fashion conglomerate Identidade Moda.

Brazilian Carlos Souza, VP of worldwide public relations at Valentino, did not renew his contract with the fashion house after a twenty-year career as the designer's right-hand man.

Cathy Horyn talks about her interview with CdG's Junya Watanabe.

The fall edition of Fashion Rio kicks off on Monday, and dates for the event have already been confirmed until 2010. The spring shows will take place from June 2 to 9. Next year, editions have been scheduled for January 12 and June 7.

Copacabana will be wireless starting May. The Orla Digital project will start at Avenida Atlântica, and then spread out to Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, and Baixada Fluminense, offering free wi-fi access to anyone in the area. Now wouldn't the project be more effective if the government could guarantee that people would be safe by taking their laptops to the beach?

Prince of Monaco Andrea Casiraghi is the Brazilianizer of choice this summer when it comes to national gossip sites. His pictures at the beach in Ipanema were all over the web this week.

Hillary Duff is bringing her Dignity tour to Brazil this month. She is schedule to perform in São Paulo at Via Funchal on the 21 and the 22, and then do Vivo Rio on the 24.

Fatboy Slim will be spending Carnival in Brazil again, performing at Maresias on February 3, and in Salvador on February 5.

Earth Wind & Fire also have performances scheduled in Rio and São Paulo on February 15 and 16, respectively.

While I can't get enough of her album, Britney has yet another meltdown.

A Semana: André Ziehe, Fashion Rio, Santoro, And Gay Rights

Armani Exchange partnered with Tiesto to design a limited edition Remix The Future t-shirt. 100% of the profits from the sales will support Mercy Corps. and its mission to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive communities. Model Andre Ziehe can already be seen in the ad promoting the t-shirt at AX Style Traxx. He is also going to be on the upcoming AX campaign shot in Ibiza with fellow Brazilians Izabel Goulart and Miro Moreira.

Another Brazilian label has conquered a slot on the New York Fashion Week line up: Iódice will present its fall collection in the Big Apple for the first time ever this February.

The line up for Fashion Rio has been unveiled. The shows start on January 8, and the complete schedule is after the jump.

The Golden Globe nominations have been announced today.

Brazilian actress Alice Braga attended the premiere of I Am Legend sandwiched in between Tom Cruise and Will Smith.

Rodrigo Santoro attended a party celebrating the 65 years of chocolate popsicle Chicabom in São Paulo last night.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that he is organizing the first national conference of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transexuals, to be held from May 9th to 11th in 2008. The conference is expected to propose the guidelines for the implementation of public policies and the national plan to promote the citizenship and human rights of LGBT people.

The Brazilian Supreme Court suspended yesterday the law that made sex change operations obligatory by the public health system. According to minister Ellen Gracie Northfleet, from now on each request for a sex change operation will be examined separately in order to cut down government costs. Transexual organizations around the country classified the measure as a violation of civil rights.

Surprisingly, according to Folha Online, 18 out of the 20 most watched movies at For Man, the only gay erotic channel in the country available on cable, had something to do with a transexual theme.

I was sad to read that three establishments in São Paulo requested not to be included in journalist Sérgio Ripardo's new gay guide to the city because they did not want their names associated with any gay media. They were hotels Formula-1, patisserie Ofner, and cafe Santo Grão. From now on, I guarantee you that I will not be spending my money at any of them. Call me silly but I don't want to endorse any establishment that is homophobic.

A Semana: Purple, Project Runway, Heroes, And Blackout

The eight issue of Purple Fashion magazine with coverboy Andre Saraiva is already on newstands. It features a travel spread shot in Rio by Terry Richardson, which is causing a little controversy in Brazil thanks to pictures of a few naked models.

Photographer Marcelo Krasilcic shares some of his pictures for the latest issue of Butt magazine on his blog.

Gay media in Brazil keeps on growing: Drops magazine has a gay-oriented publication in the works for early 2008, to be edited by Marcos Costa (a.k.a. Carioca Virtual).

Fashion Rio has confirmed dates for the fall shows: the event will take place at Marina da Gloria from January 7 to January 12. São Paulo Fashion Week starts right after, on January 16.

Brazilian BRA Airlines shut down its operations today, canceling all of its flights, and laying off 1,100 employees. The company had 4.6% of the domestic market share.

On the new primetime soap Duas Caras, Bernardinho was caught in bed with another man.

Project Runway kicked off its new season with a runway preview at Lincoln Center. The NY Post talked to Heidi and the judges.

Have you seen the latest episode of Heroes? I saw it last night as I cannot watch it on Mondays in Brazil. Not only was I treated to a shirtless Milo Ventimiglia extravaganza, but also to the best episode so far this season. Could the absence of the new Mexican girl with the petroleum eyes have something to do with it?

Have you seen the new Spice Girls video for Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)? Whoever lit that feast of egos should get an award for best special effects in next year's VMAs. Miss Beckham alone in Dolce & Gabbana makes it worth watching it.

Britney's latest release Blackout debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 290,000 copies. The Eagles' first new studio album in 28 years, Long Road Out of Eden, took the first slot thanks to a revised chart policy that will now allow exclusive album titles that are only available through one retailer to appear on The Billboard 200 and other charts.

The Boys Of Fashion Rio And SPFW

Last season I met a girl in Rio who turned out to be one of the sweetest and coolest people I have ever met. I was thrilled to see her again this season, and asked her again to send me a compilation of her favorite pictures of the boys who were in the country for the spring shows.

Click HERE to check out the result in an exclusive picture gallery. I think you will like the images just as much as I did.

Thanks to Maria Sanz for sending her pictures to Made In Brazil. Aside from being the best dressed girl I know, she is also a talented writer. Make sure to visit her blog No Provador for her take on fashion.

The Rio Thing On V

If you missed my coverage of Fashion Rio on Made In Brazil two weeks ago, make sure to check out the blogs on V Mag for more of my take on the shows, along with an exclusive picture gallery with images not posted here before.

The Rio Thing, Part One
The Rio Thing, Part Two

Fashion Rio: The Girl Of The Season

Carolina Pantoliano did not set a record when it came to bookings this season, but she was the one everyone was talking about. My friend JD Ferguson sent me these polas of her last week, which I really like because most photographers so far have not yet captured her smiling.

My other favorite girls in Rio this season were Guisela Rein (who looked stunning opening Blue Man), Barbara Berger (thanks to her sexy cropped hair), Sheila Baum, and Samira.

Keep in mind that the likes of Fabiana Semprebom and Bruna Tenorio will be in São Paulo starting today.

Fashion Rio: Reviews, Models, And Reports From São Paulo

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.

Fashion Rio: Blue Man At The Copa

David Azulay's references for his Blue Man spring 2008 show included Formula 1, a nod to the future, and a bondage vibe. Guisela Rein opened the show to the sound of sirens, stomping on the fully lit up plexiglass runway which extended all the way through the new ballroom at the Copacabana Palace. Although models such as Evandro Soldati, Alex Schultz, and Andre Ziehe were booked (and oiled) for the show, the male cast lacked the sizzling sex appeal from previous Blue Man presentations, and failed to make the swimsuits look as hot as they could have looked. The bottles of water sponsoring the show did not need to be attached to the models at the end as it looked cheap and out of place (it was enough there were people handing them out at the entrance to the hotel). The swimsuits failed to thrill me the way Lenny did, but I loved the whole extravaganza, which was followed by a party at the hotel (click here for a quick video).

I did not make it to the Copacabana Palace in time to cover backstage, but there are pictures at Ego.

Fashion Rio: Backstage At Reserva

Breaking into the Reserva backstage is becoming a Fashion Rio tradition for me. This season there was a bonus treat aside from all the male models: organic catering from Butik in Rio. It was by far the best backstage catering last week, and everyone should have had the opportunity to check it out: whole wheat sandwiches with ricotta and passion fruit jam, açaí, coconut water, iced tea, and guava icecream. Need I say more? The food was so delicious I was foced to sit down and eat lunch with all the models (my first good healthy while covering the shows actually). Considering there is no healthy place to eat at the tents, I highly suggest that Butik sets up a store inside Marina da Glória next season, and that designers start investing in organic and more inventive catering.

For images of last season's backstage at Reserva, click here.

Speedo Sundays At Fashion Rio

The body of the season: model Andre Ziehe at Fashion Rio this past week.

More models in speedos backstage at Fashion Rio at Chic.

Fashion Rio: Surprise Models, Knock-Offs, Alessandra Ambrosio, and More Pride

Jeísa Chiminazzo, Fabiana Semprebom, and Marcelle Bittar surprised everyone yesterday in the evening at the Animale show. The all-star cast of the fiery show also counted with the likes of Izabel Goulart and Flavia de Oliveira. Nothing like great models to make a collection work on the runway. Raquel Zimmermann once again was a no-show.

Actor Dado Dolabella and model Paulo Zulu got the crowd going yesterday night at the Sandpiper show.

The biggest attraction of Thursday night was the Blue Man swimwear extravaganza at the Copacabana Palace, followed by a party right after. The ballroom at the hotel is simply extraordinary.

The most talked about article this week in Rio is the one published on Piaui magazine about Brazilian designer knocking off pieces from the runways in Milan and Paris. As much controversy as it has generated, every word in the article is true, and it is extremely well written. If you can get a copy of the magazine, I highly recommend it.

Tomorrow in New York, model Alessandra Ambrosio will be meeting fans and signing photos from 2 to 4pm at the Armani Exchange store in SoHo. Armani Exchange will be donating 10% of the day's sales to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. That alone is a good reason for Alessandra to be absent from the runways in Rio this week.

Talking about Alessandra, she may be joined by Miss Brazil Natália Guimarães at the next Victoria's Secret show. Rumor has it that the runner up to the Miss Universe title was approached by Victoria's Secret right after the pageant. She is supposed to be meeting with the company in the next two weeks.

The Gay Pride festivies took over São Paulo. DJ Victor Calderone got the party started on Wednesday night at The Week.

Fashion Rio: Reserva Goes Hippie

Since I did not have the time to attend the Reserva spring 2008 show yesterday, I went to take a look at the collection backstage. References this season included the 70's and singer Caetano Veloso, evident in the cut off denim shorts, striped jerseys, printed shirts, and the crocheted parka. The show started off on the right track, but the sportive colorblocked jackets and pants from the end lacked the same free spirited attitude from the beginning. In only 20 looks, there could have been more cohesiveness. Still there were great separates to make every boy happy (and sexy) next summer in Brazil.

My complete backstage coverage is coming later.

Fashion Rio: Lenny's Night, Top Models, And Gay Pride

Last night, designer Lenny Niemeyer sent out the best collection so far at Fashion Rio. Inspired by ceramic tile patterns and Miró, Lenny's spring 2008 collection was a breath of fresh air in a week loaded with overstyling and over-the-top make-up. The swimsuits were the very definition of chic, in an array of tones that shift cohesively from white to blue and green, and prints that were energetic and sophisticated at the same time. The make-up was fresh and clean, and you could tell the girls were feeling sexy. There is nothing more refreshing than actually watching an amazing show, which would have been as beautiful anywhere else in the world.

Backstage at Lenny looked like a Victoria's Secret show: every major model was present, with the exception of Vogue covergirls Ms. Trentini and Ms. Zimmermann. Flavia de Oliveira flew in from New York for the show, which opened with Ana Beatriz Barros, Izabel Goulart, and Leticia Birkheuer on the runway at the same time. I am sure it will become one of those classic runway moments on fashion history in Rio.

Lenny not only manages to put together a great show, she is also famous for throwing the best parties in Rio. After the show, she threw a big bash at her house. Every top model was there, along with members of the press and the social scene in Rio. I stayed until about 4 am, and the party was still going strong.

I met fashion editor Alexandra Farah at the party last night, and I am already in love with her blog Filme Fashion. Check out her coverage of the shows in video.

Miss Brasil Nathália Guimarães was the big star the TNG show last night. Mariana Weickert opened it.

The big party tonight is at the Copacabana Palace right after the Blue Man show.

While the shows are happening in Rio, Gay Pride celebrations are already in full swing in São Paulo. I am flying to the city early Saturday morning in order to attend and report from Gira-Sol, which will most likely become the biggest party of the weekend at Clube de Regatas Tietê. Nightclubs The Week, Ultralounge, Blue Space, SoGo, and Farol Madalena joined forces for the event, bringing 20 DJs and the best go-go boys in the country. DJs Brett Henrichsen, Eric Cullenberg, and Ronen Mizrahi were imported especially for the party. Do not miss it.

Singer Mika (who I am obsessed about lately) is on the cover of Out magazine.

Fashion Rio: Sommer's Chinese Theatre

Designer Thais Losso looked at Asia for inspiration for Sommer's spring 2008 collection, and sent out her best collection for the label to date: fun japanese cartoon prints, obi belts turned into ribbons on cinched waists, and samurai shorts mixed with sailor details. The venue picked was Cine Odeon, which was turned into a kitsch Chinese Theatre for the presentation. Full breakfast and drinks were catered before the show. In the end, the audience was showered with rice from the mezzanine level of the theatre. Click here for a video of the finale.

Take a look at some of the backstage action after the jump.

Fashion Rio: The Giselevator

Tuesday at Marina da Glória was all about one person: Gisele. The much talked about Colcci show was moved to the beginning of the week as opposed to its usual closing slot, and a crowd flocked to the tents to get a glimpse of Brazil's biggest fashion export.

After waiting for about half an hour, I was allowed backstage to take a look at the spring collection and the all star cast booked for the show. The presence of La Bündchen turns backstage into a rock concert: publicists on every corner, photographers blocked by barricades and humongous bodyguards, and journalists begging for a minute with the model to ask a question or two. It is the type of scene I would expect at Madison Square Garden when Madonna is in town. Knowing my chances are slim of getting an exclusive shot of Gisele, I snap a couple of pictures of the models and face another massive crowd of editors and fans as I make my way back into the tent, only this time through the main door to sit and watch the show (because this is exactly what Gisele is capable of doing: turning a collection of t-shirts and jeans into an actual SHOW).

Lights off, and Gisele enters the stage through an elevator assembled exclusively for her. She plays with her (famous) hair, and gets the crowd going until the elevator door opens. She steps out ready to command the show in a printed yellow jumpsuit, an item which only she can make look glamorous or sexy. She takes another two turns on the runway, closing the event in a gold sequined jumpsuit. You know tomorrow girls all over the country will be buying one.

If anyone had the power to steal one second of Gisele's attention last night, it was a shirtless Evandro Soldati. My take on the collection after the jump, and videos of Gisele coming later today.

Fashion Rio: The Rise Of Ms. Pantoliano, The Absence Of Raica, And The Best Catering

Nothing like taking a few turns on Prada's runway to build a model's career. Carolina Pantoliano is the Bruna Tenorio of spring 2008, booking every major show in Rio so far, and making everyone curious about her. She is represented by Blue Models, owned by Gisele's ex-booker Monica Monteiro, and I can't wait for American Vogue to book her for.

I am also in love with Aline Weber and Rhaisa from Blue Models. Expect to see more of the two blondes this week.

Marcelle Bittar, Flávia Oliveira, and Fabiana Semprebom are confirmed for São Paulo Fashion Week. A booker from Ten Models told me that Flávia would be arriving today.

The hot gossip item yesterday was about model Raica canceling a show at the very last minute, and then leaving her agent in Rio. According to the model, she had never agreed to do the shows in Rio, and was not even aware that she was booked. She also complained about the rates she had been booked for. The model is now represented solely by Way Models in Brazil, and will no longer be coming to Rio for the shows.

An all-star cast of models is expect tonigh