Made in Brazil

A Brazilian On The Cover Of VMan 11?

18-year-old Renan Bonin, who you have seen here before, is currently the model with the most online votes on the VMan Ford Models Model Search 2008. The winner of the contest, however, will not be determined by the number of online votes, but by VMan's editor Stephen Gan. The overall winner will score a Ford modeling contract and the cover of VMan 11. The winner of the popular vote will guarantee a fashion story in the issue.

Brazilian Pablo Dias is also competing for the cover. Head over to vmagazine.com now and cast your vote.

Fashion Boys

My favorite feature from the third issue of DOM magazine is the Fashion Boys edit with some of the top male models in the country (present and past) shot by Jorge Figueiredo S. Below are two pictures from the editorial, with models Ramirez Allender and Marcelo Boldrini.

Marcelo Boldrini is such a cool model. I would love to see him back on major fashion campaigns and magazines.

João Vellutini Is Back

After a long hiatus, it is nice to see ex-Gucci boy João Vellutini back on the fashion map. The pictures below are from the Neiman Marcus catalog for Armani Collezioni.

All scans via Modelhommes.

The New Face Of The Season?

I was bombarded with emails about newcomer Walmir Birchler last week, and just got official confirmation that he is set to land in Brazil just in time for the shows on June 1st. Prior to that, he will be shooting editorials in Milan and Paris. With Prada and Miu Miu under his belt, am wondering if he going to score an exclusive booking here.

More pictures of Walmir after the jump.

A Semana: Naomi Against Dengue, Gisele Back At SPFW, Madonna On Tour, And Gay Rights

Naomi Campbell landed in the country yesterday to participate in the campaign against the dengue epidemic. She wanted to donate blood in the morning, but was not able to do so because she underwent a surgery less than five months ago. On a side note, we all know she did not fly British Airways to get here.

Brazilian label Colcci will be moving its spring 2008 show from Fashion Rio to São Paulo Fashion Week. Expect to see Gisele on the runway again.

Menswear label Reserva is hosting a cool photo exhibit entitled Álbum de Família, with b&w pictures of models and celebrities shot by Thales Botelho. Make sure to check it out at the brand's store at Rio Sul Mall until May 10.

Models.com just posted pictures from last week's Jeffrey Fashion Cares. The event featured 40 top male models, and raised $485,000 to charity.

According to Drowned Madonna, the singer will kick off her tour to promote Hard Candy on September 11 at London's Wembley Stadium. Rumor has it that shows are being planned in Australia, Brazil and Argentina. Before anything is actually confirmed, The Week in São Paulo will celebrate the release of Madonna's new album with a party on April 30.

Ohlala Mag goes backstage at the Nico & Adrian show this weekend in New York.

Actor Mario Lopez talks about his Broadway debut in A Chorus Line, and his gay fanbase.

The federal government is proposing a new and revamped law which would guarantee visas to foreign gay men and women who are in a stable relationship with a Brazilian citizen.

Jonas Sulzbach By Didio

Brazilian photographer Didio sent me exclusive shots of model Jonas Sulzbach which never made it to his sexy spread for Terra's The Boy last month. Check them out.

More unpublished pictures of Jonas after the jump.

Too Hot For Monday: Daniel Broitmann

Daniel has the cutest baby face (and the thickest thighs) in the business. He is currently in Miami, and I just got some new pictures of him.

It actually looks like he lost some weight. More after the jump.

Book Him ASAP: Walmir Birchler

If 18-year-old Walmir Birchler looks familiar, it is because you may have seen him on the runway for Prada, Miu Miu, or Kenzo. He also happens to resemble Henzo Hülle, and not surprisingly, is represented by his same agency.

I just got news that the newcomer from Espírito Santo will be doing the Brazilian shows for the first time this June. More pictures after the jump.

Stalking Leandro Okabe

The Brazilian model at Singapore's Fashion Festival last week. Click here to watch it on video.

Best Model Name: Smailey Constantino

I had not heard of 18-year-old Smailey Constantino until a month ago when my friend JD sent me a picture of him along with other Brazilian boys. He was the only model in the picture I had not seen before, so I asked JD for his name. When he replied to my email, I was like Are you for real? Are you sure he is Brazilian? Turned out he is, and there are more pictures of him after the jump (semi-NSFW).

Speedo Sundays With Edilson

The fourth issue of Brazilian Junior magazine has not even hit newstands, but here is a very exclusive behind the scenes look at the spread I did in New York with model Edilson Nascimento for the fifth issue.

Marcelo Krasilsic shot the story, and it was great to work with him since I am a big fan of his work. Can't wait to be able to show you the entire spread when the issue comes out.

Edilson is with Major Models in New York. Book him asap.

An Exclusive Preview Of Junior #4

I am going to get it out of the way and say it: I am not a big fan of the styling here, but you just can't go wrong with Saulo Melo. Aside from being super sweet, the kid is as hot as they come and does not have one bad angle, so I am happy he was chosen as the coverboy for the 4th issue of Junior magazine.

The pictures were taken by Fernando Torquatto, and there is another exclusive image after the jump (semi-NSFW).

Straight From Asia

Brazilians Carlos Freire, Johnnes Mattos, and Felipe Caffe have been working in Asia for quite a while now. For the past two weeks I brought you updates on the first two. Now here are some new test shots with Felipe Caffe.

Felipe Caffe reminds me a lot of Edilson Nascimento, who I worked with a few days ago. Both of them are actually from Recife.

Too Hot For Monday: André Guedes

21-year-old André Guedes has just been added to the cast of 40 Graus Models in Rio, and here are his first polas.

More after the jump, courtesy of my friend Sergio Mattos.

A Good Reason To Shop At Zara

When I walked into Zara this week, I was thrilled to see posters of Brazilian Romulo Pires all over the store. Instead of taking a picture of them, I decided to post the actual images of the ad campaign.

Another image after the jump.

A Semana: Vogue Hommes, Edilson, Elite Squad, And Manhunt

The new Vogue Hommes International is out, with Josh Beech on the cover shot by Hedi Slimane.

Chad White sizzles in the new V Man, and provides lots of wardrobe ideas for the upcoming Black Party.

Brazilian model Edilson Nascimento is getting a lot of buzz lately, and he has only been in New York for a little over a month. Read an interview with him at Connex 24.7.

The era of fashion conglomerates has begun in Brazil. This week Forum designer Tufi Duek announced that he will be selling his label to group AMC Têxtil, owner of Colcci and Sommer, for a reportedly R$ 250 million. Tufi Duek will remain as creative director for at least the next three years.

Elite Squad (or Tropa de Elite), winner of the Golden Bear in Berlin, is set to make its US debut at the Tribeca Film Festival next month.

Brazilian soccer player Roberto Carlos stars along with David Beckham in the new Pepsi commercial.

MixBrasil and Manhunt have joined forces again this year to elect the 10 hottest Brazilians on Manhunt. To apply all you need is a Manhunt account and some hot pictures of yourself. The winner will score two plane tickets to attend São Paulo Gay Pride on May 25, as well as an iPod Nano and VIP tickets to Pride parties. If you think you've got what it takes and you happen to reside in Brazil, send an email to manhuntpromo@gmail.com with your name, age, Manhunt ID, and four pictures.

In Rio? Then celebrate the Easter holiday tomorrow at The Original Brazilian Pool Party at Clube Internacional de Regatas, starting at 5pm.

Speedo Feast On V

The new V Man with Ashton Kutcher is already on newstands, and it brings a sexy swimsuit spread with some Brazilian boys shot by JD Ferguson. When I saw some of the pictures on his blog yesterday, I asked him if I could post them. JD not only agreed but also sent me exclusive shots which you only see at Made In Brazil.

FYI, the boys above are Pedro Bissi and Brenno Rossi. One more exclusive shot after the jump.

Too Sexy For Monday: Johnnes Mattos

A year ago Brazilian Johnnes Mattos was on the cover of Out magazine. Now he is working in Asia, and here are some of his latest pictures.

More after the jump.

Capoeira For Male Models

Fernando Sippel's booker just sent me a link to a video of the model playing capoeira. It is so freaking cool I had to post it.

More about the model at:
It Does Not Get Any Hotter Than Him
More Fernando Sippel
Speedo Sundays

Somewhat Twisted

I had never posted anything about Levy Christiano other than his comp card, but after seeing his pictures on a Spanish magazine this week I am going to keep a close eye on him. Some of the pictures are pure black party chic.

All pictures by Ferran Casanova.

Speedo Break With Fernando Sippel

From Thai magazine Premiere. More after the jump.

Straight From Shanghai

Just received some sexy new polas of Brazilian Caio Cesar, who is in currently in China.

Caio is represented by Ragazzo Management in Brazil. More polas after the jump.

New Ragazzo: Eduardo Coutinho

22-year-old Eduardo Coutinho is one of the bets of Ragazzo Model Management for this year. Made In Brazil has some exclusive pictures of the newcomer.

Thanks Ale for the pictures. More after the jump.

Então Tá Tranquilo!

Models Mateus Verdelho, Smailey Constantino, Rodrigo Calazans, Leandro Lima, and Victor Pecoraro, straight from Miami to Made In Brazil, courtesy of JD Ferguson. Love it.

Ouch!

I like Tom Ford's campaigns shot by Terry Richardson so much that I even forgive him for not booking a Brazilian boy instead of Noah Mills.

Now who's the naked chick?

Perfect Casting: Gisele And Léo Peixoto

I am thrilled that jeanswear label Colcci picked one of my all-time favorite male models, Léo Peixoto, to join Gisele in their fall 2008 ad campaign.

The campaign was photographed by Gui Paganini. More after the jump.

New Face On Speedo Sundays

Below are the first polas of 19-year-old Raphael Lacchine.

Is it the blue eyes or the quirky smile?

Not sure of what it is, but model Rafael Salotto does look sexy. More of his new polas after the jump.

Double-Dose Of New Faces

Photographer Didio sent me some test shots he did with two newcomers from L'Equipe Brazil, Renan Bonin and Felipe Sperber. I thought you guys would not mind taking a look at them as well.

More pictures of the two of them after the jump. Make sure to check them out.

Start Drooling

Because I just got some new exclusive pictures of newcomer Victor Gaspar from Ragazzo Models.

More after the jump (Warning: sexy content).

His Lips Are Killing Me

It is not often that I get polas of a boy who I think has international potential, but that is not the case with Lucaz Fernandes. Yes, he needs to develop his body but he is only 17, and his face is stunning.

Lucaz is represented by 40 Graus Models in Rio.

Another Brazilian For LV

This season Mihaly scores the spot previously occupied by Evandro and Andre in the Louis Vuitton campaign.

Fashion Week In Paris Is Over And...

I know my review is way overdue, but I was busy working and covering the shows in São Paulo. In any event, here is my take on the action in Paris.

Start channeling your inner lumberjack now: fall 2008 is going to be all about tartan and plaid.

Like he did at Jil Sander, Raf Simons placed his bets on a chunkier shoe sole, and on a combo of abstract prints. It is not as strong as his spring collection, but a lot more commercial (especially if you are tall and skinny).

Stefano Pilati did not host a proper show at YSL, but designed a perfect fall wardrobe for those craving some 70's revival (think The Ice Storm).

Prada did some protective helmets (in fur) a few seasons ago, but it was Louis Vuitton who turned protective gear up a notch this time around. Get a scooter as an excuse to buy an LV helmet come fall.

Kris Van Assche turned on the bizarre button at his first runway presentation for Dior Homme, with the palest boys around, shrunken jackets, billowing shirt sleeves, and pants which were either glued to the body as leggings or multi-pleated for super volume at the knee. I liked the butterflies worn as bow ties, but that was it.

Strangely all the positiveness missing at Dior could be found at Van Assche's collection for his own label, probably my favorite show in Paris when it comes to items I actually want to own and wear.

Lanvin was one of my favorite collections last spring, but I can't say the same for fall. The topcoat worn with gloves, rolled up satin pants, and shiny black shoes was what I liked the most. Other than that, pay attention to the bigger sole and put your name down on the waiting list for the brown Chelsea boots.

JP Gaultier sent out a fantastic parade of modern day dandies, with many more wearable pieces than his latest presentations.

You can choose between a top hat at Comme des Garcons, a bowler at Gaultier, or several variations on the theme at Junya Watanabe, Yamamoto, Miharayasuhiro, and Lanvin. Just know that you will need a hat come fall.

Broaden your shoulders with a jacket by Margiela, and while you are at it make sure to pick up his super villain sunglasses.

With Evandro and Michael Camiloto absent from the runways, Lucas Mascarini became Paris' favorite Brazilian.

Keep a close eye on models Ricardo Merini and Augusto.

There are many things I could say about the Galliano show, but instead I will just leave you with the three images below and pray that it will turn into another hot and twisted editorial at Arena Homme.

Visit men.style.com for pictures of all the collections.

Speedo Sundays With Fernando Sippel

It seems Image magazine got inspired by Numero Homme's Frozen Margarita editorial for its photoshoot with model Fernando Sippel. The result is not quite the same, but one can't deny the kid is super hot.

More images from the edit with Fernando after the jump.

A Semana: Gran Fratello, Valentino, Aussiebum, And Paula Abdul

I have not mentioned it yet here, but I am still shocked at Heath Ledger's death this week.

Who knew there was a Brazilian at the Italian Big Brother franchise Gran Fratello? Well, there is. His name is Thiago Barcelos, and he hails from Santa Maria in the south of the country.

On Big Brother Brazil, it is Natália who is on the spotlight this week after a boob slip caught on camera made its way to YouTube.

Model Letícia Birkheuer confirmed pregnancy rumors.

Brazilian publicist Lala Guimarães got a nod from the NYT, and used it as a good opportunity to pimp out her clients Osklen and Lenny. If one person knows how to treat international press in Brazil, that person sure is her.

British Vogue takes on SPFW and the Brazilian shows.

Valentino bid adieu to fashion with his spring 2008 couture presentation. Flavia de Oliveira was the only Brazilian girl cast. Read what Cathy Horyn has to say about the show.

Models.com goes backstage at the Dior Homme show in Paris, with Brazilian new face Fernando.

Carlos Sander is the Model Of The Week at Models.com.

Aussiebum is looking to expand its domain into Brazil. The Australian label plans to shoot its next campaign at the beaches in São Paulo, and is casting two Brazilian boys for the ads. If you are interested in modeling for the label, contact Rodrigo Fernandes.

Stream Paula Abdul's comeback single Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, from Randy Jackson's upcoming album. Hot.

2 Raphaels Are Better Than 1

Models Raphael Sander and Raphael Swarowsky share the love backstage at the Mario Queiroz show last Friday at SPFW.

SPFW: The Boys Of The Season

Now that São Paulo Fashion Week is over, I figured I would do a recap of my favorite male models of the season.

Sexiest Kid On The Block: Igor Macedo

Coolest Kid On The Block: Igor Medeiros

Coolest Model Name: Elvis

Best Foreign Model: Andrija Bikic at Ellus

Best Exclusive Booking: Andre Ziehe at Herchcovitch

Best Duo In A Backstage Picture: Matheus Verdelho And Igor Macedo at Mario Queiroz

Breakthrough Performances: Pablo Lorenzatto, Guilherme Klopper, Francisco Gasseri, and Franco Amêndola

Pictures courtesy of Agencia Fotosite.

SPFW: Andre Ziehe Backstage At Herchcovitch

Alexandre Herchcovitch looked at western for inspiration for his fall men's presentation, and backstage at his show yesterday all the models were getting mud stains on their faces. I made a video make up artist Celso Kamura putting the final touches on Andre Ziehe.

Click here for a backstage picture gallery.

SPFW: Backstage At Mario Queiroz

You can always count on Mario Queiroz to cast the hottest male models around, and this season was no exception. Matheus Verdelho, Igor Macedo, Ricardo Baldin and other 26 boys were there, and you can take a better look at them on the videos below and in several more pictures after the jump.

Too Hot For Monday: Caio Moreno

I am loving the work of Brazilian photographer Didio these days. Here are some of his pictures of model Caio Moreno, who was in Milian last week for the men's collections.

More pictures of Caio Moreno by Didio after the jump.

Conquering Paris

Brazilians Ricardo Merini and Thomaz de Oliveira at Kris Van Assche, my favorite collection so far in Paris this season.

Not Quite Made In Brazil

Nicolas Figueras is actually made in Argentina, but he is definitely my favorite new face this season in São Paulo.

Yesterday he was booked back to back for Zoomp and V.Rom.

Nicolas is represented by Viva. Book him while you can.

Straight To Paris

Newcomer Max Motta skipped the shows in Rio and São Paulo after winning Ford Supermodel Brazil, and is in Paris for castings. Hope he is going to have a good first season.