Made in Brazil

The Dengue Outbreak (If You Are Going To Rio You Should Know About It)

In case you haven't been reading the international section of the papers lately, a rising dengue epidemic that has infected more than 57,000 people, and killed at least 67, has taken over Rio de Janeiro.

Although the mosquito-borne disease had been successfully eradicated throughout the Americas in the 80s, the lack of proper sanitation, water storage, and sewage, in Rio's densely populated favelas has become e new breeding ground for a dengue epidemic.

The population of Rio is angry at the government that measures to prevent the outbreak were not put into effect earlier, and that there are not enough hospital beds available or doctors on duty to take care of the people infected. The decision announced yesterday to bring in doctors from other states, and even the consideration of asking Cuba for help, has shed light on the fact that the city and state government are so unprepared to tackle the epidemic that they are not even aware of the actual number of doctors available. In spite of the city arguing that it is not prepared to keep healthcare centers open 24 hours a day, O Globo Online reported today that Rio has the second largest contingent of doctors in the country, and that 71% are associated on a certain level to public healthcare.

As the blame game continues as to who is responsible for the outbreak, more than 1,200 military personnel arrived in Rio to spray insecticide in hard-hit neighborhoods, and erect emergency hospital tents. The population is now being educated about ways of preventing the breeding of infected mosquitoes.

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pains and eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. There is no vaccine available.

I am not by any means implying that you will be affected just by visiting Rio, but I would certainly skip a tourist trip to the favelas.

The First Apple Shop In South America Opens In Rio

But don't get too excited yet: we are not talking about an actual Apple Store like the modern glass temples built across the United States, but an Apple Shop built inside Fnac at Barra Shopping mall in Rio. Still the entire project was developed, and is being supervised by Apple, and offers a full range of products which include the new MacBook Air. The only problem is that the prices are still more than double of what most Apple products cost in North America.

Eight more units of the Apple Shop are set to open until the end of the year in São Paulo, Campinas, Brasília, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre.

Partying With The Straight Boys In Rio

Just when you thought Carnival was over, here are some pictures from yesterday morning when the Monobloco street band took over Copacabana.

Over 150 thousand people were at the beach. Thanks Alvaro for sending pictures (I especially love the one above). More after the jump

Speedo Sundays From Ipanema

Here are a couple of pictures of the beach taken by Made In Brazil reader Shawn last weekend during Carnival.

More speedos in Ipanema after the jump.

Five Times In Six Years

Samba school Beija-Flor de Nilópolis won the title of best of Carnival in Rio for the second year in a row, and for the fifth time in the last six years, with an advantage of 1.3 points over Salgueiro.

For more pictures of Beija-Flor at the Sambodrome, visit UOL and O Globo Online.

Hitting The Sambódromo In Rio

I did not go to the Sambódromo in Rio this year to watch the parade live, but I did flip through tons of pictures online, and selected a few to share with you guys. If you have never been to Rio for Carnival, then I suggest you start planning a trip for next year asap. The energy at the Sambódromo is something everyone needs to experience once in their lives.

More pictures of the samba schools after the jump.

Carnival Is A Drag: Banda de Ipanema

The Banda de Ipanema block party is one of my favorite things about Carnival in Rio. It took place this past Saturday afternoon, and Made In Brazil readers Alexandre and Alvaro sent me some pictures to share with you guys.

More after the jump.

Carnival Party Guide To Rio

Valentino, Quincy Jones, and models Natalia Vodianova and Daria Werbowy have all confirmed that they will be in Rio for Carnival. If you are heading to Rio later this week as well, here is a list of parties and events you will not want to miss.

Friday, February 1st:
R:evolution Open Air with DJ Tony Moran at Sky Lounge.
Babylon International Connection with DJ Stephan Grondin at The Week Rio.

Saturday, February 2nd:
Banda de Ipanema street Carnival at Praça General Osório, starting at 4pm.
Cosmopolitan with DJ Peter Rauhofer at The Week Rio.
Verão TIM with David Guetta at Jockey Club (not a gay event).

Sunday, February 3rd:
The Original Brazilian Pool Party with DJ Roland Belmares at Clube Internacional de Regatas.
Day Party with Matinee Group at The Week Rio, starting at 4pm.
B.I.T.C.H. with DJ Offer Nissim at Fundição Progresso.

Monday, February 4th:
E.njoy with DJ Eric Entrena at Roda Skol.
Cosmopolitan with DJ Isaac Escalante at The Week Rio.

Tuesday, February 5th:
Banda de Ipanema street Carnival at Praça General Osório, starting at 4pm.
The Original Brazilian Pool Party with DJ Bill Halquist at Clube Internacional de Regatas.
Day Party with DJ Brett Henrichsen at The Week Rio, starting at 4pm.
X-Demente with DJ Pablo Ceballos at Marina da Glória.

Tickets for parties at The Week can be bought in advance at Ingresso Rapido.

Keep in mind that I will not be in Rio this year, and that I appreciate getting pictures of all the parties which I can post here.

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: 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: Rio, Ricky Martin, Santoro, And Dior Homme

The Daily News features a long article about Rio de Janeiro written by Jim Farber, perfect for those visiting the city for the first time.

Rumor has it that singer Ricky Martin will be spending Carnival in Salvador and Rio.

Actor Cauã Reymond escorted his gf home after rehearsals for Carnival in Rio.

Adriana Lima spent the weekend partying in Salvador.

While Paris was celebrating the new year in Vegas a week ago, her ex Stavros Niarchos was busy kissing strangers in Floripa.

Revista Lado A has finally uploaded pictures of NYE in Floripa. Check out the boys at the Sunrise Party, at Troy, and at E.Joy.

Rodrigo Santoro's performance in 300 was considered one of the worst of the year by Moviefone's online poll.

The first images of the spring Dior Homme campaign shot by Karl Lagerfeld with Brazilian Thomaz de Oliveira are unveiled.

Newcomer Gabriel Heckler will be skipping the shows in Brazil this season, and flying straight to Paris thanks to an exclusive booking for the Dior Homme show.

Chad White decides his hair should match his name.

View the show packages for the upcoming men's shows in Milan at Models.com.

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: NYE, Brazilianizers, and Mr. Gay

DSquared2 twins Dean and Dan Caten spent New Year's at Chopin building in Rio.

Four million people watched the fireworks from the beach in Rio de Janeiro this year. O Globo Online has a picture gallery of the festivities.

I am saddened to report that one person died at Posto 9 in Ipanema during a shooting, and that five people were hurt by stray bullets in Copacabana on NYE.

My friend and blogger Italo talks about the parties in Rio on his blog. From what I heard, nightclub The Week reigned supreme in its first new year in the city, and Chris Cox was the best DJ.

Check out MixBrasil for a selection of pictures of the parties in Rio.

Rumors on Brazilian papers had everyone thinking Paris Hilton would spend NYE at Cafe de la Musique in Floripa. Paris ended up in Las Vegas, but models Alessandra Ambrosio, Izabel Goulart, Jeisa, Oluchi, and Fernanda Motta were there. Actor Jared Leto also chose the place to spend NYE.

Mary J. Blige performed Just Fine and Alicia Keys sang Like You'll Never See Me Again to ring in the new year in New York.

January 12 has been confirmed as the date for the first edition of the Creamfields festival in Punta del Este. The line up of DJs includes the likes of Hernán Cattaneo, Seb Fontaine, Jimmy Van M, S.O.S., and others.

It is time to get online and vote for Brazilian Luciano Lupo in the International Mr. Gay Competition.

Rio de Janeiro Party Guide To NYE

Rio is the biggest gay destination in the country when it comes to New Year's. Below is a list of events to choose from if you are heading that way.

Friday, December 28:

Ric Sena's Alegria with DJ Abel at Armazém 5. VIP tickets start at USD $80, and include access to two VIP areas, exclusive bathrooms, and drink tickets. VIP tickets can be purchased online at Alegria Events.

Saturday, December 29:

Cosmopolitan Special Edition with DJ Chris Cox at The Week Rio. Tickets at Ingresso Rapido.

Rosane Amaral's R:evolution Open Air at Escola de Remo do Flamengo, in front of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, with DJs Twisted Dee, Fist, and Flávio Lima, and a performance by samba school Grande Rio.

Sunday, December 30:

Pool Party at The Week Rio with DJ Jamie Sanchez, starting at 4 pm. Tickets at Ingresso Rapido.

X-Demente at Fundição Progresso with DJs Mike Cruz and Frank Pellegrino.

Monday, December 31:

Cosmopolitan Special Edition After Midnight at The Week Rio with DJs Curtis Atchison and Erik Reves. Tickets at Ingresso Rapido.

Reveillon Ipanema 2008, with a VIP area assembled right by the beach, open bar, and ten hours of continuous music provided by DJs Fox'n'Feel, Mentex, André Queiroz, Marcus Vinícius, Patricinha Tribal, and Aless. The event takes place at Vieira Souto and Farme de Amoedo. Tickets start at R$ 300 at Ingresso Certo.

Reveillon R:evolution Made In Brazil by Rosane Amaral at Sky Lounge, with DJs Flávio Lima, Jeff Valle and Vlad.

Wonderland Rio at the rooftop of Ipanema Plaza Hotel. Tickets start at R$400, and include open bar and buffet all night long, as well as breakfast at 6 am. Buy tickets online at Ingresso Certo.

Tuesday, January 1:

The Original Brazilian Pool Party, starting at 2 pm at Clube Internacional de Regatas, with DJs Eric Cullenberg, Twisted Dee, and Flávio Lima.

Pool Party at The Week Rio with DJs Patricinha Tribal, Morais, Jeff Valle, and João Neto, as well as a special performance by a international singer (no names have been announced yet).

Since I will not be in Rio, I am looking for a reader who is interested in covering the parties for Made In Brazil. Please email me if you would like to submit pictures of the events.

Last year I posted a guide to restaurants in Rio, which I do recommend you take a look as well.

If you are heading to Floripa instead of Rio, take a look at the Floripa Party Guide To NYE.

When In Rio, Do Like The Cariocas

The Week Rio debuted its second dancefloor and pool area properly entitled Doca (or Dock) this past weekend, just in time for New Year's Eve. I still cannot believe I have not been to the club yet, but I am sure I will make it there in the next two months.

I am hoping to see lots of pictures of boys actually in the pool now that it is summer in Brazil. More at The Week Rio.

Rio, Cidade Maravilhosa

The opening of the new Diesel store yesterday at Shopping Leblon in Rio was celebrated with the launch of Terry Richardson's book Rio, Cidade Maravilhosa, a collection of photographs shot in the city back in April.

The book is divided into three parts: people, landscapes, and celebrities; and will be available in Brazil exclusively at Diesel stores. More at RG Vogue and here.

Terry Does Rio

Photographer Terry Richardson spent some time shooting in Rio earlier this year for a book project sponsored by Diesel. The behind-the-scenes video of the shoot has made its way to YouTube:

Game Or Reality? War In Rio

This made the news in Brazil yesterday, and I thought it was very clever and insightful: 29-year old designer Fábio Lopez created a spin-off the popular game War inspired by the crime and violence in Rio. Instead of six continents, the map carefully conceived by Fabio features the city's geography. Instead of nameless armies, there are criminal groups, drug traffic gangs, the police, and the BOPE, the special forces squad of Rio in vogue thanks to the movie Tropa de Elite.

Fabio released news of the game on the web only two days ago as a way to raise awareness about the harsh violent reality of Rio, and it became an instant buzz. No word yet if he plans to market his creation.

Top Cow

The Cow Parade started in Rio over a month ago, and O Globo Online is now electing the best cow design among twelve previously selected finalists. My favorites so far are Cow Me Now designed by swimsuit guru Lenny Niemeyer, and Cowmarão by Luke Bosshard.

View the twelve finalists and vote for your favorite at O Globo Online. For pictures of all the designer cows in display in Rio de Janeiro at the moment, check out Cow Parade.

Book It Now: NYE In Rio

If you have not booked your ticket yet to New Year's in Rio, you better get on the phone and do so now. Now if you haven't booked an apartment or hotel yet, Mankind Tours has a few options to make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible.

The idea behind the tours, which leave the US on December 26th, and get back on January 7th, is to provide a more personal approach to traveling, offering everything from private tour guides (you have seen them here before) to select apartments and penthouses in Ipanema, and special service at the beach.

The Mankind Tours NYE in Rio package is listed after the jump with all of its amenities, pricing, and contact info. Make sure to check it out.

More Of Gay Pride In Rio

Brazilian photographer Pedro Stephan uploaded a gallery of his pictures of Gay Pride in Rio at G Online, and here are some of my favorites.

And am loving the heart tattoo on the chest with an Uso Camisinha (I wear a condom) emblem.

Visit G Online for the complete gallery. For pictures and videos of the parties, head over to Italo. More after the jump.

Better Late Than Never: Rio Gay Pride 2007

There was no sign of rain in Rio this weekend for the 12th annual Gay Pride Parade in the city. An estimated 800,000 to 1.2 million people attended the parade at Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, which is the longest running one in the country.

Rio's governor Sérgio Cabral made history by opening the parade yesterday: it was the first time in the country's history in which a governor attended a gay pride event.

This year's parade main goal was the approval of the bill 122/2006, which classifies homophobia as a hate crime on federal level.

More pictures of the parade at:
UOL Parada Gay
Terra
MixBrasil

And a video of the parade courtesy of Italo:

Guide To Gay Pride In Rio

I am starting to loose track of how many Gay Pride parades are celebrated in Brazil, and of all their dates. The next big one lined up is in Rio, and it will take place this coming Sunday (by no coincidence, a long weekend in the country). If you are headed there for the festivities, there are plenty of parties to keep you busy over the weekend.

On Friday, October 12 (a national holiday AND also my bday), Rosanel Amaral will celebrate the 5th anniversary of her Pool Party at Clube Internacional de Regatas. It starts at 2 pm with DJs Jamie Sanchez, Twisted Dee, Flavio Lima, and Dudu Marquez. At night, DJ Aldo Haydar will spin at The Week as part of the new The WeekEND project.

On Saturday, the bears also have a place to play with a Rio edition of Woof Splash! at Hotel Atlantis in the afternoon. At night, head over to The Week again to dance to the sound of The Freemasons, who will be playing in the club for the first time. I am sure the music is going to be great (DJs Felipe Lira and Robix are scheduled to warm up the dancefloor), but if you want to avoid The Week two nights in a row, you can also opt for E.njoy at Vivo Rio. The line up of DJs will be 100% Brazilian, with Rafael Calvente, Ana Paula, and Ale Bittencourt.

On Sunday there is the parade in Copacabana, of course. I would go to 00 at night, but there is also the LK3 party with DJ Roland Belmares at Clube Israelita.

Now all the boys have to do is pray that it will not be raining as it was lat year. Remember to email pictures if you are there.

UPDATE: The Freemasons had to cancel their show at The Week due to a delay in obtaining visas. DJ Peter Rauhofer has been confirmed instead.

Cow-rioca

The Cow Parade will take over the streets of Rio starting next Wednesday, and of all the cows on display none could be gayer than the one below, with a print of the Copacabana sidewalk, red pumps, and a rainbow flag in the most unexpected place.

Thanks Ricardo for the heads up. Now who is going to send me an actual picture of the cow on display next week?

Running In Rio

The Half-Marathon in Rio took place yesterday morning, and thanks to Marcelo we have some inspirational pictures.

Another Sunny Day In Ipanema

I am sorry for my absence but I am in Rio shooting until tomorrow. The weather could not have been better.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Shooting In Copa

It is a beautiful day in Rio, and it almost feels like summer: a perfect day for a swimsuit editorial.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Discovering Morro Santa Tereza

Back in June I spent one morning at Morro Santa Tereza in Rio for a fashion show at Parque das Ruinas, and the view from the place was amazing. This week reader Marcelo sent me pictures he took at Morro Santa Tereza recently, and I thought I would post them as part of my touristic efforts.

There are pictures of Parque das Ruinas after the jump.

Live Earth In Copacabana (And Madonna)

After almost being cancelled last Wednesday, the only free Live Earth concert took place at the beach in Copacabana this Saturday, attracting a crowd of 400,000 people.

Pharrell and Lenny Kravitz were the big international attractions. Here are four clips from their performances in Rio (including Pharrell's introduction in Portuguese):

Pictures of Live Earth in Rio at Terra, UOL, and Papel Pop.

And if you missed Madonna's performance in London, check out the videos below.

The Week Takes Over Rio

Nighclub The Week expanded its domains this past Friday with the opening of its first franchise in Rio. As expected, boys flew in from all over the country for the event, and packed the new club. It is guaranteed to be a huge success.

I was not there to cover it live, but check out my fellow blogger Chris Crain for a review of the club in English. Pictures as soon as they become available.

Rediscovering Niterói

Considering the fact that I am traveling and that I have failed to mention yet that this year Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer will be celebrating his 100th birthday, I thought today would be the perfect day to post these pictures of Niterói which reader Marcelo sent me earlier this week. I have not been to Niterói in ages, and had forgotten that the city is only second to Brasilia in numbers of projects by Niemeyer. Below are pictures of MAC, Museu de Arte Contemporanea, as well as the Teatro Popular, which opened this April.

There are more pictures sent by Marcelo after the jump. I am definitely planning a day trip to Niterói next time I am in Rio.

The Washington Post takes on Rio

Prompted by the rising crime rate, Rio's Governor Sérgio Cabral requested the assistance of military troops in the city to help contain the violence. If you remember a shocking scene from City Of God in which a child goes on a shooting rampage, I recommend that you read today's Washington Post's in-depth look at juvenile violence in the city.

One of the most dramatic cases reported in Rio happened this past February, when two armed carjackers tried forcing a woman and her 6-year-old son out of their vehicle. The woman escaped, but the boy's foot got caught in the seat-belt strap. He was dismembered as he was dragged alongside the car for about four miles. The case was covered extensively in the press not only because of the boy's tragic death, but but also because one of the carjackers was 17 and couldn't be charged with a crime.

Brazil's Congress is now considering applying harsher sentences for crimes involving children, and possibly reducing the minimum age for criminally prosecuting teenage offenders, which is 18. One of the problems with that is the fact that there is no actual rehabilitation system in Brazilian jails.

Having visited Rio several times in the past year, I must admit that the controverial presence of the military would make me feel safer in the city. I hardly ever leave Ipanema or Leblon, and I have learned the hard way not to wear anything aside from a bathing suit and Havaianas, but the cab ride from the airport to Ipanema is always something I dread. I also believe that the government must find long-terms alternatives to keep children away from gangs through sports and education.

Make sure to check out the Washington Post article if you have the time, as well as the side stories featured.

A Semana: The Army In Rio, Miss Brasil, Gisele, Madonna, And Pool Parties