Rio de Janeiro, while known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, is often overshadowed by São Paulo when it comes to the topic of Brazilian fashion. But Rio continues to produce fascinating faces. A reflection of the city’s diversity and creativity, here is just a small glimpse of Rio’s mix of traditional beach beauties and raw street-cast new faces.
Photography by Tiago Chediak for MODELS.com.
Abeguar
Agency: Squad Brazil
Where are you from? I’m from Morro do Dendê, but I live in Rocinha now.
How old are you? 25
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I think it’s the samba and passinho de funk on the feet.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? I’m from Morro do Dendê, llha do Governador in Rio. It’s a place that gave birth to many amazing artists and is also known for its ancestry. The good part is that it’s a place where I’m always in touch with nature and animals. The bad part is it’s hard to work when it comes to art and the means of transport also doesn’t help.
Your favorite word or phrase? “Ainda”. It’s a typical slang term used in the favelas in Rio that has now spread to many other states. It means that you are agreeing to something. Ex: Are you going to the beach today? Ainda!
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? Here, we see a lot of upcycling. And I’m a good person to speak to about it because I make clothes out of old clothes. I give a new meaning to the pieces, and I don’t spend a lot of money – that I don’t have – on something that is extremely expensive just to keep up with fashion. Besides that, I end up helping the environment as the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. I create my own style and fashion.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: Other favelas, not only the ones located in Zona Sul.
What do you think Rio does best? The best part of Rio is Zona Norte, where the truth is out there. There are no masks that people insist on showing in propaganda and publicity of Rio.
Where are you from? I’m from Morro do Dendê, but I live in Rocinha now.
How old are you? 25
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I think it’s the samba and passinho de funk on the feet.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? I’m from Morro do Dendê, llha do Governador in Rio. It’s a place that gave birth to many amazing artists and is also known for its ancestry. The good part is that it’s a place where I’m always in touch with nature and animals. The bad part is it’s hard to work when it comes to art and the means of transport also doesn’t help.
Your favorite word or phrase? “Ainda”. It’s a typical slang term used in the favelas in Rio that has now spread to many other states. It means that you are agreeing to something. Ex: Are you going to the beach today? Ainda!
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? Here, we see a lot of upcycling. And I’m a good person to speak to about it because I make clothes out of old clothes. I give a new meaning to the pieces, and I don’t spend a lot of money – that I don’t have – on something that is extremely expensive just to keep up with fashion. Besides that, I end up helping the environment as the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. I create my own style and fashion.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: Other favelas, not only the ones located in Zona Sul.
What do you think Rio does best? The best part of Rio is Zona Norte, where the truth is out there. There are no masks that people insist on showing in propaganda and publicity of Rio.
Camila
Agency: Mix Models Agency (Rio de Janeiro)
Where are you from? Rio de Janeiro, RJ
How old are you? 22
Instagram: @Iamcamilaantunes
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? The desire to make the impossible possible because Brazilians never give up anything.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic place with beauty from another world… But many things need to change, such as security. Not only for tourists but also for us who live here.
Your favorite word or phrase? A carioca slang that I usually use a lot is “Ah, ta de bobeira filho” which is as if someone did something wrong or was not paying attention, and we use the “son” to refer to the person.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I have seen many trends in Rio… But the one I follow the most is the Rio de Janeiro aesthetics of the 2000s… as a reference to looks, some people usually combine sets of a name called “Hurricane 2000” that was a very famous carioca ball at the time, skirt Cyclone, Kenner, etc.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: I think cultural spaces with stories about the favelas, funk, or some local place outside the tourist areas. I think people need to be aware of the things that are also beautiful (and sometimes sad, too) but that are not seen by everyone.
What do you think Rio does best? I would say party… if there’s one thing that Carioca knows how to do is a mess. The end of the year parties, the Carnival… I think this is something that draws a lot of attention; everything becomes a reason to celebrate.
Where are you from? Rio de Janeiro, RJ
How old are you? 22
Instagram: @Iamcamilaantunes
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? The desire to make the impossible possible because Brazilians never give up anything.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic place with beauty from another world… But many things need to change, such as security. Not only for tourists but also for us who live here.
Your favorite word or phrase? A carioca slang that I usually use a lot is “Ah, ta de bobeira filho” which is as if someone did something wrong or was not paying attention, and we use the “son” to refer to the person.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I have seen many trends in Rio… But the one I follow the most is the Rio de Janeiro aesthetics of the 2000s… as a reference to looks, some people usually combine sets of a name called “Hurricane 2000” that was a very famous carioca ball at the time, skirt Cyclone, Kenner, etc.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: I think cultural spaces with stories about the favelas, funk, or some local place outside the tourist areas. I think people need to be aware of the things that are also beautiful (and sometimes sad, too) but that are not seen by everyone.
What do you think Rio does best? I would say party… if there’s one thing that Carioca knows how to do is a mess. The end of the year parties, the Carnival… I think this is something that draws a lot of attention; everything becomes a reason to celebrate.
Danyllo
Agency: 40 Graus Models
Where are you from? I’m from São Gonçalo, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
How old are you? 23
Instagram: @danyllo.pery
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I love Brazilian music, samba, rap…
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? The best things in Rio are the fun people, the amazing nature and the beaches. The worst are violence and social inequality.
Your favorite word or phrase? Os sonhos são a melhor forma de termos uma direção na vida e um motivo para caminhar – “Dreams are the best way to have direction in life and a reason to walk.”
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I have seen many men wearing pearl necklaces. I like this accessory, and I use it, too.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: To explore the downtown of Rio, go to Lavradio’s street market.
What do you think Rio does best? To welcome all the world, with its music and Carnival.
Where are you from? I’m from São Gonçalo, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
How old are you? 23
Instagram: @danyllo.pery
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I love Brazilian music, samba, rap…
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? The best things in Rio are the fun people, the amazing nature and the beaches. The worst are violence and social inequality.
Your favorite word or phrase? Os sonhos são a melhor forma de termos uma direção na vida e um motivo para caminhar – “Dreams are the best way to have direction in life and a reason to walk.”
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I have seen many men wearing pearl necklaces. I like this accessory, and I use it, too.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: To explore the downtown of Rio, go to Lavradio’s street market.
What do you think Rio does best? To welcome all the world, with its music and Carnival.
Eduardo
Agency: 40 Graus
Where are you from? I’m from an island called Morro de São Paulo, in the state of Bahia
How old are you? 22
Instagram: @dudu_tozzi
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? Our culture is very rich. The Brazilian people are very creative and always excited, and I carry with me a very great lightness. I really like to live a smiling, cheerful, and light lifestyle, always connected and surrounded by nature and art.
Tell us a bit about the part of Brazil you are from. What are the best and worst things? I was born and raised on a small island in Bahia called Morro de São Paulo. It is a very cozy place, with a lot of culture and beautiful beaches to visit. As it is a small place, you can circulate anywhere at any time with a peace that you won’t find anywhere else. The negative point is the limited access for the residents in terms of studies and health, among others.
Your favorite word or phrase? The word “pivete” to describe a boy.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? As my hometown is an island with practically no cold days, we wear a lot of summer clothes and the worldwide famous Havaianas flip-flops.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: A beach called Prainha, a 50-minute drive from Ipanema.
What do you think Rio does best? To offer its people’s energy, good parties, and beautiful beaches.
Where are you from? I’m from an island called Morro de São Paulo, in the state of Bahia
How old are you? 22
Instagram: @dudu_tozzi
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? Our culture is very rich. The Brazilian people are very creative and always excited, and I carry with me a very great lightness. I really like to live a smiling, cheerful, and light lifestyle, always connected and surrounded by nature and art.
Tell us a bit about the part of Brazil you are from. What are the best and worst things? I was born and raised on a small island in Bahia called Morro de São Paulo. It is a very cozy place, with a lot of culture and beautiful beaches to visit. As it is a small place, you can circulate anywhere at any time with a peace that you won’t find anywhere else. The negative point is the limited access for the residents in terms of studies and health, among others.
Your favorite word or phrase? The word “pivete” to describe a boy.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? As my hometown is an island with practically no cold days, we wear a lot of summer clothes and the worldwide famous Havaianas flip-flops.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: A beach called Prainha, a 50-minute drive from Ipanema.
What do you think Rio does best? To offer its people’s energy, good parties, and beautiful beaches.
Emilly
Agency: 40 Graus
Where are you from? I’m from Valença, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How old are you? 19
Instagram: @_Emilly.oli
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I love the Brazilian beaches and unique places that only exist in Brazil. Also, there’s nothing like the Brazilian way of being and living.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? The best thing in my hometown is the tranquility to live and move, without much danger of violence, as it is a small town. The worst things are that there is no beach and the lack of privacy, as everyone knows everyone else.
Your favorite word or phrase? Carreiras de sucesso não são planejadas, são carreiras de pessoas que estão preparadas para aproveitar oportunidades. – “Successful careers are not planned; they are careers of people who are prepared to take advantage of opportunities.”
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I don’t see many fashion trends in my hometown; I used to follow them online.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: Go to bars and enjoy the music at a cool party.
What do you think Rio does best? Music, food, and the Carioca soul. There isn’t a Carioca that isn’t fun.
Where are you from? I’m from Valença, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How old are you? 19
Instagram: @_Emilly.oli
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I love the Brazilian beaches and unique places that only exist in Brazil. Also, there’s nothing like the Brazilian way of being and living.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? The best thing in my hometown is the tranquility to live and move, without much danger of violence, as it is a small town. The worst things are that there is no beach and the lack of privacy, as everyone knows everyone else.
Your favorite word or phrase? Carreiras de sucesso não são planejadas, são carreiras de pessoas que estão preparadas para aproveitar oportunidades. – “Successful careers are not planned; they are careers of people who are prepared to take advantage of opportunities.”
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? I don’t see many fashion trends in my hometown; I used to follow them online.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: Go to bars and enjoy the music at a cool party.
What do you think Rio does best? Music, food, and the Carioca soul. There isn’t a Carioca that isn’t fun.
Paula
Agency: Mix Models Agency (Rio de Janeiro)
Where are you from? I’m from Niterói, a small city that neighbors Rio.
How old are you? 23
Instagram: @iampaulaamaral
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I think I carry with me the “jeitinho brasileiro” (Brazilian way) of being talkative and well-connected. I’m usually quick about making friends and meeting new people everywhere I go. For example, when I went to SPFW, I was at a model house for it. I think in the first couple of days, I found my girls, and from then on, we developed a bond that, to this day, I’m close with most of them.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? I was born and raised in San Francisco, a neighborhood in Niterói. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, not as crowded as Rio, and therefore calmer in nature. I love going to the beaches in Niterói for that exact reason; I feel safer and am never in a rush. The fact that Niteroi is calmer is, at the same time, the worst part, cause the nightlife here is kind of dead, which forces us to cross the bridge to Rio in order to go out. But trust me, there is no better place to enjoy a perfect day at the beach than here, everybody should try it!
Your favorite word or phrase? “Tudo dá certo pra mim, até quando não foi como eu quis.” It roughly translates to “Everything works out for me even when it’s not like I wanted to.” It’s from a women’s rap duo, Tasha and Tracie. They embody blackness, and being a modern woman. That bar is like a mantra for me. It makes so much sense to me at this stage in my life, and it reminds me that not all will be perfect, and I have to work with what life gives me.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? Crochet parts or miçangas (glass beads) accessories. These 2 are the hottest fashion trends/commodities, especially with this year’s Carnival coming soon. Just for context, Carnival time in Rio is the hottest part of the year, and we are usually forced to wear as little clothing as possible but still be cute and deliver looks on the streets.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: I tell everyone they should go to Sossego beach in Niterói! It’s my favorite beach in the whole world. It’s small, practically no one goes there during the week, and it’s super safe, too. The beach is located in the oceanic region of Niterói, where you find dozens of amazing beaches. All I would say for tourists is just watch out for the sea, respect its force and enjoy!
What do you think Rio does best? Without a doubt, it’s people. We tend to be warmhearted and super receptive towards visitors, and to me, that makes a world of difference when you arrive at a new place. That’s saying a lot about Rio, being that the city is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its natural beauties are breathtaking, to say the least. With that being said, I think Rio is the perfect combo: cool people and a beautiful place. I’m really grateful to call Rio my home.
Where are you from? I’m from Niterói, a small city that neighbors Rio.
How old are you? 23
Instagram: @iampaulaamaral
What’s the most typically Brazilian thing about you? I think I carry with me the “jeitinho brasileiro” (Brazilian way) of being talkative and well-connected. I’m usually quick about making friends and meeting new people everywhere I go. For example, when I went to SPFW, I was at a model house for it. I think in the first couple of days, I found my girls, and from then on, we developed a bond that, to this day, I’m close with most of them.
Tell us a bit about the part of Rio you are from. What are the best and worst things? I was born and raised in San Francisco, a neighborhood in Niterói. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, not as crowded as Rio, and therefore calmer in nature. I love going to the beaches in Niterói for that exact reason; I feel safer and am never in a rush. The fact that Niteroi is calmer is, at the same time, the worst part, cause the nightlife here is kind of dead, which forces us to cross the bridge to Rio in order to go out. But trust me, there is no better place to enjoy a perfect day at the beach than here, everybody should try it!
Your favorite word or phrase? “Tudo dá certo pra mim, até quando não foi como eu quis.” It roughly translates to “Everything works out for me even when it’s not like I wanted to.” It’s from a women’s rap duo, Tasha and Tracie. They embody blackness, and being a modern woman. That bar is like a mantra for me. It makes so much sense to me at this stage in my life, and it reminds me that not all will be perfect, and I have to work with what life gives me.
What fashion trends are you seeing in your hometown? Crochet parts or miçangas (glass beads) accessories. These 2 are the hottest fashion trends/commodities, especially with this year’s Carnival coming soon. Just for context, Carnival time in Rio is the hottest part of the year, and we are usually forced to wear as little clothing as possible but still be cute and deliver looks on the streets.
A non-touristy thing/place visitors to Rio should check out: I tell everyone they should go to Sossego beach in Niterói! It’s my favorite beach in the whole world. It’s small, practically no one goes there during the week, and it’s super safe, too. The beach is located in the oceanic region of Niterói, where you find dozens of amazing beaches. All I would say for tourists is just watch out for the sea, respect its force and enjoy!
What do you think Rio does best? Without a doubt, it’s people. We tend to be warmhearted and super receptive towards visitors, and to me, that makes a world of difference when you arrive at a new place. That’s saying a lot about Rio, being that the city is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its natural beauties are breathtaking, to say the least. With that being said, I think Rio is the perfect combo: cool people and a beautiful place. I’m really grateful to call Rio my home.