The Carioca’s Perceivings: from pavements to fashion

One of Rio's trademarks is the manually applied Portuguese pavements in all sidewalks of the famous beaches. Their designs are urban tattoos that reflect the "carioca" culture and inspire stylists and fashionists in new creations.

Atlantica Avenue Middle Promenade by Roberto Burle MarxRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

The Carioca Imaginary 

The Atlantic curve inspires designers in the city of Rio. Who has had the experience of facing the sidewalk of Copacabana and thought about the aesthetic beauty that it is capable of producing with its curves? Imagine the designers who are challenged daily to look for the beautiful, the functional, the different, the innovation and the comfort admiring these urban tattoos. Turning them into utilitarian and functional works of art such as dazzling chairs, tables and jointed jewels. Or fabrics that turn into swimsuits, dresses and scarves, plus sandals that can walk comfortably along the Rio de Janeiro. Forms that could be in the imaginary of Oscar Niemeyer with his "free and sensual curve" or with Burle Marx, whose project of the central sidewalk of Copacabana is an open canvas with inspiring abstract brushstrokes. Its last reform in the decade of 70, slightly changed the proportion of the undulations that are exposed until today. Gradually, the texture of the Portuguese stone and its designs are appropriating as a carioca symbol that, through the design, brings into the house the "Air Beach", the most internationally known sidewalk. Gathering designers who were born in the city and other nationalities to form the Imaginary Carioca is to line a mosaic of stones that, in the end, is harmoniously composed in a "sidewalk" of styles. Let us walk along the stone rugs and be amazed by the diversity of carefully studied pieces drawn in curves and reflecting the Carioca style of living.

The Leme beach, one of the several places where is seen the waves of the ocean sculpted on the sidewalk.

Lenço Aragem RioRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Clothes

Circulando swimsuit (2015) by Lenny NiemeyerRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Especially developd for the exhibition Tatuagens Urbanas e o Imaginário carioca, the swimsuit made by one of the greatest designers of swim suits in Brazil.

Circulando swimsuit
by Lenny Niemeyer

Lycra and tiles
2015

Lenço Aragem RioRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Aragem Rio joined the Copacabana Palace to develop a line of handkerchiefs and exclusive cangas with prints that unite the beauty of Rio de Janeiro to the sophistication of Copacabana Palace.

The prints were carefully developed in a manual pencil, watercolor and gouache process, to be then scanned and printed on fabric. The art illustrates the wealth of architectural elements and interiors of the hotel, an important historical element of Rio, next to the lush nature of the city.

One of Aragem Rio's sources of inspiration is the Carioca lifestyle. The process on the prints is manual: pencil, watercolor and gouache followed by scanning and printing on fabric. The art illustrates the wealth of architectural elements of Copacabana Palace and the exuberance of the city.

Canga Copacabana Palace
by Aragem Rio

Manual pencil, watercolor, gouache scanned and printed on fabric
2015

Ano Novo Dress (2015) by Isabela CapetoRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

This dress from the New Year's collection is inspired by Seaweed.

Ano Novo Dress
by Isabela Capeto

Black linen and off-white cotton, embroidered with pearls
2015

Enjoy Sandals (2014) by UnknownRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Feetwear

Sneakers +5521 (2015) by Oskar MetsavahtRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Sneakers +5521
by Oskar Metsavaht

Sneakers in upper material in 100% cotton canvas with leather detail. Lining in 100% cotton twill, customised sole in vulcanised rubber.
2015

Flip Sandals (2014) by UnknownRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Flip Sandals
by Ipanema

PVC
2014

Enjoy Sandals (2014) by UnknownRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Enjoy Sandals
by Ipanema

PVC
2014

Orlas ring (2013) by H. SternRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Accessories

Rio Bracelet (2012) by Lisht by Lisht MarinhoRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Rio Bracelet
by Lisht Marinho

Bracelet tips in yellow gold 18kt. Plaques in yellow gold 18 kt.
2012

The Rio line arose from the passion for the City, its charms, the special way of carioca to face life. Inspired by icons of the Carioca lifestyle and driven by the pride of living here was born this jewel and the partnership with the "I Love Rio I Care" movement, which receives part of the value of the sale of this line to contribute so that the city remains wonderful.

Ótica Ventura (2015) by Francisco VenturaRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Ótica Ventura: The Bossa do Olhar collection
by Francisco Ventura

100% acetate
2015

Wind ring and earring and Ondas Bracelet (2014) by Antonio BernardoRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Silvery lines of silver and black enamel, finished with satin, give movement to the piece. The route of the lines and the contrast of the light and dark, trace the path of the wind.

The bracelet explores the ripple effect on its contour and surface, highlighted by the contrast of light and dark finish.

Wind ring and earring
Ondas Bracelet
by Antonio Bernardo

925 Silver
2014

Orlas ring (2013) by H. SternRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

The winding lines that draw the banks of rivers and oceans - especially in Brazilian landscapes - have always been a source of great inspiration for Niemeyer.

"... What draws me is the curve free and sensual, the curve I find in the mountains of my country, in the winding course of its rivers, in the waves of the sea..."

The architect in his Poem of the Curve. The curvilinear borders are depicted in his work and in this ring takes shape by the simple contour of an extended curve.

It seems to draw a continuous line that walks along the seafront, on endless sand tracks.

Orlas ring
by H. Stern

White gold and diamonds
2013

Curvas bracelet (2013) by H. SternRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

"If the line is the shortest path between two points, the curve is the that makes concrete seek the infinite", Niemeyer told explain your preference for the fluid and sinuous lines.

They, the curves, inspired this bracelet where the turns form layers wavy, one on top of the other. The design explores a of the main elements of architecture: perspective.

The visual impression caused differs according to the angle by which one sees the jewel.

Curvas bracelet
by H. Stern

Yellow gold
2013

Caminhos ring (2011) by H. SternRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Burle Marx liked to create drawings with geometric shapes that fit together. It is something also found in its sidewalks, including those of the Beach of Copacabana.

The ring in white gold and diamonds refers to paths that meet, intersect and fit.

Caminhos ring
by H. Stern

White gold and diamonds
2011

Luz e sombra bracelet (2011) by H. SternRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

Light and Shadow Bracelet with gold geometric elements arranged as to leave void spaces.

A square black diamond (princess lapidation) reinforces the effect of dark spots on the brightness of gold.

Luz e sombra bracelet
by H. Stern

Yellow gold and black diamond
2011

Copacabana ring and Calçadão bracelet (2007) by Francesca Romana DianaRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

The beauties of the Marvelous City inspired the designer in creation of this piece. From the drawings of the famous sidewalks of Copacabana and Ipanema, bracelets, rings and earrings are born which have already won the most important magazines around the world. Other pieces bring the profile of Rio de Janeiro, with its icons such as Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer and the Copacabana Beach.

Copacabana ring and Calçadão bracelet
by Francesca Romana Diana

Gold or silver plated ring and enamel without gems and metal bracelet with photographic resin without gems
2007

Ipanema Promenade by UnknownRio de Janeiro Department of Conservation

"Remember this art,
I believe in its qualities!
It turns up in every part,
for it is quite Portuguese.
I've wanted mostly to be outright,
to my heart, an open door!
I shape the black and white,
I'm a goldsmith of the floor."

Unknown Author

Credits: Story

Realization: Lenora Vasconcellos and Renata Lima.

Content: Amanda Cinelli and Lorena Vasconcellos.

Photos: Bruno Veiga.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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