The first Rio Fashion Week in over a decade ended successfully on Saturday night at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro. Shows by Osklen and Lenny Niemeyer drew crowds, reportedly more animated than recent São Paulo Fashion Week editions. Brands like Handred and Misci stood out with innovative presentations.
Rio Fashion Week opened with Osklen, known for exporting carioca lifestyle, and closed with Lenny Niemeyer, a national beachwear reference. Held at Pier Mauá, it saw packed venues, including Aluf's Wednesday afternoon show and Lucas Leão's.
André Namitala of Handred showed a winter collection in dark browns and muted tones, deemed by many the event's best. Nearing its 15th anniversary, the label avoided Rio stereotypes, featuring models shielded from harsh weather.
Shows turned into spectacles: Misci at the sambódromo, Blue Man with a samba school drumline, and Adidas with a rap duo relaunching 2000s sneakers. Misci's designs, with embroidery by Wendy Cao and pirarucu fish skin cowboy boots, were hard to see due to distance and backlighting.
Body diversity was scarce, mostly thin models, except Karoline Vitto's show with normal and plus-size figures paired with Carlos Penna's maxi jewelry. Twelve-year-old Títi Gagliasso debuted for a Brazilian brand, moving her parents in the audience.
Thousands attended Pier Mauá to see and be seen, emphasizing entertainment over clothing.
