We went shopping at the Brazilian lingerie store HOPE yesterday. Love the material they make their lingerie in. No surprise that they've chosen Gisele Bündchen as their front figure. She is - if possible - even more loved in her home country Brazil, than in the rest of the world. A plus is also that she's well associated with Victoria's Secret which can never be a bad thing in the lingerie world.

We went to a tapas bar in Ipanema last night and sat next to the legendary bikini designer Lenny. She seems to be Brazil's answer to Donatella Versace. Perhaps it's the intense tan, the blond hair, some features in the face - but most of all the attitude. She's an inspiration!

Her store is situated next to the tapas bar - I'm guessing she's a regular.

Ok, I LOVE this brand. Need to go to their only store in Rio but it's far... São Conrado Fashion Mall.. Have a feeling they make awesome monokinis.

Rosa Chá means Pink Tea in Portuguese

I have actually been trying to write about other brands than bikini brands - but it's hard since there are so many nice bikinis that I want to share with you.

However, today, I'm introducing a local favorite here in Rio; FARM

FARM is focused on patterns - all kind of different patterns that they use for their dresses, tops and trousers. It's different and sometimes too much for me. But when they do it right, they do it RIGHT.

I would say they are a mix of CUSTO Barcelona and an exclusive and much smaller version of Top Shop. Perhaps you could compare it with Kate Moss' collection.

You find them in Ipanema.

Today's Brazilian brand is one of my favorite bikini brands; Vix

It's pretty big in the US and I guess that is why they make bikini bottoms with both Brazilian (minimal) coverage and standard (full) coverage. Gosh I really unlike full coverage. Almost got upset when I saw gringos on Ipanema this morning whith gigantic bikini bottoms. Almost.. :)

Here's a nice story about how JO DE MER was founded:

(from JO DE MER's homepage)

"The Brazilian beachwear line was created by ex-fashion editor Amalia Spinardi. Having worked for years in publishing at teen magazine Capricho and Elle Brazil, Amalia was responsible for discovering several Brazilian beauties and made the first covers for many of the now top models as Gisele Bundchen, Isabeli Fontana, Fernanda Tavares, Raquel Zimerman and Alessandra Ambrosio.

After a period of experience on the internet content market she got pregnant and decided to quit work for a sabbatical year. But for someone who has always enjoyed working and has lots of creative energy, the non-working year turned to be the research period for her coming swimwear line."

She's an inspiration! Cute fact: The name JO comes from her son Joseph.

Apart from all the colors and beautiful shapes of Brazilian fashion - I LOVE the settings they chose for their fashion shows.

Check out CIA.MARÍTIMA - the environment he has created for his runway is amazing.

I LOVE when I find new bikini brands that are worth knowing. Paola Robba is one of them. Don't mind the brand name either; Paola...

Only problem is; the pink bikini top ♥ below is from a previous collection, so it might be hard for me to get it :'-(

OSKLEN - ideal to wear on a holiday at a calm and beautiful place, close to nature.

Their sence for simplicity and interesting choice of material makes their clothes unique and lovely to wear. Love their swimwear for men.

BumBum is always worth a visit! This year I actually liked their swimwear for men most. Board shorts and Brazilian speedos ;)

My first day in Rio I found a cool brand that does shoes in a rubber-like material. I bought a pair of high heels (see the red ones below) that were really comfortable cause of their soft sole. Jelly's also doing a cooperation with Vivienne Westwood which was a nice surprise.

Don't miss Jelly if you are in Rio - or shop their stuff online.

I first encountered Adriana Degreas' bikinis in a small shop at the boutique hotel Casas Brancas in Búzios, outside Rio, in 2007. Instant love.

During my time in Rio I will post one amazing Brazilian brand a day.

Hitting it off with: AGUA DE COCO

LOVE the black one-piece in the middle.

I'll be off to Rio de Janeiro by the end of next week.

Can't wait to run down to Ipanema...

The red bikini must be their no 1 hit 2011. Need one!

My Japanese friend Memi is working with a couple of Japanese brands and here's one of them; Nedesico. They make really sweet stuff!

Check out Memi and her team's web shop at www.in-style-online.com

(Japanese text)

Unfortunately you won't be able to find Salinas at paula-o.com any more, but I still have a close cooperation with the agent and will keep you up-dated on where you can buy their lovely design. Here are a fiew picks from their collection of 2011:

I need all of these...