Where to Splurge

Looking for a souvenir that carries a bit more cultural cachet than a key ring? Set aside some time for browsing at these Rio boutiques

DESIGN

mercado moderno The gold standard in Brazilian design since the 1940s, Mercado Moderno (above) is an essential stop in Centro for anyone interested in modernist furniture and masters such as Joaquim Tenreiro, Sérgio Rodrigues, Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi and José Zanine Caldas. Look out, too, for stunning pieces by Rio’s brilliant new guard.

BEAUTY

Granado The classic brand of Brazilian toiletries was founded in this superb old pharmacy in Centro in 1870. Granado also snapped up the 1930s heritage brand Phebo in 2004 and gave new life to a line of eaux de cologne that had long been serving Rio’s finest ladies. If you only buy one thing, make it the Carioca range of liquid soap, lotion and assorted unguents—the spirit of Rio in a bottle.

FASHION

Isabela Capeto Isabela Capeto captures Rio’s bohemian heart and serves it up in the form of beautifully wearable garments, including floaty but structured dresses, with a totally tropical, handmade feel, plus a range for children aged from four to 10. Her boutique is in Horto.

JEWELLERY

antonio Bernardo As consistently creative and exciting as they are lavish and luxe, Antonio Bernardo’s exquisite gold treasures beg to be seen, admired and possessed. The boutique is in Ipanema.

ART

Galeria Inox This wonderful gallery in Copacabana juggles a deft mix of hot new talent and solidly curated classic Brazilian art. Look for edgy work by São Paulo’s Alexandre Orion, and Spanish painter Xevi Solà’s hyper-real, hypnotically transfixing portraits.

SWIMWEAR

adriana Degreas Worn by the likes of Poppy Delevingne and Alessandra Ambrosio, the itsy bitsy bikinis and other luxury beachwear of this homegrown brand (below) have a jet-set following.

LEATHER

patricia Viera The local fashion designer, whose boutique is in Leblon, creates incredibly feminine silhouettes in bright, patterned and embellished leathers.

BITS AND BOBS

Cassino atlântico This four-floor shopping mall beside the Sofitel in Copacabana is an Aladdin’s cave of antiques, art and collectibles.