Leblon

Leblon is Rio’s most upmarket area and fash set stronghold, and Rua Dias Ferreira is its pulsing retail artery. Start at the quirky, colourful Poeira at Rua Dias Ferreira, 480 (see Stand. Stores) for Mónica’s curated cache of furny and décor plus in-house label, then exit left and cross to find the Edificio Argumento (see Stand. Stores) at #417, fronted by Livraria Argumento (which hides sunny Café Severino should you need a fortifying coffee). Ready to get spendy, Wendy? Exit and immediate left to the stairs beside the bookshop, hotfoot to the top, and behold a slew of fab finds like Patrícia Vieira (see Adv. Shopping) on the 4/F / shop 401 / with an exquisite collection of leather and suede w/wear, and Marcela B / shop 405 / 2274 6927 / marcelab.com / for sophisty-whimsical stillies and sandals. The 3/F is home to handmade ceramics by Denise Stewart / 2294 4698 / denisestewart.com.br / and embroidered linens at Arremate / 2259 3247 / ateliearremate.com.br / both at shop 306, with art space Multiplo showing contempo works on the 2/F / shop 206 / 2259 1952 / multiploespacoarte.com.br. Exit the building right and cross. On the left cnr with Rua General Artigas spy the dreamy Granado pharmacy at #470a (see Standout Stores) with signature Brazilian-made soaps, lotions n’ potions plus the ultra-lush Phebo line of cosmetics, fragrance and skincare. Exit and continue down Dias Ferreira, where grumbly tums and grumpy hubs can be sated (or sedated): scene-tastic Sushi Leblon at #256 slices up ace aquatic life; Brigite’s across at #247a is a chic Italian haven; and next door Zuka at #233b (see Rest./Smart for all three) serves edgy int’l bites. Carry on, and #242 Eliane Carvalho / 2540 5438 / is a vintage shop worth a rummage for its selection of hats and turbans. Amble on and refuel with a scoop of creamy, hips-bedamned goodness at #147 Momo Gelato (see Coffee). Okay, now cross over to #116a Felipa / 3114 6408 / felipa.com.br / flogging lovely, locally-made espadrilles for ladies, then skip along another couple blocks until you reach the unassuming façade of Palm Beach at #64 (see Stand. Stores), a former residential complex turned showroom collective. Unless it’s Sunday, don’t be put off by closed doors – knock to enter Adriana Barra / shop 101 / 2512 3320 / adrianabarra.com.br / with dresses in vibrant prints doubling as fabrics for the home; Jenessequá / shop 307 / 3251 8838 / jenessequa.com.br / for high-styley sport and loungewear; and next door Village Vintage / shop 305 / 98085 8558 / for pre-loved bags and accessories from Chanel, Proenza Schouler et al., plus own-brand sequined party dresses. Slip into sweet gal gear at Livia Lima / shop 203 / 2523 5273 / livialima.com.br, layer on chunky jewels at BOHÖ Ourivesaria / shop 208 / 3576 1370 / bohojoias.com.br, and caress Tibetan-inspired fabrics and carpets at Square Foot by Lina Miranda / shop 306 / 3117 3472 / squarefoot. com.br. More? Oh, go on then! Hop in a cab for further dollar damage at nearby Shopping Leblon and Rio Design Mall, or if your fash haul is complete, exit left and either plop down at #64 PIPO (see Rest./Relaxed) for a scrumptious slider and caipirinha, or guzzle down a negroni at #48 Stuzzi / 2274 4017. Gold medal shopper!