Christmas Presents With a Difference
Prepare to clear some space in your suitcase – if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents for the folks back home, you’re in the right city.
For a truly one-off piece, head to the Escadaria Selaron (‘Lapa Steps’) in Lapa, where you’ll find off-beat Chilean artist Selaron (like Madonna, it seems he only needs the one name!) hard at work on the ever-evolving art installation that involves decorating this winding stairwell with tiles from across the globe. Selaron has also dotted the steps with his own distinctive artwork, and his works are displayed in bars and restaurants across the city. A real Rio legend, Selaron paints new pieces each day, and tourists are more than welcome to buy. His paintings depict Carioca life in all its colourful glory, from football to favelas, and really captures the spirit of the city. Prices depend vary according to the size of each painting – be prepared to haggle. The stairwell links Santa Teresa with Lapa, and Selaron can usually be found at the Lapa end, at the end of Rua Teotônio Regadas.
For the fashion victim in your life, don’t miss a trip to Favela Hype. Carioca designer Kananda Soares set up the Favela Hype label back in the 1990s, and has since won scores of fans for her sexy, colourful and very funky pieces. The Favela Hype line is now stocked in chic boutiques as far afield as New York and London, but visit the store in Soares’ home city for the most extensive ranges and the best prices. Although the Favela Hype headquarters are in Santa Teresa, a larger store can be found at the Galeria River mall in Arpoador. Here you’ll find ranges for guys as well as girls, but be warned – Favela Hype lines are not for shrinking violets!
Of course, if there’s one item of clothing that’s synonymous with Rio, it’s the bikini. There are several super-trendy swimwear labels in the city, such as Bum-Bum and Rosa Cha, but for beautifully cut bikinis that offer a little more coverage than the famous ‘fio dental’ (dental floss) bikini, head to Lenny. Designer Lenny Niemeyer’s swimsuits and bikinis are fashionable, elegant and flattering and have made it onto the racks of Bloomingdales and Harrods. While the store at Forum de Ipanema offers some gorgeous options, the outlet store at Rua Carlos Goes 234, Leblon, is the place to come for real bargains.
Meanwhile, for a real treasure trove of vintage fashion, hand-crafted jewelry and locally-produced art, head for Santa Arte, in Santa Teresa. At the side of the excellent Restaurante Santa Arte, this little store features racks of vintage clothing for both sexes, alongside beautifully crafted bags, jewelry and ceramics. Prices are very affordable, and the mosaic pieces depicting Rio icons such as Sugar Loaf mountain and the Arcos da Lapa make wonderful gifts. Santa Arte is handily located at the heart of Santa Teresa’s main eating, drinking and shopping strip at Rua Pascoal Carlos Magnos 103.
There’s no shortage of places to pick up unique gifts for kids – one of the best being Enfim Enfant, at Shopping da Gavea, Gavea. Here you’ll find delightful wooden tropical birds and animal characters crafted by the local Magoo label, as well as toys and games from Carioca team Rei na Barriga. And if your kids want to recreate the glamour of Carnival at home, a trip to Sonhos e Fantasias, in Ipanema, is in order. The name means ‘Dreams and Costumes’, and here you’ll find colourful children’s carnival costumes and masks, alongside gorgeous nightwear for boys and girls. Sonhos e Fantasias is at Rua Visconda da Piraja 444, shop 114, Ipanema.