The Best Spots For Luxury Shopping In Rio De Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is not short of shopping opportunities, but in such a huge city it can be hard to know which places offer both haute couture and pristine service. For an afternoon of pure indulgence among some of the world’s best brands, here are some of the best spots in Rio de Janeiro for luxury shopping.

Ipanema neighborhood

Rub shoulders among Rio’s boho elite on Rua Visconde da Piraja street, where quirky boutiques reel in passersby as effortlessly as the big players. The vibe here is beach-chic with plenty of bikinis and after-hours clothes tailored for casual nights while keeping cool in the balmy Rio evenings. For pure sophistication, Rua Garcia ‘Dávila street is worth a stroll down with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Lenny Niemeyer (a Brazilian swimwear line) setting the standards.

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Leblon neighborhood

1. Fashion Mall

Forest, Shopping Mall

Sao Conrado is a neighborhood in Rio nestled between a strip of white coastline and a sprawling forest, yet rarely makes it on the list of top places to visit in Rio. However, this only serves to make its famous Fashion Shopping Mall that little bit more exclusive. The inside is decorated and designed with a luxury experience in mind and staff throughout the mall are attentive and courteous. Shopping options include a wide choice of international and Brazilian brands and the top floor of the mall is decked with upscale restaurants and drinking spots.

2. Village Mall

Cinema, Shopping Mall

Located in Barra da Tijuca – the land of shopping malls in Rio – Village Mall is the cream of the crop when it comes to luxury brands and an exclusive shopping service. Staff maintain an aloof yet attentive stance, heightening the lavish experience. Brands include Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Armani and the mall has a refreshing, relaxed feel with no crowds and a peaceful setting. Wander upstairs to enjoy wonderful views over Barra’s nature reserve from the mall’s balcony before heading inside for an upscale lunch and a glass of wine. The cinema at Village Mall keeps up with the mall’s sophisticated style with finishing touches such as rosemary-infused popcorn and reclining double sofa-chairs.

Bikinis

The home of the bikini, Rio de Janeiro is not short of exquisite luxury brands. For both male and female swimwear, head to Blue Man on Rua Visconde da Piraja in Ipanema for unique prints. The pieces are flattering and the brand itself has become a national icon. For pure sophistication and luxury, there is no other brand quite like Lenny Niemeyer in Brazil which designs high-quality bikinis and one-pieces that blend subtle prints with true class. There is a Lenny Niemeyer store on Av. Ataulfo de Paiva in Leblon. Casa Bromelia Swimwear is a local online label from Rio that takes inspiration from Rio’s stunning surroundings to design tropical, colourful prints that reflect the city’s vibrant nature. The result is a collection of gorgeous bikinis and striking one-pieces that can be teamed with shorts or flowing trousers for a glamorous night out.

Brazilian brands

Brazil has several wonderful luxury brands that distinguish themselves from global competition by drawing from the quirks and uniqueness of Brazil. When in Rio, here are some brands worth checking out.

L’Occitane au Bresil

The French brand set up an exclusive Brazilian sideline to produce incredible beauty products inspired by the Amazon. The beauty line has everything you could possibly want to make your skin feel soft, keeping your body smelling gorgeous and feeling great. To browse through the collection, head to Shopping Gavea and visit their well-stocked store.

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H.Stern

Founded in Brazil in 1945, H.Stern is still owned by the same Brazilian family that originally opened it. A hallmark for jewellery standards worldwide, H.Stern has over 280 stores across 32 countries around the globe. The company headquarters are based in Rio de Janeiro and one of its most famous stores in the city is on Rua Garcia ‘Dávila in Ipanema. It has successfully carved itself out to be a luxury brand by lending its finest pieces to celebrities to enhance its image.

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Chocolate Q

Another upscale brand located on the renowned Rua Garcia ‘Dávila street in Ipanema, Chocolate Q redefines chocolate with its organic range that uses pure, natural ingredients from the Amazon. The taste is smooth, rich and proves that 100% natural has never tasted so good. The shapes of the chocolates are inspired by the works of Brazil’s most famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer. They make a great gift to take home or simply a treat for yourself.

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