dallasDECORUM Goes Global-RIO DE JANIERO

Over my birthday week last month, your dallasDECORUM blogger was plucked from the design district to partake in a travel itinerary that consisted of hopping over a pond to another continent...South America, and to be more precise Rio de Janiero. While the trip did consist of design related work, I was able to get out and explore one the city that Jesus himself keeps an eye just in case you have a few too many Caipirinhas - the national cocktail.

Girl From Ipanema

The classic 1960's song that introduced the cool, casual sound of Bossa Nova to the world...

LYRICS
Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"

When she walks she's like a samba
that swings so cool and sways so gently
that when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"

Oh, but he watches so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her?
Yes, he would give his heart gladly.

But each day when she walks to the sea
she looks straight ahead
not at he.

Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
he smiles
but she doesn't see.
She just doesn't see.
No, she doesn't see....

Vintage 1930's Postcards

The cars, the clothes, the chivalry...the clothes again! Movie stars flocked to Rio - filming the likes of The Road to Rio, That Man from Rio, and of course some James Bond thrown in for good measure.

What you need in your travel bag...just wait and get your Haviainas in Brazil...you can even customize them. The fashion regime is very casual. Most women do not wear any makeup - they don't really need to, they all have perfect skin! - and every one dons a pair of the national flip flop. In the evening, it is all about staying cool and the least amount of clothing you can get away with so you can samba the night away! Bandeau tops are au rigueur.

Copacabana Hotel

THE hotel of Copacabana Beach, the hotel opened in the 1920's and has hosted the world's more exclusive celebrities and politicians. If you can't fork over a night's stay, check out the Sunday brunch by the pool.

The day I went to pay homage to one of the 7 wonders of the world, it was a beautiful 85 degree day. I caught this shot just in time before the sun crept over, and would have otherwise made it a total blackout of a shot.

View from the heavens above....

Keeping watch over the city...if you start to have TOO much fun, just look up. He's always watching...

HI FIVE!

The view from Sugar Loaf, (see him above???) another famous peak in Rio reached by cable lifts.

MR. MONKEY - He lives on these high peaks of Sugar Loaf, pictured below...actual photo from my trip. Very National Geographic...I can't take credit though.

Vintage Postcard from Sugar Loaf

To get to Sugar Loaf you ascend to one peak in a cable lift and then to another. They are very adamant about checking your tickets from one peak to the next....even stating on the ticket one must have ticket to return. I am glad I kept mine...it is a pretty treacherous climb down it looks like.

To the top

Classic Vintage Poster

Ah...and of course the Carnivale girls! Unfortunately I missed the boat and had to leave before Carnivale, the WORLD's Best Party according to Guinness Book of World Records.

A Copacabana girl... although this is from the New York Broadway, I am sure there were many of these in Rio back in 1930's. I am loving those gloves...and the feather!

We checked out LAPA in Rio - I would amount it to Austin's 6th street and Miami's Ocean Drive on steroids. I have never seen that many people spilling onto the streets - there was not enough room in the bars and clubs so people make their own in the street, after street, after street....you get it. It was amazing to see impromptu performances with people simply using a handmade drum and a pair of drum sticks.

Artwork in LAPA

Ipanema Beach - My Last Day :(

Street Market

Ah...yes and of course, the national drink, a Caipirinhas, which simply constitutes for large amounts of rum, sugar and lime. You can pick these up on the beach for less then two reais $.

Great street food

Ipanema Beach...the water was freezing but refreshing. I found it interesting that most Cariocas can not swim, staying only to where their feet are firmly planted

Um...Speedos, lots of them. Brazilians are definitely the athletic lot, both men and women, you will see them on the beach at the break of dawn playing volleyball...with their feet...

MUST SEES

Copacabana

Copacabana is a district located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its beach-shaped half-moon is also known as Princess of the Sea, by its poetic aura, famous since the 30s. Copacabana beach has led to many songs, books, paintings and photographs. Today is a tourist reference in Brazil.

Ipanema beach

The main attraction of the neighborhood, the Ipanema beach is a favorite of Rio de Janeiro, losing in popularity only to the Copacabana beach, where the city’s New Year happens every year. The place is frequented by people day and night going for a walk, play sports, cycle by its bike path and enjoy the sensuality and beauty of who frequents the place. Kiosks sell various foods and drinks, but the basics are the coconut milk and sandwiches. The boardwalk to the Ipanema beach is bordered by an extensive bike path.


Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

One of the most popular tourist attractions of Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf Mountain (in portuguese: Pão de Açúcar) is a place where you have the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro. Of the Sugar Loaf can be enjoyed several city beaches, the dense Atlantic Forest vegetation and historic buildings such as the Fort of “Santa Cruz”, the “Fiscal” Island and even downtown.

Christ Redeemer statue (Cristo Redentor)

One of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue in Rio de Janeiro attracts thousands of tourists all year.
With his arms outstretched over the city, the Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is the most beautiful symbol of Rio de Janeiro and the most famous postcard of Brazil. Located on top of the Corcovado hill, 710 meters (2319,4 ft) above sea level, up there what you see is pure bliss: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, the Lagoon, in short, a Rio de Janeiro with his breathtaking scenery and unique.

SHOPPING

BarraShopping

The BarraShopping became a reference for the Rio de Janeiro since it was inaugurated in 1981. Besides having the most prominent shops in town (almost 600 different shops), highlight the space “New Yor City Center” offering a distinctive entertainment, restaurants that are a benchmark in food and other services.
Address: Av. Das. Americas, 4666 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 4003 4131


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Leblon Shopping

A special place that brings together all that Rio has to offer: fun, food, entertainment, culture, natural beauty and, of course, lots of fashion. More than 200 shops, where you find the best brands, the most delicious restaurants, cinemas comfortable and modern, and many cultural options, an integrated area for nature, with the right of the finest views of the city.
Address: Afranio de Melo Franco Ave., 290 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430-5122


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Praia Shopping, Botafogo

This mall has the attraction that offers a breathtaking view to visitors. On the one hand the Christ, and in front of the most beautiful panoramic views of Sugar Loaf. Its eight floors house 170 stores with a complete mix of shops. The best of the cuisine is also here. Every day dozens of tourists visit the mall balcony to take the most beautiful photo with the Sugar Loaf in the background.
Address: Botafogo Beach, 400 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2259 9880


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Rio Design Leblon

Located in the neighborhood of Leblon, Rio’s Zona Sul, is a shopping district has adopted the neighborhood, making it an extension of your home. Cozy and stylish, the mall brings together the best of Rio fashion in its 71 stores. Rio Design Leblon has nine restaurants, which brings together the cream of the cuisine of the South Zone.
Address: Ataulfo de Paiva Avenue, 270 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430.3024


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Rio Design Barra

Situated in one of the most exclusive districts of Rio de Janeiro, Rio Design Barra, Barra da Tijuca, bringing together the best of fashion and food in a clean environment, spacious and quiet. With over 140 establishments, including 11 restaurants and 5 cafes, which are among the best in town, Rio Design stands out from the shopping district attracting selected audience, which enjoys haute cuisine.
Address: Américas Avenue, 7777 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430.3024


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Rio Plaza Shopping

Located in Botafogo, in Rio de Janeiro, Rio Plaza Shopping focused home furnishing stores and interior architecture. Moreover, it is also the place where some of the hottest restaurants in town.
Address: Rua General Severiano, 97 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2542-5693

From: http://www.riodejanierotips.com/

And the Oscar Goes to - Best Dressed Mila!

I give the best dressed Oscar to Mila Kunis, donned in a Elie Saab number. The lavender hue hints to the upcoming spring season, and the flowy but structured shape with the scoop neck and seemingly embroidered "pasties" peaking out from under the top speak to the romance of the Oscar awards...well done. Brava Mila!

Dallas' Saint Ann's School - NOT Dishing Out Cafeteria Food

Saint Ann's School in it's former days...

When I was a little, and now, when I am big - still to this day, I can look at an old dilapidated building and picture it to full restoration in about 30 seconds. Yes, sometimes I have to work out the kinks, like using existing materials to keep it's authenticity and how it can still be to code, but nonetheless - I could walk old buildings all day long and think about an adaptable use for them. And that is why I am SO glad Dallas did just that for a former schoolhouse, Saint Ann's built in 1927, primarily built as Dallas' first school for Hispanic children it now boasts a great restaurant space with an edgy, modern glam meets zen lodge retreat vibe. If you can't picture that, just go there an experience it yourself...you'll be glad you did.

I had heard numerous friends talking the place up, and had it on my list as places to check out. It was just happenstance that I ran across it when a client recommended it as it was right down the street from her hi-rise where were having an all day photo shoot, trying to get both day and night shots of her place with the famous Dallas skyline in the background - had to wait for that green building to come on! We took a lunch break around 3 and of course the place was dead, they even happened to be having a photo shoot as well, but the crew and I were invited to sit at the bar to chow down.

I took the pressed chicken sandwich complete with pan seared chicken topped with mozzarella cheese on sourdough with roma tomatoes + cilantro pesto sided with sweet potato fries (you can choose regular or a house salad if you like). While the food and service was great, I loved the design scheme throughout and how it played on the school innuendo with the menu on notebook ruled paper. I will have to go back to check out the full dinner menu however.

Restored to what is today....

Not your typical lunch line! I loved the use of the glass floor with pebbles underfoot

Love, love the worn and torn Chesterfield sofa up against the natural wood paneling topped with a black crystal chandelier (for another post on those beauts click here...)

The dining room, sleek and minimal - don't forget to go upstairs where there is a museum collection of Samurai warriors thrown in for your history lesson.

The school can boast Dallas' largest city beer garden as well...now just behave or you might get called into the Principal's office!

The Menu

Saint Ann’s, 2501 N. Harwood Ave, 214.782.9841

Material Spotlight - Carolyn Ray Wallcoverings

While on the plane ride back from sunny Southern California this past Christmas break I was leafing through California Homes magazine, and ran across a Carolyn Ray Wallcoverings ad. I often select wallpaper memos from the David Sutherland showroom in the Dallas Design Center for clients homes. The ad featured her Mermaid Collection line, which struck a cord with me being such a water/beach feign. While it is shown in black and silver, it also comes in several other colorways.

Here in her own words, she explains how an idea is materialized into form...
"Inspiration comes with a trip to the movies, to the museum, to the beach, the woods, the water, the supermarket, the southwest, the southern Pacific, the studio shelf....

Mingled with memory, dreams and predictions, inspiration becomes an idea.

Idea becomes concept in studio experiments. Color makes the image, image transforms color. Color relationships grow, images are modified and refined.

Gradually the destination comes into focus. A livable interior complex yet quiet, color unexpected but somehow natural. A surface develops that is densely iconographic and hardly there at all.

Next the painted surface is transformed into a reproducible design. This always involves compromise and innovation to meet production and end-use requirements while staying true to the idea.

When production is at last complete, there is one more step. Our final collaboration is with the interior designer, whose artistry gives form to our materials."

Other designs from her line...

Design District Party - Leslie Taylor Throws Open Doors

To kick off the holiday party season, the Leslie Taylor showroom on Slocum St. in the Design District is first in line and will be hosting their Holiday Party this Thursday for designers and invited customer's, showing off their new goods from Tara Shaw (they are THE rep for our area! - no more trips to Houston and Louisiana to see these great French antiques and reproductions.) I will be posting the full invite on my Dallas Decorum facebook page so look there for more info and to RSVP- there will be a full invite up manana :) See ya there! ;)

DALLAS DECORUM FACEBOOK PAGE

Design on Dragon-Thursday Night

The annual Design on Dragon happens tomorrow night where the design streets duke it out over who can have the best block party. Come out to see if they can outdo the Slocum event a couple of weeks ago! Shops and galleries are throwing open the doors, complete with vino, music and food enticing you to invest in a new piece of art you've been eyeing...see you there!

Dallas Design Showroom NEST Hosts Blogger Social

For all of my fellow Dallas bloggers you are invited to "POST" - A blogger's social hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, interior designer Beth Dotolo who pens the oh, so fab - hello, splendor and Kelly of the fabulous k blog will be opening the doors of the new NEST digs on McKinney Ave. offering up cocktails and cupcakes - what can be better than that! So RSVP tonite to get a sneak peak before the grand opening bash and the first 30 who show will snag a great swag bag full of goodies!