Four of São Paulo’s sharpest fashion bloggers share their local savoir-faire with NOWNESS in an itinerary listing some of the Brazilian city’s unmissable hotspots. Look do Dia, Achados da Bia and Betty's are each hosted on F*HITS, a platform launched by luxury brands consultant Alice Ferraz that aggregates 26 style blogs from around the country and attracts over 3.5 million viewers a month. With fashion industry heavyweights descending on São Paulo today for the International Herald Tribune’s annual luxury conference, chaired by the newspaper’s revered fashion editor Suzy Menkes, the perception of Brazil as just beaches and fun is changing, says Ferraz: “Now people are thinking of doing business in São Paulo, it’s amazing for us and a big step for the fashion industry here.” Ferraz and her F*HITS bloggers outline their essential recommendations for an unforgettable time in the booming metropolis.
Brechó Minha Avó Tinha
Meaning “The vintage shop my grandmother used to own,” it is a haven for treasures from the 1920s to 1980s. It’s located in two adjoining houses that also sell antique furniture and accessories in the other six rooms.
Hotel Unique
Designed by renowned architect Ruy Ohtake, the hotel is a São Paulo landmark and host to the International Herald Tribune’s luxury conference. The Sky restaurant on the hotel’s rooftop, which serves dishes by celebrated chef Emmanuel Bassoleil, is one of the city’s most sought after tables.
O Velhiquário
O Velhiquário market sells religious art, spectacles and porcelains. The Velhiquário region is famous for its traditional Italian canteens. The oldest one, Capuano canteen, is less than 500 meters from the market.
Mercado Municipal de São Paulo
A must-visit! On the second floor you can find restaurants—try the most traditional mortadela sandwiches and bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes). On the ground floor are sold all kinds of delicious fruits, cheeses, grains, nuts, dried fruits and meats.
Galeria Nara Roesler
One of São Paulo's best galleries exhibiting contemporary Brazilian art. Currently on show is a site-specific installation from Laura Vinci featuring swinging brass pendulums, wall engravings and smoke screens. Also make time to visit Galeria Luciana Brito, Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Galeria Fortes Villaça.
Livraria da Villa
A meeting point for people to chat and hang out as much as it is a place for finding a great book.
Ritz Restaurant
While walking in São Paulo’s Jardins, go for lunch at Ritz. Order their famous rice cake followed by a caipirinha de frutas vermelhas.
Dalva e Dito
The second restaurant of D.O.M.’s Alex Atala, Dalva e Dito only opens its doors at midnight. It brings together young and old for a night of good food, music and Samba de Roda. Order a portion of coxinhas (chicken croquettes) for a typically Brazilian snack.