September MBF Favorite Picks

photo via: NY Times

For this month's MBF's Favorite Picks, we head South to one of the world's most exciting countries: Brazil. With emerging markets in finance, fashion, real estate, and culture, this South American country is making headlines with natives returning back to their homeland, as well as various industry insiders from all over the world. While most parts of the world are facing financial downslides, Brazil's unemployment is at historic lows as the country is now one of the biggest buyers of United States Treasury securities, taking a sharp turn from where the country was heading only 30 years ago. This week, let's take a look at some of the latest news highlighting what makes this country such a hot destination.

photo via: NY Times

1. Comedy Central Goes to Brazil
While the American-based television network Comedy Central has already established itself as a global network with channels in countries such as Britain, Poland, Israel, and New Zealand, this year, the network finally makes its debut in Brazil. With 200 million people, this is a giant stepping stone for the network as it is not only their largest overseas market, but also their first venture in Latin America.

However, this comes as no surprise as comedy is booming in Brazil due to a new generation of comedians and a growing number of entertained fans. The Brazilian comedian Rafinha Bastos is leading the way for his home country as he was also recently named the most influential person in the Twitter universe. Mixing currently existing popular American TV shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show With John Stewart, the network also plans to hire native writers and editors to cater to the Brazilian culture. Furthermore, since the economy is booming, the market for cable TV is rising, making it the perfect time to launch the channel.

photo via: W Magazine

2. "USAnatomy" by Steven Klein
Photographer and W contributor Steven Klein's new exhibition "USAnatomy" kicked off earlier this month for Brazilian society. Curated by Chico Lowndes at the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture in Sao Paulo, the attendees were invited to witness 30 rarely seen Polaroids, including the legendary July 2005 issue of W, featuring the celebrity couple, Brad and Angelina. The show will run till August 28 as part of the annual IGUATEMI photo series.

photo via: Coach

3. Retailers Expand Into Brazil
With a growing number of middle-class, retailers are all geared toward capturing the attention of the growing Brazilian market. Carrefour claims that Brazil is an important motor for their growth as the country became the retailer's second largest market in terms of sales during the first quarter of this year.

In addition, the NY-based handbag and accessory brand Coach took a smart move and extended its retail stores into Brazil. Expected to launch it's first stores in São Paulo within the next twelve months, Coach has been eyeing the country for the last year before finally signing a deal with Aste Group, enabling it to expand into freestanding stores in local shopping centers. As the economy is rapidly developing, Coach hopes to catch the attention of the "growing aspirational consumer" and believes that their brand will strongly resonate with the Brazilian market. The trend-based fast fashion retailer Topshop/Topman will also enter Brazil in February or March, as one of their several new global ventures.

photo via: Vandalog

4. Beco do Batman
In order to find the best graffiti of São Paulo, locals recommend you take a walk down the colorful walls of Beco do Batman "Batman's Alley" located in Rua Goncalo Alfonso. Originally just a typical narrow alleyway, artists have brought new life to these streets and turned them into an open-air gallery. While there are some that have remained for long periods, there are always new illustrations popping up each week, making it an evolving art space.

photo via: WWD

5. Myla Launches Swimwear in Brazil
When it comes to swimwear, Brazilians are the expert. Therefore, it's no surprise that British lingerie label Myla is revamping it's swimwear line in collaboration with Brazilian designer Amir Slama, the cofounder of the swim label Rosa Cha. Launching it's Cruise 2012 collection in November, the 60-piece collection includes a wide assortment, from both sleek and simple to elaborate and glamorous. Staying true to Myla's design sense, the styles are all about making women feel confident in their own bodies, designed with supporting structure to sculpt the body. All designs will be manufactured in Brazil, where Slama oversees the process.

photo via: The Rio Times

6. The "Bus Rapid System"

Since the bus is the most common form of transportation in the bustling cities of Brazil, local commuters were thrilled earlier this month on the inauguration of the "Bus Rapid System," taking full effect in Leblon and Ipanema beginning August 20th. With this new system, buses can ride faster and more efficiently, cutting traffic time and reducing congestion. Of the 55 lines that are currently operating in Ipanema, fifty are planned to be included in the BRS system, with five lines no longer operating. As the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games are slowly approaching, Rio de Janeiro is quickly on it's way in upgrading it's infrastructure.

photo via: TechEBlog

7. The Laranjeiras Residence
Real estate has skyrocketed in Brazil and this house in Rio de Janeiro is a true gem. Called the Laranjeiras Residence, the home features an open box design, meaning that "it was built around the natural surroundings." Using it's landscape to enhance the layout, the concept of the design gives the feeling of freedom within the space. Using large windows, wide openings, high ceilings, and large open rooms, this is an extravagant seasonal vacation house.