By Georgia Grimond, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With January comes resolutions to get fitter and thinner. In Brazil glorious sunshine and the lure of the beach makes sticking to projeto verão (summer project) easier here than in other parts of the world. However if running on Ipanema beach is not an option, channel some Brazilian energy and add some Carioca color to your workout with these three Rio-inspired beach and sportswear brands.
Posto 9 was started in 2013 by Elin Ritter, a zumba teacher and graduate from Central St Martins College in London where she is based. She designs bright, lively yoga and running wear made out of top-quality Brazilian Meryl and Supplex Lycra fabrics.
“Our collections features feminine figure-shaping leggings, sensual jumpsuits and flattering bra tops, available only in limited editions,” she says. “Our garments will take you from the office to the gym in style, and are tested by our brand ambassadors to ensure they meet rigorous performance standards.”
Designed in London, her clothes made by in Rio by women’s collectives in low-income neighborhoods in São Gonçalo. These women are usually married with children and working for Posto 9 enables them to work from home giving them a regular income and independence they might otherwise not have.
This year the brand will expand to include mens- and childrenswear, as well as the existing women’s collections. Its products are currently available in the UK and a few places in Europe and America. Another website is coming soon for customers in Brazil.
Frescobol Carioca is a luxury beachwear brand that launched in 2009 with its expertly crafted eponymous frescobol beach bat. It then moved into swimwear, gaining a name for itself for its tasteful and chic mens trunks which feature, among other designs, the curving pattern of Copacabana’s pavements. Each are named after various places in Brazil.
Recently the company has expanded to include a range of leisurewear. Using top-quality lightweight jersey and evoking the same Carioca cool, the new collection features hoodies, sweaters and track pants in black, navy and dark grey. Frescobol also makes large linen cangas (or beach sarongs), bags, hats and wooden surfboards. Its products are available from either of its two shops in London, online or from one of its many stockists around the world.
For timeless and top-quality beach and leisurewear, men and women all over can turn to classic Carioca brand Osklen. Seen on surfers, mothers and models alike, it is the ultimate but understated fashion look for the beach. Owned by Brazilian fashion designer and artist Oskar Metsavaht, Osklen products are made of the highest quality materials with a focus on natural and environmentally friendly products. Stocked around the world, online and available from a number of stores in Rio and Brazil, including a dedicated Osklenpraia shop at 1102 Rua Prudente de Moraes in Ipanema.