In 2023, after 15 years away from Brazil, I went home and had a deep reconnection with Rio: a reckoning experienced in body, mind, and soul through affectionate memories.

From that experience, The Rio Kitchen was born, a project celebrating Brazilian cuisine where I write recipes for those living abroad, in english, and with a lot of heart. But the Carioca style also played an essential role in this reawakening.

Through Rio brands I found the younger me, the one who once adorned her adidas with pink laces and toted neon purses scored at artisan markets in Rio, London, and wherever I went. She inspired me with her fearlessness and reminded me I once creatively expressed myself through style—and that this was a huge part of my identity.

I have always wanted to reflect the Carioca style in this project. Then, with so many fun questions about the “looks” I chose for my videos, I started collaborating with style brands and showing the beautiful artisanship of Brazilian fashion.

Learn more about this journey in a video produced with Balaco Rio.