It was my first time in Sao Paulo, first time in Brasil and first
time in South America altogether, so last week I was supremely
excited to get myself out of bed, and into a brand new city to explore.
As with most first-time destinations, my ideas of Brasil were clouded
with stereotypes. From music videos, magazines and the like, you get the idea
that the girls are going to be beautiful, and the people are going to be
dancing on the street wearing green, yellow and blue. From newspapers and
movies, you imagine that on every turn your life will transform into a Denzel
Washington ‘Man on Fire’-style kidnap thriller.
In an interview regarding Sao Paulo,
artist Tracey Emin recently said of the city’s crime-rate issues, “you can’t
wear a f*&king watch”. And I’d have to agree. I mean, I literally had to
scope the place out every time I wanted to whip out my camera for a quick shot.
I deliberately dressed down and my mobile phone stayed out of sight for the
entire trip having been pre-warned of venturing alone by hotel staff, crew,
locals… so, pretty much everyone then.
The constant apprehension of one’s own safety somewhat tarnishes
what is an otherwise pleasant place with people who seem to hold no airs and
graces, and who are refreshingly down-to-earth compared to Dubai.
Getting into town involved a train/metro connection and then I was
slap-bang in the middle of Republica (pronounced Hepublica, apparently). I
found myself mixing with market shoppers, rasta-style Marley fans and tons of
post-high-school types discovering themselves with the help of too much sun and
Cachaça.
Whilst doing what sightseeing I could, I tried to soak up some of
the atmosphere and style of the city, without
looking like a complete tourist. The half Lebanese-half Scottish mix helps but
my hilarious attempts at Portuguese might have betrayed my true identity – “tudo
bem!”
The somehow continental feel of the streets was splashed with sticky
sun and old/new architecture combines the city’s history alongside its recent
developments. A Miami-like palm-lined approach leads to the Sao Paulo Cathedral
Sé Metropolitana. It stands majestically in front of a square filled with a
cocktail of cultures and calamities; beggars, Brasilians and tourists alike
flock to say their prayers.
I scanned said square, hoping to find some blogworthy street style a
la Sao Paulo, but I found myself struggling somewhat. There was way too much
lycra, lots of 90s throwback tributees and too-tight t-shirts were pressing their
way around too many tanned Paulistas. Colour was everywhere, but not in that cool
I'm-a-hot-blooded-Latino way I was hoping for. It was more of a
brightest-thing-in-my-wardrobe-caught-my-eye-this-morning look.
Despite my slight disappointment, I kept a lookout for any surprises
that might just be waiting to feature in The Trolley Dolly’s World Catwalk… and
then I bumped into Sabrina with her lovely friend Rodrigo (pronounced Hodrigo)
and with the help of Rodrigo’s translation, I got to know that there definitely
is some street style in Sao Paulo, but of course I was in the wrong area for
it. Oh well, there’s always next time.
Sabrina’s outfit caught my eye with its accessorised simplicity. In contrast with the world’s recent fashion weeks, I love her ready-to-wear realness – printed tee
tucked into a belted maxi skirt. It’s a look I really should work harder to pull
off as it’s perfect for Dubai. Add to that bright red nails, lots of eyeliner
and quirky accessories. Don’t you just love it? I do.
