Shopping is big in Sao Paulo. With a population of almost twenty million, it’s Brazil’s largest city. It is said when Paulistanos aren’t working they’re clubbing, and when they’re not clubbing they’re shopping at a samba-driven pace.

And no wonder. My time spent shopping along Rua Oscar Freire in the chic Jardin’s neighborhood (it’s among the ten most luxurious street’s in the world), was a heady experience. Not the least because my visit coincided with Sao Paulo’s Fashion Night Out and an appearance by super-supermodel, Gisele Bündchen. Brazilian bodaciousness aside (one of my purchases included a kiss from a beautiful sales assistant upon the success of my credit card approval), sustainable fashion and beauty appear firmly entrenched in the consumer mindset here.

I’ve discovered cool cutting-edge design aesthetics from Brazilian designer brand Osklen, jeweler Mana Bernardes, and the booming natural beauty brand, Natura – all renowned for their smart, eco-friendly stance.

The atrium entrance’s artwork illustrates Jason Wu’s recent lace work detailing.

Leather goods are the typical recommendation for wares to bring back from Sao Paulo, but carting home dead animal skins doesn’t hold much appeal for me. What I am interested in packing in my suitcase home is a pair of the hip, brightly colored jelly shoes that can be found at the impressive Galeria Melissa.

The flagship Melissa shoe store has the world’s largest selection of the high design footwear made from a recyclable and non-toxic type of plastic. The Brazilian shoemaker also practices fair trade and zero waste in production.

Are plastic shoes the future of footwear? 

There’s something universally appealing about the tactile, pop art-esque shoes that inspires passion from collectors and celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Leona Lewis and both Katies (Perry and Holmes). It’s unlikely that these shoes are ever thrown in the recycling bin (even though you could).

Metamorphosis: Changing our idea of what shoes can be.

Seeing the entire collection together at once is a true visual feast. A dizzying array of gladiator sandals, flats, platform and four inch heels adorned with plastic hearts, butterfly wings and feathers are on display alongside full lines from collaborations with acclaimed designers such as the Campana Brothers, Karim Rashid and Vivienne Westwood.

The entire collection of Vivienne Westwood’s collaboration with Melissa Shoes.

The heart-quickening, near psychedelic shopping experience is aided muito by the futuristic looking bubble-shaped stands and the rave-enhanced interior and atrium artwork, which is updated with new graphics from guest artists every three months. Not to mention being helped along by the overwhelmingly intoxicating aroma of tutti-frutti, which the shoes are known for.

Chic, cruelty-free (and I can attest), incredibly comfortable shoes – what more can you ask for? 

The  psychedelic retail experience is aided by futuristic looking bubble-shaped stands.

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The fashion trends of the 1980’s had one thing in common: they were wild. Some of the first things to pop into your head when you recall that beleaguered fashion era might be spandex, excessive shoulder pads, and the hot neon looks inspired by Miami Vice.

But one trend you probably forgot about is mesh, with Madonna as fearless leader.

1980’s Madonna layered in mesh

Consider the different sources of mesh inspiration. 60’s flower power I-want-to-get-stoned-and dirty-in clothes ready for either planting or war looks; 70’s boho-chic Virgin Mary dresses and body hugging pants a la Farrah Fawcett with a hint of Sex Pistols, complete with all the Mohawk and mesh a rebellious Material Girl could stand.

We were all over the place, but are we any better now? Take a look at Gisele in Colcci (image below), and you tell me.

Gisele Bundchen for Colcci

Mesh was born of the desire to show skin post 60’s-70’s, without baring it all. In the 80’s mesh was used to add layers to popular neon crop tops in an attempt to fuse punk with the mainstream so that anyone could wear it and be hip.

The 2011 mesh trend is a recycling of older trends, coming on the tail end of  war inspired garb, 70’s “Lady of the canyon,” with just a little Sex Pistols ready to rock mixed in.

Feral Childe, spring ’11

Mesh can’t help but be edgy with its inherent industrial reference to chains, but designers for spring ’11 have decided to tone it down. Their fresh takes on the old look are tasteful and inventive. Take for instance this cone shaped mesh hat from Issey Miyaki. It provides a little ying to summer’s heavy, sun-filled yang.

Issey Miyaki, spring ’11

Loomstate’s exploration of fabric for the every-woman has us thinking more under the sea than in an underground club.

And Samantha Pleet goes all the way with her netastic floor length dress that leaves just enough to the imagination.

Samantha Pleet, spring ’11. Image from Elisa Hyman

Will all of us be wearing mesh? Probably not, but it definitely makes for texture in the closet and for fun when dressing up as an alternate to solid fabrics.

Top image: Isabel Marant, spring ’11 backstage

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Waxing maternal, Victoria’s Secret supermodel, actress, part-time eco-activist and soon-to-be mom Gisele Bundchen will become a super hero in spring 2010.

Not too bad for the expectant mother. She’ll need that power.

Thanks to A Squared Entertainment and AOL, Bundchen will be part of a new kid’s-content-with-purpose company in the form of a character named GiGi (as in “GiGi and the Green Team”).

GiGi, I mean Bundchen will star as an animated version of herself who’s a supermodel by day and a superhero environment-protector by night (Aren’t we all Gisele?).

According to an AOL press release, the series will start on AOL this autumn, and Gisele’s baby is due a few months later in December.
I imagine her bouncing the beautiful new baby on her hip as her own Brazilian voice comes soothingly through the mouth of an animated GiGi.
The baby, confused as to who’s speaking, the TV or mom, stares in wonder.

Bundchen’s already been a mother to hubby Tom Brady’s child for two years now (much to Bridget Moynahan’s chagrin).

I can’t wait to tune in or to buy the new Gigi and the Green Team’s supersonic video game…for my daughter, of course.

Image courtesy Allie is Wired

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