how Rio’s fashionable families spend Christmas

Among the guests, family and friends. “There are around fifteen people,” explains the designer who has devoted herself assiduously to the homewear segment. “In the second half of the year, I collaborated with Branco.Casa and Leroy Merlin, in a collection called Entremarés. I developed sofa covers, cushion covers, rugs. Having a permanent line to dress the home is in sight,” explains the designer, who recently created the Capeto brand, entirely online, with her daughter Chica.

“It was one of our dreams. We are even more united and excited,” says the designer, who celebrates his 27th birthday this Sunday with big plans. “I’m engaged, I’m getting married in September next year. My mother is going to make my dress, that’s all we talk about.”

Lenny, Bel Niemeyer and the twins Eva and Helena

Designer Lenny Niemeyer feels fulfilled. “For the first time, I will bring all my grandchildren together at home for Christmas,” celebrates the designer, a gifted hostess, who masterfully masters the art of hosting. This year, they join the two children of the first born, Paulo Niemeyer, little Paulo and Thomas, the twins of 1 year and five months, Eva and Helena, of Bel Niemeyer, who has just been named co-creative director of his mother’s brand. “I’m happy to have him by my side, I’ve always been in favor of this continuity,” says Lenny.

At dinner, the São Paulo designer even suggested the presence of good old Santa Claus to interact with the children, the stars of the party. But that won’t be the case this time. “The twins are scared,” explains Bel. A fan and spreader of tropical style, including at Christmas, Lenny is not a fan of pine trees. “I capitulated this year. But we won’t have snow,” he emphasizes.

On the menu, she emphasizes diversity, capable of filling the eyes and whet the appetite. “To accompany a crumble but also pasta, meat and fish,” specifies the queen of beach fashion. Fashion-wise, she ditches black – one of her favorite everyday colors – on a good night’s sleep. “I like to wear a light tone.” Bel, on the other hand, does not give up the traditional red: “It’s time to find energy and hope. I’m totally in the mood.”

Sharon, Sol and Thomas Azulay

And what does Christmas look like for a family of Jewish origin? Stylist Thomàz Azulay, founder of The Paradise and consultant at Blueman, his sister Sol, responsible for the Couscous buffet, and their cousin Sharon, creative director of BlueMan and Rayo, share their impressions.

“As my father, the designer Simão Azulay, loved parties, we always celebrate this date,” says Sol. “He loved parties, flowers and people at home. We inherited that. Our Christmas is open, with Jewish and non-Jewish homes,” he continues.

Sharon, meanwhile, joins other groups. “Me, my husband Michel and our two children, Aaron and Ayla, spent time with friends. The most important thing is to transmit the value of family,” analyzes the businesswoman, who is assembling an original tree: “From Lego”.

In turn, Thomàz compares Christmas to the Jewish holy day, which extends from sunset on Friday until late afternoon on Saturday. “It’s a great Shabbat, with abundance and family unity,” he said. “My mother was excited about the Christmas decorations and I went with her.”

The tradition continues, ma non troppo. “I’m lazy with protocols, but I love meetings.” And the next ones are to come: he is ending his participation in The Paradise brand, after 10 years. News in sight.

Katia Barros, Marcello Bastos, Rafa, Manu, Bento, Mel and Theo

Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos have been spending Christmas together since 1985, even before founding Farm in 1997. The party always takes place at Katia’s house, with all the details carefully thought out by the creative director. “She sets an impeccable table,” praises the companion.

The atmosphere is truly that of a big family. Marcello is the godfather of Manu, 20 years old, the first daughter of Katia, who is also the mother of Theo, 6 years old. Katia is the godmother of Rafa, 27 years old, the first born of Marcello, who is also the father of Bento and Mel, respectively 11 and 9 years old.

As part of the Farm Etc team, which opened in August, Manu loves perfecting the Christmas look. “There is always an extra bit of glamour,” guarantees the designer, who inherited her passion for the end-of-year celebrations from her mother. “It opens the season of good things, starting with exchanging gifts, planning trips, New Year’s Eve and Carnival. I’m Carnival,” says Katia.

During the dinner, which brings together around 50 people including relatives and friends, there is live music and karaoke. “I know that Christmas can be difficult for some. I create an environment in which everyone feels welcome. I’m still going to have a barbecue, very carioca”, adds the hostess.