Words By Allegra Salvadori
From experimental art to tactile furniture, from barefoot luxury to biophilic calm—DW! Design Week Rio 2025 proved that Brazilian creativity is anything but quiet. Marie Claire Maison Arabia followed the sunshine trail through CasaShopping and beyond, handpicking the spaces, moments, and makers that shaped this year’s most soulful design week.
Whether it was a monumental sculpture made of fiberglass or an apple baked to architectural perfection, these highlights captured the spirit of Rio—bold, warm, and deeply expressive.
Pedro Galaso at Gênesis Tectônica
One of the standouts of the free exhibition “Gênesis Tectônica” was Studio Pedro Galaso, whose work with raw natural fibres in their prime stage offered a poetic return to organic materials. A tactile reflection on terrain, time, and transformation. @studiopedrogalaso
Estudiobola: 25 Years of Quiet Innovation
Celebrating 25 years of author design, Estudiobola showcased its elegant, understated creations at CasaShopping. Founded by Flavio Borsato and Mauricio Lamosa, the studio merges architectural clarity with domestic comfort. Highlights included the Shell and Mexerica armchairs, now staples in Brazil’s design vocabulary. @estudiobola
Hathi Atelier: Plots of the World
Galeria Hathi transformed into Hathi Atelier, launching “Plots of the World,” a multisensory exhibition of handcrafted carpets. Visitors are immersed in regional music and historical storytelling via headphones, revealing the rich narratives woven into each tapestry. @galeriahathi
Vivian Coser at Way Design
Architect Vivian Coser brings an emotional sensitivity to materials drawn from Brazil’s diverse landscapes. A decade ago, she expanded her architectural practice by founding Studio Sette7, a space where form, function, and feeling converge. During DW! Rio, her talk on biophilic design and raw Brazilian materials reaffirmed her belief that nature isn’t just inspiration—it’s a living, breathing design partner. Her work, alongside new showrooms by Paola Ribeiro and others, made Way Design a sanctuary of storytelling and substance. @studiosette7
Weightless Warmth
The Papel luminária collection by Guilherme Wentz reinterprets the humble quality of paper into elegant, spiral LED lights. The standout Serpentine Light uses flowing curves to create a dynamic play of light and shadow—lightweight yet impactful, it speaks to Wentz’s vision of ‘lightness and simplicity’ rooted in Brazilian casual elegance. @guilhermewentz
Tidelli: Boho with Purpose
Designed by Tati Mandelli, Tidelli’s Boho Collection brings together nautical ropes, soft fringes, and a palette of rich, earthy tones. Highlighting comfort and movement, the new Boho Swivel Chair and Lounge offer a sculptural take on relaxation. The installation, curated with flair and fashion, was more than a launch—it was a moment to feel, connect, and unwind. @tidellibrasil
Carlo Hauner Classics at Novo Ambiente
Modernism redefined: Novo Ambiente reintroduces iconic pieces by Carlo Hauner, originally created for Forma in the 1950s. From Armchair 04 to Bench 08, the reissues combine elegant curves with timeless Brazilian functionality. A must-see homage to design heritage. @novoambiente
Daybed in Rio!
The update for Victor Moreira Leite at Pro Up now reflects the poetic depth of his own words, highlighting the Daybed Enseada, the scenography by Widimar Ligeiro, and the intimate talk Between Passion and Purpose. @victormoreiraleite
Ricardo Van Steen for Folio at LZ Studio
Ricardo Van Steen’s debut furniture line feels like conceptual sculpture with a function. His conversation on ‘Craftsmanship and Industry’ unpacked a hands-on process that turns design into dialogue. @lzstudio
