Inside Rio

An insider’s tour through the exceptional contemporary interiors of Rio, a vibrant creative hub and one of the hottest destinations on the planet. Rio de Janeiro is an iconic city of vibrant contrasts: youthful energy and grand traditions, luxuriant vegetation and innovative architecture. Its unique lifestyle is diverse and culturally rich, and the city is home to some remarkable modernist and contemporary homes alongside aging colonial gems. Lenny Niemeyer opens the doors of an insider’s Rio through a tour of over twenty-five private homes, most presented here for the first time: a colonial-era mansion in Rio’s artistic quarter surrounded by lush gardens; a private apartment with stunning views and a fabulous collection of modern art; sleek contemporary houses that blur the boundaries of interior and exterior—featuring warm wood-based design, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, shaded swimming pools, and furniture from Brazilian modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Sergio Rodrigues. Eyes turn toward Rio as it prepares to host the soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. This insider’s visit will be a revelation for those who already know the city and for anyone seeking to discover its rich design heritage, cuisine, and unique way of life.

Michael Roberts is the fashion and style director of Vanity Fair. He has previously worked for numerous prestigious magazines and has published four books of illustrations. Lenny Niemeyer, niece by marriage of renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and a luminary swimwear fashion designer in her own right, is a prominent Brazilian socialite. She has also published a cookbook. Maurilia Castello Branco is a Brazilian art historian specializing in twentieth-century art and architecture. Nicolas Martin is a fashion and lifestyle photographer.