Fashion rocks Brazil

Some of the best-known figures in fashion and music teamed up for the fourth international Fashion Rocks showcase in Rio de Janeiro.

It was the first of the event series to take place in Latin America, and Brazilians seemed to have just been waiting for it: 5,000 people were willing to pay $1,000 for a ticket to the extravaganza, staged last weekend, October 24-25, at Rio's Jockey Club.

Each of the participating designers was paired up with a performing artist: ever-young singer Grace Jones walked Marc Jacobs's runway in a slightly exhibitionist number and a face mask, while rapper P. Diddy only had eyes for the models at Versace. At Givenchy, R'n'B artist Ciara performed in a bondage-inspired ensemble, and singer Mariah Carey accompanied Calvin Klein's collection.

It is striking that most of the artists performing were black (and there was also great multi-racial diversity on the runway), given the earlier heated debate about black models in Brazilian shows.

The international artists were joined by Brazilian designers Lenny, André Lima, Alexandre Herchcovith and Lino Vilaventura, who were in turn paired up with musicians including Lulu Santos, Daniela Mercury, Wanessa and Ja Rule.

The event will be broadcast via local TV channels next month.

Fashion Rocks, an international fundraising event that has previously benefited charities such as Stand Up For Cancer or the Prince Charles Charity Trust, has been held in London, Monte Carlo, and New York in past years. Cities have to apply in order to be considered as host. Next year's location is not yet known.

Site: fashionrocks.com