The Best Carnaval Looks We Spotted In Rio de Janeiro

Name: Paolla Oliveira

Occupation: Actress

Outfit inspiration: "The Bruno Oliveira creation was inspired by historic Carnavals, art and theater, featuring masks and a vintage feel that reflects the spirit of Bola Preta."

Carnaval number: 10

Looking forward to: "I’m excited to meet people and feel that Carnaval energy over and over again."

Name: Ludmilla

Occupation: Singer, composer and entrepreneur

Outfit inspiration: "Samba comes from Rio De Janeiro and is a huge part of our history, culture and the way we celebrate [not only] Carnaval, but life in general, so I wanted to bring that tradition and energy into the look. [It represents] the rhythm that brings us together and transforms Rio into the greatest open-air [stage]."

Carnaval number: "My bloco has been going on since 2019 and thank God it only grows. We’ve broken attendance records year after year and it is now known as one of the main mega blocos of Carnaval in Rio De Janeiro."

Looking forward to: "My vacation now that the bloco has wrapped. I’ve worked hard all year long, so I’m finally allowing myself a real break to enjoy my family."

Name: Gabriela Berlingeri López

Occupation: Founder of Diciembre Veintinueve

Outfit inspiration: "I love representing local designers wherever I travel. For this look, I’m wearing pants from Hisha and a shirt from Ecliptica. I chose something that reflects the country’s warmth and vibrancy: earthy metallic tones, movement and handcrafted details."

Carnaval number: "I didn’t get to officially attend Carnaval, but I’ve been in Brasil during the season and felt the energy all around. You definitely feel and see the spirit everywhere you look."

Looking forward to: "Experiencing Carnival in Brasil officially. It’s one of those cultural events you grow up seeing within Latin culture and dream of witnessing in person. The atmosphere reminds me so much of what we know in Puerto Rico as Las Calles de San Sebastián! That joy, that music, that collective celebration."

Name: Giovanna Lancellotti

Occupation: Actress

Outfit inspiration: "The inspiration comes from the designer’s own signature, known for her handcrafted work with metal mesh made of interlinked rings. For this Carnaval, we decided to expand that language by combining the metal mesh with latex, creating a contrast between fluid shine and structure. The result is a look with strong presence, translating the intensity of Brazilian Carnaval through a contemporary lens."

Carnaval number: "15 years attending Sapucaí, 4 years dancing with Beija-Flor."

Looking forward to: "Parading in the drum section for the first time during the Champions’ Parade."

Name: Raissa Leme

Occupation: Model and entrepreneur

Outfit inspiration: "The outfit inspiration came from Beija-Flor’s 'enredo' parade, which tells the story of Bembé, a Candomblé celebration that marks the liberation of enslaved people."

Carnaval number: "My whole life but in Rio de Janeiro, this is only my second year."

Looking forward To: "Seeing Beija-Flor’s parade in Sapucaí this year. Every year it’s more stunning than the last, and watching up close and center is truly an unforgettable experience."

Name: Lauren Jauregui

Occupation: Singer, songwriter and performingaArtist

Outfit inspiration: "A piece from Brazilian designer Guapa drawing inspiration from water."

Carnaval number: "This was my first Carnaval!"

Looking forward to: "Going to Sapucai and experiencing Carnaval in that way and it did not disappoint."

Name: Talita Oliveira

Occupation: Model and influencer

Outfit inspiration: "I’m from Rio, and I’ve been living Carnaval for so long that it’s just become part of my essence. My inspiration now tends to stem from the trips I take, the places I go and my everyday life. My references come naturally but always researching silhouettes and cuts that I would genuinely wear and in the end, blending my personality to create looks with sparkle, attitude and a touch of effortless chic."

Carnaval number: "My 4th year celebrating in Sapucai."

Looking forward to: "I’m already looking forward to the next one."

Name: Murillo Lima

Occupation: Public Relations

Outfit inspiration: "Ney Matogrosso, one of our country’s biggest icons. For this day, I was styled by Deivid Moraes and wore Form Mis paired with a Rabanne bag and shoes from Balenciaga and Crocs collaboration, bringing together bold fashion, personality and statement pieces that reflect Carnaval’s creativity."

Carnaval number: "14th consecutive year, and my 5th year working as head of PR at Sapucai."

Looking forward to: "It’s always watching Beija-Flor enter the venue for me, there’s nothing like watching our muse and goddess Sabrina Sato dominate while being surrounded by people I love watching the greatest show on earth."

Name: Marcelo Gaia

Occupation: Designer and owner of Mirror Palais

Outfit inspiration: "It all started with this silk hat I bought at the central market fair. It reminded me of Zorro, so I decided to pair it with white knee-high socks and black flip-flops to evoke that era. I wore a sheer black ribbon as a mask, inspired by Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. The thong just made everything more fun and I’ll take any excuse to go out nearly naked."

Carnaval number: "It’s my first one!"

Looking forward to: "I was especially excited to see Viradouro’s parade. I’ve followed Juliana Paes for many years, ever since I fell in love with her in the novelas I watched when I was younger. Later, I met Duda Almeida, who is a huge inspiration to me and taught me so much about Carnaval and its traditions."

Name: Gabriella Brótos

Occupation: Model

Outfit inspiration: "This casual party look was inspired by Camila Pitanga and Bebel, which is an internet aesthetic term in Brazil that is very Y2K, feminine, hot girl energy."

Carnaval number: "24th!"

Looking forward to: "Carnaval 2027, of course."

Name: Magá Moura

Occupation: TV Host, creative director and content creator

Outfit inspiration: "I really focused on making the abada more sexy and fashion-forward. The abada is the Carnaval t-shirts provided by the different camorete invites, elevating the tradition with something bold, stylish or full of personality."

Carnaval number: "My seventh Carnaval in Rio."

Looking forward to: "I always love seeing the samba school muses, it’s one of my favorite moments every year."

Name: Lorrane

Occupation: Stylist, Designer and Model

Outfit inspiration: "Most of the clothes I make are inspired by drawings, colors, and shapes that come from my imagination. This look was what I thought of when Ludmilla announced that the theme for her Bloco was ‘Brazil Core.'"

Carnaval number: "Since I was a child, I’ve been attending Carnaval with my mother but in Rio, this is my third Carnaval."

Looking forward to: "I am really excited for the clothes that I create to be recognized around the world, for the art of a girl from the Favela do Fallet to be heard and valued."

Name: Marina Linhares

Occupation: Creator and DJ

Outfit inspiration: "Like most of my outfits, this look came together spontaneously, utilizing pieces I already had, sewing my own pieces and assembling everything instinctively. I love ear accessories and head pieces, and decided to create this headpiece the day before with feathers and plumes that would compliment the finished look so nicely and naturally giving a very peacock look."

Carnaval number: 10

Looking forward to: "A bloco I was told was amazing and I completely fell in love with: ORISAMBA!"

Name: Camila Coutinho

Occupation: Entrepreneur and influencer

Outfit inspiration: "This year I choose multiple red looks, with this one truly embodying what the spirit of Carnaval feels like to me with striking feathers that bring drama and true Carnaval energy."

Carnaval number: "Carnaval has always been a part of my life. Every year I am here celebrating my country’s cultural powerhouses."

Looking forward to: "I was especially excited for this year’s Carnaval, particularly to see Grande Rio’s parade. It was even more special because I was part of the parade, and the theme honored Manguebeat, a movement that was born in Pernambuco and is part of our identity, our culture, and our music. Being on the Avenue representing a theme that celebrates something so powerful and so truly ours was incredibly emotional."

Name: Cidoca Nogueira

Occupation: Makeup artist and content creator

Outfit inspiration: "The '20s and '30s and the glamorous glams channeling old Hollywood elegance and a vintage feel."

Carnaval number: "4th year celebrating!"

Looking forward to: "Continuing to celebrate and live out my dreams every Carnaval."

Name: Carolina Lima

Occupation: Creative in Marketing & Brand Experience

Costume inspiration: "I’m inspired by bold color combinations, shapes and prints, and iconic films like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Romeo + Juliet. This year, I created a costume inspired by fishing lures, something that always fascinated me from fishing with my dad growing up."

Carnaval number: "I’ve been celebrating Carnival since childhood and going out to the streets since I was 16."

Looking forward to: "Everything, from street parties, to nights out, and of course Sapucaí, which always gives me chills."

Name: Vic Moulin

Occupation: Stylist and designer

Outfit inspiration: "The inspiration was simple: good for dancing all day long. Bringing the carnaval energy and spirit through lace pieces."

Carnaval number: "9th year celebrating!"

Looking forward to: "I wait all year for Carnaval."

Name: Nathara Imbá

Occupation: Stylist and Content Creator

Outfit inspiration: "Rio always inspires me to just be more myself, and the heat makes me feel and dress more Brazilian. This year, the focus was on elevating the abada and making it still feel like me."

Carnaval number: "I’ve been celebrating Carnaval in Rio for as long as I can remember, but in Sapucai it’s only my second year celebrating from here."

Looking forward to: "Being at the parade in Sapucai. Last year was my first time experiencing it and I told myself I would come back this year even more prepared by knowing each school’s theme song. Seeing every school enter, singing and making eye contact with the crowd as we sang was truly unmatched and so emotional, I couldn’t stop smiling for hours."

Name: Fernando Casablancas

Occupation: Model, actor and artist

Outfit inspiration: "Wearing João Pimenta, a balance between classic tailoring for the Copacabana Palace Ball and an elegant boldness for the after party."

Carnaval number: "My second true Carnival, even though I’m a Carioca."

Looking forward to: "A quieter moment drawing or painting at home, feeling the inspiration from Carnaval memories alive and pulsing under my skin."

Name: Daphne Silva

Occupation: Content creator and technologist

Outfit inspiration: "A mermaid vibe inspired by Gal Costa and Marina Sena, combined with the colors of Grande Rio, blending tropical sensuality, fluidity, and vibrant Brazilian energy."

Carnaval number: "My first time celebrating!"

Looking forward to: "This year’s samba school themes and how they connect to Brazilian culture and ancestry. I’m also looking forward to dancing and spending time with my family. I brought a foreign friend with me and it’s also her first time in Brazil and at Carnaval, so I’m excited to experience everything alongside her as well."