• brands

    Farm rio opens its first shop in the middle east in partnership with chalhoub group

    Tue, Jul, 02, 2024

FARM Rio’s story began in 1997 at a marketplace in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, when founders Kátia Barros and Marcello Bastos introduced a collection of colourful garments that captured the vibrant spirit of the city’s lifestyle. FARM Rio began their global expansion in 2019 with the opening of their flagship boutique in SoHo, New York. The brand now has four US boutique locations (NYC, Miami, Venice and West Hollywood, and one set to open later this year in Brooklyn), and four in Europe (Paris, London, Mykonos and Bodrum).

To facilitate its establishment in the United Arab Emirates, FARM Rio has partnered with the leading player in the region, which has extensive experience and a vast network. The Chalhoub Group owns 8 brands and distributes more than 300 international luxury, beauty, and lifestyle brands in the Middle East. 

The 160m² store, designed by FARM Rio’s architectural team in partnership with Brazilian architect Renata Gaia, continues its tradition of providing a unique shopping experience that celebrates Brazilian culture and craftsmanship. 

This is translated directly into a breathtaking welcome to clients through one of the store's main architectural features: the 8-by-4-meter-high-facade. The architect explains, “One standout idea for the project was the facade, inspired by what we joyfully called ‘Tropical Muxarabi.’ Muxarabi (or masharabiya in Arabic) is a decorative window feature, characteristic of Moorish architecture and widely adopted throughout Brazilian history. This lattice allows the outside breeze to pass through into the space, and in our reinterpretation, we adopted elements like toucans, cashew fruits, and foliage, blending Brazil’s tropical nature and Arab influences into a unique and historical architectural piece. 

While entering the store, the client is guided through an immersive journey, fostered by a variety of materials and unique elements that translate the concept: A central lounge composed solely by Brazilian design pieces; a colorful ride through the Mata Atlântica's landscape, portrayed by watercolor artist Dominique Jardy's romantic and poetic touch; a touch-and-feel experience with vernacular culture, through cash desk, covered in the sustainably sourced Buriti straw - a type of palm tree deeply rooted in Brazilian cultural traditions; and much more to see & experience. 

This strategic expansion marks an important step for the brand, solidifying its international presence in high-potential markets and will further strengthens Farm Rio's presence in the world's leading fashion hubs. 

Visit the FARM Rio Store at Mall of The Emirates, level 1. 

You can also visit online at farmrio.eu and @farmrio on Instagram. 

ABOUT FARM Rio 

FARM Rio is a global fashion and lifestyle brand that captures the true essence of Brazil. Using a playful mix of proprietary prints and radiant colors and textures, the brand inspires a well-lived life - one of authenticity, vibrancy, and natural beauty. Founded by Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos in 1997 as a small marketplace booth in Rio, the brand has become a household name in Brazil, with over 2,000 employees and more than 100 stores across the country. FARM Rio began their global expansion in 2019 with the opening of their flagship boutique in SoHo, New York. The brand now has four US boutique locations (NYC, Miami, Venice and West Hollywood, and one set to open later this year in Brooklyn), four in Europe (Paris London, Mykonos and Bodrum) and one in the Middle East (Dubai). 

FARM Rio has more than 2,000 global retailers and branded spaces in Samaritaine, Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, Liberty, Rinascente, Bloomingdale’s and Printemps. The brand has also launched several pop-ups over the years in the US (including Los Angeles and Montauk, NY) as well as Europe (including Paris, Italy and London). 

FARM Rio is a Certified B company as part of Brasil's largest fashion retail group - Grupo SOMA. Since its U.S. launch in 2019, FARM Rio has prioritized sustainable initiatives. The brand donates a thousand trees to be planted in Brazil’s biomes each day through its program "1000 trees a day, every day", where more than a million trees have already been planted. 

ABOUT ARCHITECT AND ARTISTS 

ABOUT RENATA GAIA 

Renata Gaia is a Brazilian architect known for her work on international residences and retail projects. Her influences and professional journey have refined her unique and cool aesthetic sense, imbued with a distinct Brazilian soul. Renata Gaia’s studio, RGA (Renata Gaia Arquitetura), blends Brazilian heritage with innovative design, showcasing a sophisticated yet vibrant style. As the founder of RGA, Renata leads her team with a keen eye for detail through all stages of development, from conception to final production of each project. 

Renata graduated in Architecture and Urbanism in São Paulo, Brazil, and has completed supplementary studies in Interior Design, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, and Printmaking at prestigious institutions in New York. 

For more information about Renata Gaia and her projects, visit renatagaia.com.

About the artist - Alê Sisdell 

Alê Sisdelli is the talented artist behind our buriti straw cash desk. Her work perfectly represents Brazilian culture, as she uses natural materials from the rainforest and handmade techniques to create every single piece. Her goal is not just to make visually appealing art but also to prioritize sustainability, adding a touch of Amazon's beauty and diversity to homes worldwide. 

About the Watercolour Wallpaper and the artist - Dominique Jardy 

The water colour wallpaper was hand-painted by the French artist Dominique Jardy. 

Based in Rio de Janeiro since 1985, she portrays in a romantic and poetic way the tropical Brazilian landscapes, native plants, and animals. 

Ilha do Ferro-Furniture 

One-of-a-kind furniture made by a collective of local artisans from Ilha do Ferro, in the North East of Brazil. Each creation is an inspiring piece of art that brings the greatness of their fantastic imagination, sculpted in wood in animal forms. Their work represents the dreams of people who believe there is no life without art.

more insightsstories