Top Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen opened San Paulo fashion week 
San Paulo fashion week though not getting much press coverage over here in the UK this week is revealing itself to be an exciting and happening event in the fashion world's diary. The Brazilian fashion market is worth 34 bn and despite the global economic slow down, the Brazilian luxury sector has expanded 11.5 per cent last year with a forecast of 17 per cent for this year.
There has been a move to make sure that black Brazilians are represented more on the catwalk too so organisers have had to ensure that one in 10 models are of indigenous or African descent to reflect the make up of Brazilian society.
Black Brazilians have seen their income go up by 40 per cent in the last 10 years, double the rate of the white population apparently.
One of the most exciting shows was that of Brazilian designer Lino Villaventura. He used mainly black models and they looked fabulous in the bright striped, vibrant funky collection.
Sao Paulo Fashion Week is widely regarded as the "fifth" fashion week, after New York, Paris, Milan and London, this may well change!
