A Farm Rio Co-founder Weighs in on the Best Things to Do-and Where to Shop-in Rio

"Rio has several bairros, or neighborhoods, but Barros prefers to wander the winding streets of the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, a hilly district with an artistic vibe, colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the city. "It feels both historic and alive with creativity, and you can always stumble upon a gallery, a cozy café, or music playing in the square," she says."

""Rio is our biggest muse," Barros tells Travel + Leisure. "The rhythm of samba, the colors of the street markets, the energy of the beaches, all of that becomes part of our design language. Our prints reflect the vibrancy and joy of daily life here, and our silhouettes often borrow from the relaxed, effortless way Cariocas move through the city.""

Kátia Barros co-founded Farm Rio in 1997 in Rio de Janeiro. Rio's vivacity and cultural richness serve as the primary inspiration for Farm Rio's colorful tropical prints and signature aesthetic. The brand name references Ipanema Beach's Farme de Amoedo. Design elements draw on samba rhythms, street-market colors, and beach energy, producing vibrant prints and relaxed, effortless silhouettes that reflect Carioca movement. Barros favors Santa Teresa for its bohemian streets, colonial architecture, galleries, cafés, and musical atmosphere. Favorite dining spots include Aprazível for moqueca, Bira in Barra de Guaratiba for seafood and wild beaches, and Braseiro da Gávea for grilled fare.

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