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Exploring the Design & Culture of Rio de Janeiro
11 Min Reading
Jewelry designer, Paola Maria de Bourbon Orléans e Bragança Sapieha & photographer, Tinko Czetwertynski take OP on an exclusive photo diary series through their city.
For a visual escape to Rio, Oliver Peoples sought a pair of guides who would bring as much energy and color to their findings as the city itself. Local couple, Paola Maria de Bourbon Orléans e Bragança Sapieha and Tinko Czetwertynski were the clear options. In her 12 years working as a designer, Paola has developed capsule collections of jewelry, fashion and furniture. In constant collaborations with magazines, national and international brands, she creates content, in partnership with her husband, photographer Tinko Czetwertynski. Very much a global citizen, Tinko has lived in Belgium, India, Brazil, Lebanon, and the U.K. where he graduated at Central Saint Martins. With an eye trained in many directions, from portrait to travel, fashion, lifestyle and the art world, the range of his work stretches wide, and his lens has been highlighted in numerous publications around the world. Together, Paola and Tinko develop special projects where the image is the guiding thread that reflects a sense of uncomplicated elegance within storytelling’s of their life experiences. For their latest work, the pair brought Oliver Peoples frames to their favorite spots in the city for a photo diary that feels as culturally intriguing as it is visually stunning.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
Known for being a phenomenal site for nature study, this former home and property of famed Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burler Marx, hosts over 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Alongside the greenery, the property features an architectural landmark of a house that Roberto called home for his final decades.
Hotel Arpoador
Paola and Tinko’s hotel go-to recommendation in Rio, this stunning escape is found on the beach next to the Ipanema and Copacabana neighborhoods. Whether it be for breakfast at the terrace of their Arp Restaurant or in a guest room lounging on a hammock, ocean views are always at the forefront. With an interior that matches the same level of well-designed relaxation, it’s a spot of laid-back luxury.
M.A.C. Niteroi
An Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece, this contemporary art museum located in the neighborhood of Niterói is as much of a landmark externally as it is internally. An architectural innovation, the building and location itself is one of the most scenic spots in the city, overlooking the Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and Dois Irmoes Mountains.
Tennis Courts in Vidigal and Niteroi
Where sea and land truly come together, the tennis courts situated at a local hotel in the Vidigal area of the city provide a breathtaking experience. With one side of the courts overlooking the water and the other facing lush, tropical greenery, it’s a recreational spot unlike any other – even the two-tone colors of the court match the hues of the surrounding nature.
Instituto Moreira Salles
Located up in the Gávea region and surrounded by the greenery of the Tijuca National Park, lies the Instituto Moreira Salles. Where famed Brazilian banker, politician, and philanthropist, Walter Moreira Salles, once called home with his family is now the headquarters of the Instituto Moreira Salles. Established in 1999, the institution offers exhibits, film screenings, concerts and cultural events, in addition to housing an iconic collection of photography, music, and literature. The home was the vision of Brazilian architect, Olavao Redig e Campos, and the landscape design was the work of Roberto Burle Marx. In addition to all the exhibits the location offers, the structure itself, a 1950s modern architectural landmark, feels like an attraction of its own.
PHOTOS: Tinko Czetwertynski
