FASHION RIO CLOSSES AND PREPARE FOR SAO PAULO'S FASHION WEEK

Rio de Janeiro's Fashion Week closed on Friday after 35 Brazillian designers displayed upcoming autumn winter collections. Brand Francisca, from Brazil's Northeast State of Pernambuco, made a good start to Fashion Rio and pulled off an innovative and creative show. Designer Virginia Falcao took Afro-Brazillian patterns onto the catwalk with outfits made of linen, cotton and silk.

Thirty-three-year-old artist Roberta Furtado said Francisca's collection was very versatile. Thirty-two-year-old designer Kylza Ribas, who joined Fashion Rio in 2006, presented original outfits inspired by famous painters. Ribas said her creations were mostly experimental. Light fabrics and colourful patters prevailed in Ribas collection,showing it is summer in Rio all year round.

Brazil's fashion exports soar and average five percent every year since 2002, reaching $185 million dollars in 2008 according to country's Textile and Confection Association ( ABIT ). But its annual report also pointed out that the global credit crunch may lead to slowdown in the business. Fashion Rio is Brazil's second largest fashion event, only behind Sao Paulo's Fashion Week kicks off on Sunday, January 18.