Metallic colours and eye-popping geometric patterns were the strongest style trends in Sao Paulo

Samba, soccer and style. Brazil does everything with flamboyant gestures whether it is on the dance floor, the football field or the runway.

With the World Cup in full swing, it is easy to forget the country’s cool fashion scene, an inferno of primary colours and striking designs.

At Sao Paulo Fashion Week, metallic hues, down-played animal prints, sheer shorts and radiant make-up illustrated the country’s hip status. While gold reigned supreme in past seasons, silver and shimmery metallic shades stole the spotlight this time around. The futuristic look was also featured on faces in the form of eyeshadow and dark sunglasses.

Eye-popping geometric patterns were the strongest style trend. Diamond shapes and straight or curved lines were very much on view, notably in the Osklen, Ronaldo Fraga, Teca and Lolitta collections. Turquoise took the prize on the colour front.

“Turquoise is the next big thing,” said Daniela Falcao of Brazilian Vogue.

Zebra and leopard prints are still hot but you wouldn’t think it from the collection of the talented Pedro Lourenco. Using sequins, he took a more subtle approach. “It looks more like a geometric design,” said Falcao.

Still, classic animal prints are far from ready to retire from the runways. In a bevy of fits, shades and styles bermudas were hard to miss on the catwalk.

Inspired by icon Marilyn Monroe, designer Alexandre Herchcovitch won accolades with high-waisted pants and pencil skirts that complimented curvy, feminine figures. “The only people whose skin doesn’t glow are those who are sick,” said Brazilian fashion insider Fabiana Gomes.

PICTURES: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP