Retail Directory Brazil

Dona Coisa

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro's Jardim Botânico got its name as it grew around its namesake, the city's world-famous Botanical Garden. The garden was commissioned in 1808 by Dom João VI, Emperor of Portugal and home to 6,200 tropical species of flora.

The traditionally residential neighbourhood has emerged as a shopping and dining destination, particularly along Rua Lopas Quintas, which is another of the city's chic centres of gravity, albeit more low key than its counterparts across the Lagoa in Ipanema and Leblon. The area's emergence is due in large part to Dona Coisa, one of the city's top fashion and lifestyle boutiques.

Owner Roberta Damasceno opened the store in 2005, and personally curates a large collection of women's fashion labels and jewellery lines by top Brazilian and international designers, many of them exclusive to her store.

In 2007, the store expanded to include an equally well-assembled offering of design objects for the home and art and architecture books - probably the city's best. Little touches keep a dedicated clientele coming back, like the luxurious fitting room, which is redesigned and renovated for each season, or the espresso bar, where homemade brigadeiro, the traditional Brazilian chocolate dessert, is elegantly served gratis and always with a smile.

Rua Lopes Quintas 153
Rio de Janeiro
Tel: 21.2249 2336

www.donacoisa.com.br