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Sao Paulo Fashion Week has become an important showcase for Brazilian designers to break into international markets, evidenced by the successes of Havaianas' flip-flops and Rosa Cha's bikinis, which now have chic status abroad.

Sao Paulo Fashion Fashion Week took as its theme the gritty, dynamic city itself in honor of its 450th anniversary.

The Bienal pavilion in the city's Ibirapuera Park, usually used for art exhibitions, has been turned into an fashion zone complete with cafes, a bar and VIP rooms for the stars.

Nearly 40 parades were scheduled to take place there through Tuesday, with a few more elsewhere in Sao Paulo.