New York, London, Milan, Paris, and perhaps throw in a Scandinavian locale into the mix. That's been the regular circuit of shows to see. It's time to add another stop to the fashion week itinerary, and bring your swimsuit and shades. We're going tropical!

Brazil is and always will be Carnival, samba, beaches and Gisele in bikinis. Carving out a fashion identity that isn't covered in sand or that doesn't smell like sun screen is a struggle for designers in South America's largest country. Runway shows in Rio and Sao Paolo aren't lightweight by any means, but if volume of press is any indication, the establishment considers them just a few pounds shy of the heavyweight division, where their European and American counterparts still get twice the coverage. But, with the success of homegrown stars like Alexandre Herchcovitch, Brazil's designers are receiving more attention. When we went searching for fresh new brands and a refreshing point of view for spring and summer, we went Brazilian.

Maria Bonita Extra, by Andrea Marques, has some of the most interesting, offbeat takes on this season's Print Parade trend, like a tasty tribal Comie Print Dress with a puffy cloud filling. We love the spray painted stencil Black and White Print Dress, a gallery statement that's a nice change of pace from all the flower powered prints.

Coven, by Liliane Rebehy Queiroz, takes a different approach, with a strong retro flavored palette that channels Miami in the '80s. We're definitely going with this Striped Tunic Top the next time we're prowling Collins Avenue. Meet us at the Delano pool!

Flip flops are an essential this season. There isn't much you can do variety wise besides color, and that's what Havaianas gives us lots of. We went with the Slim Season Sandals in Light Green.

There's more coming from Brazil in the next few weeks. Look for Elisa Etheniense and eco-friendly Melissa Shoes very soon!