The 2023 Vogue Ball, held on February 22 at the iconic Copacabana Palace, lit up the night as it celebrated the intersection of celebrity culture and fashion. This year's event marked the beginning of the festivities for the 50th anniversary of Vogue Brazil, centered around the whimsical theme, "Voguelândia: O Fantástico Mundo da Moda," or "Vogueland: The Fantastic World of Fashion."
Paula Merlo, the Vogue Content Director, aptly described the theme by stating, "Voguelândia é o lugar onde a moda encontra a fantasia. Não à toa o traje desse ano é Fashionistas Extraordinários." (Vogueland is where fashion meets fantasy. It’s no coincidence the outfit this year is Extraordinary Fashionistas.) With approximately 1,800 hand-picked guests from the realms of fashion and entertainment, the ball was exclusive, showcasing the crème de la crème of Brazilian society.
The evening was filled with remarkable fashion highlights as attendees arrived dressed to impress, each outfit narratively connected to personal stories or iconic inspirations. Among the shining stars of the night was actress Deborah Secco, who dazzled attendees with her golden attire, promoting self-expression with her remark, "Todo mundo pode ser seu próprio ícone fashion" (Everyone can be their own fashion icon).
Marina Ruy Barbosa paid homage to her late grandmother, who was passionate about Carnival. Reflecting on this tribute, she shared, "Era uma mulher apaixonada por Carnaval, desfilava em escolas de samba, amava bailes e galas carnavalescos. Então, é uma homenagem à ela," meaning "She was a woman passionate about Carnival, parading with samba schools and loving balls and gala events. So, it’s a tribute to her."
Nicolas Prattes was equally endearing, publicly declaring his admiration for his wife Sabrina Sato, asserting, "Ela é minha musa inspiradora. Todo baile tem que ter ela" (She is my muse. Every ball needs her).
Actress Camila Pitanga impressed guests with her stunning golden dress by Bob Mackie, famously worn by Linda Evangelista back in 1997. Pitanga noted, "A gente tinha de saída esse vestido Bob Mackie, que eu me apaixonei de cara" (We had to pull this Bob Mackie dress from the vault. I fell for it immediately). Clad in shimmering fabrics and showing off lavish designs, athletes and influencers also made memorable appearances.
Among them, gymnast Rebeca Andrade turned heads with her glow-in-the-dark outfit, inspired by the renowned Beyoncé and crafted by Patricia Bonaldi. "Ela representa muito pra mim! Um ícone da moda" (She means so much to me! An icon of fashion), Andrade reflected, showcasing the weight of her admiration.
Occupying central attention too was Vanessa Giácomo, whose outfit, inspired by Eliza Doolittle from the classic film "My Fair Lady," received accolades. Meanwhile, Rafa Kalimann's choice of golden attire with black gloves embodied the theme of "liberdade poderosa" (powerful freedom), remarking, "Acho que o tema desse ano dá essa liberdade para a gente" (I think this year's theme gives us this freedom).
Lore Improta presented her homage to Bahian culture with clothing inspired by the traditional body painting of Timbalada, which took over 80 hours to perfect, embellished with over 150,000 crystals. Thaila Ayala, paying her own homage to Sabrina Sato, chose to wear the same attire as the renowned presenter sported at the previous Vogue Ball this year, stating, "Escolhi homenagear nossa amada Sabrina Sato!" (I chose to honor our beloved Sabrina Sato!).
Ticiane Pinheiro made her mark as well, clad in a gown by Vitor Zerbinato, which echoed the iconic wedding dress made famous by Vivienne Westwood, showcased by Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and The City."
The event was also frequented by notable figures and influencers, among them Luiza Brunet, Yasmin Brunet, Pedro Novaes, and Gil do Vigor. Their presence added to the electrifying atmosphere of the evening.
Providing additional entertainment, the popular singer Iza took to the stage, ready to thrill guests with her first performance since giving birth to her daughter, Nala. She promised to perform hits like "Meu Talismã" and "Pesadão," making the night even more unforgettable.
The 2023 Vogue Ball not only emphasized the importance of fashion but served as a tribute to Brazilian Carnival, celebrating creativity and cultural pride. It spotlighted historical moments within the fashion industry, elegantly transitioning to the grand celebrations marking the Vogue's 50 years of influence and engagement in Brazil and beyond. From glittering gowns to heartfelt tributes, this year's ball was nothing short of spectacular.