Gilson Martins

Colorful bags with a distinctly carioca style are the hallmark of designer Gilson Martins, with his distinctive purses, beach bags and clutches often emblazoned with images of Rio landmarks or with the green, yellow and blue of the Brazilian flag. There are three Gilson Martins stores in Rio's Zona Sul - two in Copacabana, and another in Ipanema. Prices begin at around R$100 for a beach backpack, and rarely reach the insanely high prices of many designer stores in the city. The pocketbooks and mobile phone cases make great, lightweight gifts for friends and family back home and, hey, why not treat yourself to something at the same time?