It’s official: Rio de Janeiro has joined the Assouline jet set. One of the most prestigious art book publishers in the world, Assouline is known for celebrating destinations that blend beauty, culture, and timeless allure. With Rio de Janeiro, the city takes its rightful place among iconic titles dedicated to Capri, Ibiza, Napoli, Miami, New York, and Mexico City. But Rio brings more than beauty to the table—it brings soul, rhythm, and a whole lot of sequins.
Penned by Brazilian journalist and style authority Bruno Astuto, the book Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant tribute to a city that pulses with color, movement, and contradictions. This is Astuto’s second work with Assouline—his first, In the Spirit of Rio (2016), captured the city before the Olympic Games. Now, years later, he returns with a fresh perspective, celebrating the transformations, challenges, and enduring charisma of the city he calls home.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a sensory experience. The pages come alive with the electric joy of Carnival, the curves of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, and the unmistakable energy of Copacabana Beach during a historic Madonna concert. The work also features the contributions of art director Sebastian Ratto and photographer Guilherme Araújo, whose images and rare archives add even more depth to the project.
With 304 pages and over 200 images, the book is a deep dive into what makes Rio one of the most captivating cities on Earth. From the echoes of bossa nova to the explosions of samba drums, from colonial history to contemporary street art, Astuto presents a narrative that’s as layered as the city itself. And he doesn’t shy away from its complexities. Rio, in his view, is a place of beauty and contrast—a city where soccer, art, and faith collide beneath the watchful gaze of Christ the Redeemer.
Photographic highlights include the sun-drenched beaches of Ipanema, the lush drama of the Tijuca rainforest, and the timeless elegance of the Copacabana Palace—still the playground of global celebrities after 100 years. But beyond the postcard moments, the book also nods to Rio’s beating heart: its people.
Locals surfing at sunset, dancing in the favelas, or gathering at Maracanã Stadium bring to life the city’s warm and irrepressible spirit.
As Astuto notes, travel is no longer just about leisure—it’s a form of cultural exchange. With Rio de Janeiro, he offers both a visual journey and an invitation to understand the city beyond the clichés. It’s about time Rio had its place among the world’s most photogenic and fascinating destinations—and with this stunning Assouline release, it finally does.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Brazil or just meeting Rio for the first time, this book belongs on your coffee table—and in your heart.
