If it's beach fashion you're going for, it's here in Ipanema. It is right in the middle of the action - there's a particular stretch which is to be found at the end of Rua Farme de Amoedo - the place to be at, if you wish to be seen and cruised!.

Summer time, from December to end of February, the crowd on the beach is quite spectacular; Cariocas take pride in looking after their bodies but then you would if you spent half of your life as if you a model on catwalk.
while on the beach you can get refreshing tropical fruit juices, energetic drinks, beer, you name it. It's all delivered to you by numerous beach vendors; while you're at it, you can also rent beach chairs and parasols from the? friendly guys who work on the beach. Lots of locals try to make a living selling stuff on the beach, but don't worry, they're not pushy at all.

Rio doesn?t have a very large gay scene but Ipanema is where most gay businesses and venues are located.