The Insider’s Guide to São Paulo by Fernando Jorge
The jewelry designer to the stars shares where to eat, shop, and find inspiration in the bustling city ahead of the 36th São Paulo Bienal
For Brazilian-born, London-based jeweler Fernando Jorge, São Paulo is the city where he finds inspiration at every turn. From its eclectic architecture that includes everything from Renaissance and Neoclassical buildings to masterpieces of midcentury modernism, as well as its vibrant street life, Jorge returns often for both work and pleasure. In advance of the 36th São Paulo Bienal which runs from September 6–January 11 2026, the designer— whose star-studded clients include Beyoncé and Emily Blunt—divulges a few of his favorite cultural, culinary, and retail destinations within the sprawling city.
What makes São Paulo so special?
The rich history, the mix of people, and architecture that’s not regulated all add to the sense that there is both peace and chaos. The influence of Portuguese and Italian immigrants, as well as the Japanese who also found refuge here, means that there is incredible artistic and culinary diversity.
Every two years, the São Paulo Bienal draws visitors from all over the country and the world to Ibirapuera Park with its Oscar Niemeyer–designed Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion. It’s a celebration of art that’s free and open to all, and it’s becoming more popular largely because the creative landscape is changing. Brazilians have become increasingly proud of their identity, and the arts scene, fashion designers, galleries, and museums are booming.
How does the city inform your designs?
São Paulo is hugely influential in my work. I studied design and learned about experimentation here—with materials, form, and more. Brazil is about exuberance, while London, where I live now, is more restrained. My work is a fusion of these aesthetic preferences. In typical Brazilian style, I am respectful of nature and like to incorporate mother of pearl, petrified wood, horn, and yellow gold into my pieces. This tactility and texture appeals to a Brazilian sensibility, and it makes the pieces very wearable, which is key. My jewelry isn’t formal, so you don’t need a special occasion to wear it.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere, really. I am inspired by different parts of the city including Higienopolis which has a traditional residential feel and is also very close to the city center. For contemporary cuisine, don’t miss Carlota, a restaurant that fuses Brazilian dishes with Asian and Mediterranean touches. The area of Jardins has a mix of retail and is home to my showroom as well as the Fasano hotel, which has a discreet vibe—you just can’t go wrong here. You’ll find an outpost of Almanara nearby where the Lebanese food is always good. The Japanese food is excellent, too, and Nagayama offers incredible quality and a very lively scene. I also like Bar Balcão, where you can have an aperitivo over a long, winding bar with a large-scale Roy Lichtenstein silkscreen hanging above. And for the best steak in town, head to Rodeio, which was designed by the noted architect Isay Weinfeld.
The area of Pinheiros is also full of great boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as well as a hotel called Pulso that was designed by Studio Arthur Casas. My favorite restaurant is Spot on Avenida Paulista which has been around for 30 years. Also in this area is the newer Rosewood São Paulo. It’s set in an historic building with a new vertical garden tower by Pritzker Prize–winner Jean Nouvel, and with interiors by Philippe Starck.
Are there galleries, museums or shops that you recommend for design lovers?
There are so many highlights, but one of the best is Casa Zalszupin, the residence designed by Polish-born Brazilian architect Jorge Zalszupin. He lived here for almost 60 years and it’s now a small private museum collection thanks to the combined efforts of ETEL and Almeida & Dale gallery. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand—or MASP—was designed by Brazilian modernist Lina Bo Bardi who also designed the iconic glass and concrete easels that showcase noted works in a unique way. For contemporary art in a soaring space, Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel is outstanding as is Mendes Wood DM.
For diverse retail in Jardins, Shopping Iguatemi is a major mall; you’ll find all the established brands here as well as so many great restaurants. It’s incredibly popular with Brazilians so it’s a great place to absorb local life. Another mall—this one by architect Arthur Casas—is CJ Shops and it incorporates a lot of greenery and glass. For very simple, utilitarian clothes for both men and women, I like Egrey, a Brazil-based brand that sells only online and in its stores. The minimalist boutique on Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, designed by MNMA Studio, fuses the indoors and outdoors beautifully.
Any other design highlights?
There are a few lesser-known places that are worth exploring including Sesc Pompeia, also built by Bo Bardi. In Morumbi, Casa de Vidro—also known as the Glass House—is her first built project and was her residence for over 40 years. Since its inauguration in 1951, the house has been a meeting point for artists, architects, and intellectuals. Today, as the headquarters of Instituto Bardi, the house remains open to the public.