The Crystal Rose of Mangueira

Designing and building a showpiece for Estação Primeira de Mangueira, on Marquês de Sapucaí (the Rio Carnival Sambadrome), was a milestone in the atelier's journey: a floral sculpture designed to catch the spotlight and be seen from a distance, on the country's biggest scenic stage.

The Challenge

How do you create a piece of superlative proportions that is both visually stunning and functional? The piece would be worn on a float performer's costume — weight was a critical factor. The material needed to offer enough strength for a giant flower with crystals, without compromising the grace and lightness of movement during the parade.

The Floral Installation

The solution came from careful material research: high-density EVA foam, thermoformed with artisanal precision to recreate the organic curves of a perfect rose, without adding excessive weight. Every petal received a special shimmer texture, giving depth to the magenta color, and a hand-applied border of crystal strands along the edges.

Light hitting the crystals created a hypnotic effect — proof that giant flowers have the power to transform any setting, whether it's the Carnival runway, a storefront, or an international-caliber wedding.

Technical Specifications

• Location: Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Purpose: High-impact headpiece for a Carnival parade costume
• Materials: High-density EVA foam, intense shimmer-finish texturing, hand-finished with rows of crystals
• Audience/Niche: Large-scale scenic installations, visual merchandising, and luxury event design