Last week right before the start of Lent, Brazil celebrated Carnival, the country’s biggest, wildest, most colorful, days-long party of the year with non-stop music, dancing and street parades. The biggest spectacle happens in Rio de Janeiro, but each city has its own vibe for the occasion. São Paulo also has huge parades, while Salvador is more about street parties called trios elétricos, where massive trucks with speakers blast music, and people follow behind dancing.
Throughout Carnival, Brazilian superstar Ludmilla traveled through Brazil to get the celebrations going. As one of Brazil’s biggest artists who blends funk, R&B and pop, she is a cultural icon, especially as an openly bisexual woman in a historically macho industry.
For each headlining performance, Pucci, Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paco Rabbane created custom looks inspired by the country’s culture and heritage, as well as each city’s unique history. And after wrapping up Carnival in Brazil, she’s stopping by Miami on her tour for her latest album Numanice. On top of that, Ludmilla and her wife Brunna Gonçalves are welcoming their first child, a baby girl, this spring.
Below, Ludmilla takes PAPER along with her on set, behind-the-scenes and on stage as she performs throughout Brazil for Carnival.
Meeting the incredible MAR+VIN photographer duo that captured my Carnival looks.
Teamwork makes the dream work. Pucci created two exclusive looks for my Carnival concerts in Salvador, Brazil. We photographed the looks and captured more artistic shots featuring pieces of the fabric developed exclusively for my fits.
Checking to see how the pictures are turning out.
Having a little snack before I go on at my Carnival Trio in Salvador, Brazil. I usually prefer light carbs and some protein before performing to give me an energy boost.
Posing with Camille Miceli, Pucci’s creative director. Camille was the design genius behind my stunning Carnival looks for Salvador. She really brought my vision to life! She traveled all the way from Milan to do a fitting with me and attend my concerts. I was so happy to share more of my culture with her. We had the best time.
Having some fun while performing for four hours, for nearly one million people in Salvador, Brazil.
Performing on the third concert of our Carnival tour in Recife, Brazil. For this look, we collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier, mixing the classic marinière (which is reinvented in every collection) with old Brazilian Carnival style. Recife is known as the “Brazilian Venice,” and this look captured the city’s identity perfectly.
Quick touchups before we shoot the look for my São Paulo Carnival concert.
For my São Paulo look, we were inspired by the city’s funk scene. I wore a full look by Balenciaga from their Spring 2025 collection. The look embodies the fusion of authentic streetwear and contemporary luxury fashion. This look was a statement of freedom and authenticity, connecting haute couture to the richness of Brazilian pop culture.
Performing in São Paulo with my dancers. I always have so much fun with them on stage.
Stage time.
Doing some interviews before my Bloco in Rio, Brazil. For one of my most special events of the Carnival tour, Rabanne designed an exclusive look inspired by Rio’s vibrant funk scene — a rhythm that is not just a part of my music, but a part of my artistic DNA.
Arriving at my trio in Rio and ready to perform for four hours in nearly 40-degree Celsius weather.
Quick outfit change for another Rabanne look. Ready to dance and sweat for another two hours.
Me and the more than 1.5 million people that came to see me perform at 7 AM in the 40-degree Celsius heat. It was one of the most remarkable days of my life. I’m so blessed.
Photos courtesy of Ludmilla