Juliana Paes showcases R$500,000 Dolce & Gabbana 2025 carnival fantasy for Viradouro return.

Actress Juliana Paes made a spectacular return to the Unidos do Viradouro samba school, captivating audiences during the 2025 carnival season. Her much-anticipated appearance on Tuesday, February 17, featured an exclusive fantasy designed by Italian luxury powerhouse Dolce & Gabbana, reportedly valued at R$500,000. The elaborate ensemble marked her first time back with the Niterói-based agremiação in 17 years, signaling a significant moment as Viradouro aims for a potential 2026 championship title. Paes later shared a behind-the-scenes look at the creation on Friday, February 20, detailing the intricate artistry involved in such a high-profile carnival production.

The costume itself was a striking blend of vibrant gold and deep red hues, meticulously incorporating an array of precious stones and bespoke design elements. Every facet was crafted to align perfectly with Viradouro’s unique and strong visual identity, making it a true representation of the school’s aesthetic.

Her participation resonated deeply with fans and carnival enthusiasts, highlighting both the growing presence of international high fashion in the parade and the enduring emotional connection Paes maintains with the samba community, especially after her significant absence from the Viradouro spotlight.

An exclusive Dolce & Gabbana creation

The genesis of Paes’ extravagant costume was a testament to unparalleled haute couture craftsmanship. It demanded an estimated 250 hours of dedicated work, contributed by a specialized team of 13 skilled artisans from the prestigious Dolce & Gabbana atelier. This intensive process underscores the costume’s bespoke nature and the meticulous attention to detail.

Under the direct supervision of designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the project aimed to seamlessly merge the distinct brand aesthetics with the vibrant, passionate spirit unique to the Viradouro samba school. This partnership represents a significant cultural bridge between luxury fashion and carnival tradition.

Intricate details and symbolic elements

The headpiece alone served as a majestic focal point, featuring an ornate crown meticulously adorned with three stars. These stars were strategically integrated to symbolize Viradouro’s multiple championship victories throughout its storied existence, adding a profound layer of historical significance and pride to the overall design.

Furthermore, a grand fan crafted from vibrant red plumes was seamlessly incorporated, powerfully reinforcing the emblematic color and identity of the Unidos do Viradouro. This element ensured the costume resonated deeply with the school’s visual language, making the choice of red a deliberate nod to tradition.

Each core component of the costume was meticulously detailed, showcasing a brilliant fusion of luxury and carnival tradition. Key elements included:

• A heart-shaped bra, intricately embroidered with countless crystals.
• Cascading silver and red chains, accented with subtle touches of gold, flowing dynamically from the bra.
• A fully embellished thong, crafted to perfectly match the bra’s intricate aesthetic, drawing inspiration from a specific 2005 Dolce & Gabbana summer collection.

The art of material selection

A luxurious silk velvet cape provided a dramatic and flowing complement, structured elegantly over Paes’ shoulders, adding an element of theatrical grandeur and majesty. This choice of fabric ensured fluidity and a regal appearance, enhancing her commanding presence on the avenue.

The shoulders themselves were meticulously adorned with shimmering golden scales and delicate hanging stones. These intricate details significantly contributed to the costume’s regal and impactful silhouette, designed to catch the light with every subtle movement and command attention from all spectators.

The painstaking attention to detail, from the selection of individual crystals to the rich texture of the velvet, ensured that every aspect of the costume contributed to its overall brilliance and theatrical presence. It was a visual symphony, meticulously orchestrated for maximum impact.

Crucially, the elaborate back piece, known as a “costeiro,” featured an extensive array of vibrant red plumes. These particular plumes were thoughtfully sourced and sustainably repurposed from the samba school’s own existing collection, a detail that highlighted both environmental consciousness and a deep respect for Viradouro’s historical assets and cherished traditions, seamlessly integrating heritage with high fashion.

Harmonizing high fashion and tradition

The costume’s comprehensive development process was a truly complex endeavor, requiring extensive consultation and collaboration to ensure that every minute detail honored both the distinctive Dolce & Gabbana aesthetic and the profound cultural significance of the Viradouro’s parade. Designers worked tirelessly to interpret the spirit of Mestre Ciça’s legacy through carefully selected materials and motifs that resonated deeply with the school’s rich historical narrative and its palpable current ambitions for the highly anticipated 2026 championship title.

This careful consideration extended far beyond mere surface aesthetics, striving to create a piece that felt inherently and authentically part of the carnival while simultaneously elevating it with unparalleled high-fashion sensibilities. The unique collaboration ultimately served as a vital bridge between two seemingly distinct worlds, powerfully showcasing how luxury design can be seamlessly and respectfully integrated into a deeply traditional and community-rooted event without in any way overshadowing its intrinsic cultural value or importance.

A heartfelt tribute to Mestre Ciça

For Juliana Paes, her much-celebrated return to the Viradouro samba school was profoundly personal, intrinsically and emotionally linked to the school’s heartfelt tribute to the revered Mestre Ciça. Speaking eloquently shortly before her vibrant entry onto the illustrious avenue, Paes openly expressed the deep emotional significance of the moment, powerfully underscoring her long-standing and cherished relationship with the esteemed drum master. She passionately affirmed that Ciça had been an integral and foundational part of her own extensive journey and personal history within the vibrant carnival, emphatically stating that it was an absolute imperative for her not to miss such a beautiful, deeply moving, and undeniably significant homage.

Enduring carnival legacy

Paes’ appearance, adorned in such a magnificent and symbolically rich ensemble, undoubtedly amplified the visibility of the Unidos do Viradouro, drawing significant global attention to the unparalleled artistry, passion, and cultural depth inherent in the Rio Carnival. Her captivating presence further solidified her enduring status as an undisputed icon of this world-renowned and celebrated event, inspiring countless spectators and participants alike with her dedication and glamour.