Guest ‘God’ Alex Zabotto-Bentley…

Men's style advocate, former fashion editor, designer and now, Director of AZBcreative, Alex Zabotto-Bentley is constantly in demand producing spectacular events, interiors and live activations for many of Australia’s hottest media and social events.  Alex has masterminded productions including the Woodordd Reserve Polo in the City and Harper’s Bazaar Luxury Awards in Australia, the launch of Schwarzkopf Ultime, the design directing of MasterChef POP-UP dining and overseas, the outstanding Crystal Ball at the Singapore Grand Prix for 400 guests to name but a few.

Alex and his team have been honoured to work with with a myriad of clients, from Palazzo Versace, Waterford Crystal, Prince and The Sydney Theatre Company to Brown-Forman and Lady Gaga.

Always on the lookout for new inspiration he is always travelling.  Here in his travel story he shares his love of South America…

I am constantly travelling: working trips, research jaunts, inspiration tours and yes, even holidays. Before I go, I like to really immerse myself in a city, researching and reading all about it. It’s always been my interest to explore the language, culture, arts and crafts, fashion, architecture and environment specific to each country I visit. Then, once I arrive I can dive into the local culture and slip into the groove.

I just love becoming a local, and being a part of the city – getting beyond the surface of a place and feeling like I live there. The pleasure is in discovering the underground bars, cool local food places, small galleries, street artist hangouts, back streets and fantastic forgotten buildings and enclaves.

Recently, I went to Argentina and Brazil for the second time in a year. I spent the lead up to and New Year’s Eve in Buenos Aires, one of my all-time favourite cities. It has such a rich cultural heritage; the fact that so many people from different countries with definitive styles immigrated there in the early 20th century is mind-blowing. You can still see it in the people, the food and the architecture. In fact, the city is like a snap shot of the coolest architectural styles, from Italianate to Art Deco, German to Victorian.

Because of this cultural melting pot, Buenos Aires is super-stylish and the locals have an elegant, European aesthetic, mixed with Latin fire. Shopping in Palermo Soho, antiquing in San Telmo, dining in Recoleta… always surrounded by beautiful, gently crumbling buildings and very stylish people. I never get tired of it.

My current love is Brazil, from the quiet beaches of Buzios to the teeming life of Rio de Janeiro.  Rio is the epicentre of Brazil in my mind, especially this year: from incredible NYE celebrations to Carnivale to the Soccer World Cup; and then the 2016 Olympic Games.

The coastline is striking and slightly savage and Rio has a hint of wildness, which makes any city exciting. I feel energized by the incredible mix of people and the passion that underlies everything they do. From the fruit seller at Placa General Rosario to the sensual samba dancers at Carnivale to the music you hear everywhere, Rio has such a robust heartbeat you cannot sit still (well, not unless you are poolside at the Fasano Rio, the sexy, chic Philippe Starck-designed hotel right on Copacabana beach).

Rio’s restaurant scene is really exciting and the people watching is amazing. I love to grab a bite at Sushi Leblon, full of gorgeous locals and half of Hollywood some nights. Or a proper, sit down French feast at CT Boucherie, which specialises in that essential of South American cuisine: steak.

I love the winding streets and the bohemian atmosphere of Santa Teresa, an old Portuguese town, high on the hill. I head straight to Aprazivel, an atmospheric restaurant with tables set amongst the treetops. The views across all of Rio at nightt are heavenly. But I’m just as happy having empanadas on Ipanema beach served with super hot chilli sauce, washed down with a chilled Acai juice.

Of course, I can’t think of Rio without the incredible architecture, from majestic Art Deco to sexy 60’s Tropicalismo. The parks, gardens and famous undulating black and white tiled beach promenades by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx

are must-sees, along with the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, the gigantic art deco Cristo Redentor,  the tiled steps of Escaderia Selaron and misty mornings exploring Parque Lage…

But my favourite ever travel moment is sunset in Rio, when the sun touches the short line across the Two Brothers mountains. Everyone stands on the beach (we’re talking about two million people) and gives the sun a round of applause, thanking the sun for another spectacular day! Sharing a standing ovation with so many joyful people: truly unforgettable.

More than anything, though, the secret of Rio is the people. From the beautiful bronzed J-Lo look-alikes and wannabe extras from a Mario Testino shoot, to the families and the street sellers, everyone has a passion and energy that’s magnetic. I love South America.

Next, my sights are firmly set on catacomb dining experiences in Milan, a series of exciting events I am producing in Malta and a quick 15th century villa stay in Sicily. Sometimes this year, I’ll even be at home in Sydney! I believe the world is there to be discovered…over and over again.

To discover more about Alex visit his website, AZB Creative or follow him on Instagram

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