Exclusive backstage shots at the Sao Paulo Fashion Week [PHOTOS]

Models, fashion fanatics, designers and celebrities flock to the tropical paradise of Brazil for the Sao Paulo Fashion Week. The event was kicked off by a stunning fashion show by Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Brazilian designer Samuel Cirnansck.

The Sao Paulo fashion week began in 1996 and happens twice a year in Ibirapuera Park-one in January for the fall collections and another June to showcase the spring collections. The first Sao Paulo Fashion Week is when model Gisele Bundchen got the attention of several designers that made her career.

The second day of the week-long fashion festivity had a show by the well-known Brazilian fashion sportswear Osklen. The show was a colorful success; with new and innovative creations worn by slender models So far the collections have been lively and upbeat, with designs that fit the warm vibe of the season.

The Osklen show is a spectatcle on the runway and behind the scenes. The glitz and glamour of the catwalk is the complete opposite of what is happening in every fashion show backstage. However, these photos find glamour amidst stress and the hectic nature of fashion merchandising.

Here is a complete schedule of all the remaining shows in the Sao Paulo Fashion Week:

Thursday, June 16, 2011

12.00 BRT / 11:00am EST / 17.00 CST - Paula Raia

15.30 BRT / 2:30pm EST / 20.30 CST - Maria Bonita

17.30 BRT / 4:30pm EST / 22.30 CST - Huis Clos

19.00 BRT / 6:00pm EST / 00.00 CST - Agua de Coco

21.00 BRT / 8:00pm EST / 02.00 CST - Cia Maritima

Friday, June 17, 2011

11.00 BRT / 10:00am EST / 16.00 CST - Alexandre Herchcovitch (Mens)

12.30 BRT / 11:30am EST / 17.30 CST - Neon

15.30 BRT / 2:30pm EST / 20.30 CST - Ellus

17.00 BRT / 4″00pm EST / 22.00 CST - V.Rom