Brazil is in fashion, as Brazilians like to say. Here's why

RIO DE JANEIRO -- RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil is having a moment. Celebrities and record numbers of tourists donning green, yellow and blue are flooding into the country. Brazilian culture — from its Oscar-nominated films to funk music — is taking the world by storm. Global fashion brands and influencers are leaning into the hype.For decades, Brazilians have lamented that the country and its cultural makeup and output have long gone under-appreciated in what has become known as the “mongrel complex.”But as attention from abroad pours in and consolidates itself in 2026, some say a shift may be underway with the rise of “caramelo pride” — a ubiquitous celebration by Brazilians of caramel-colored street mutts that have come to represent the country.Here’s a look at the phenomenon.Brazil has captured the world’s attention and admiration before, and Brazilians cyclically observe that “Brasil está na moda,” or Brazil is in fashion.Many trace the current popularity of the phase to 2023, when Brazilcore, a fashion trend featuring the colors of the Brazilian flag and inspired by Brazilian culture, gained widespread global traction. Celebrities including Bad Bunny, Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey...