Even though the economic crisis has shaken the United States and countries around the world, the upper crust of Brazilian society appears to be worry-free. The luxury goods market, known as the triple-A market in Brazil, grew 17% in 2007, and typically moves US$4,500,000,000 each year.

In fact, in the past two years, the number of Brazilian millionaires increased from 130,000 to 220,000, and they are eager to spend.

Though international luxury brands such as Dior, Versace, Armani and Prada have focused on São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, signs of wealth are springing up all over the country, including upscale shopping malls, apartment complexes, and car dealerships.

Last week, VEJA Rio and São Paulo magazines did a special on the “World of Luxury,” and showcased each city’s most expensive real estate, hotels, beauty treatments, jewelery, clothing, accessories, and food, featuring items such as a R$15,000 bottle of wine, a R$114,500 ring, and a R$15,000,000 penthouse apartment.