An art and design journey that inspires
Marcelo Felmanas, a name that echoes sophistication and aesthetic refinement in the world of decoration, carries art in his DNA
Son of gallery owners, he grew up surrounded by works of masters such as Anitta Malfatti, Alfredo Volpi, Cândido Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Djanira. Although he graduated in Business Administration, it was in the art world that he found his true vocation. During his work at ProArte, his family’s gallery, he immersed himself in the open courses on History of Antiquities and Furniture at Sotheby’s, both in New York and in Paris, refining his understanding of the historical and aesthetic legacy of the pieces that today make up his curatorial universe.
One of the milestones of his career was organizing charity auctions for the Social Fund of the State of São Paulo, where he established a partnership with the iconic jeweler FARBEGÉ.
Known for the legendary Fabergé Eggs created for the Romanov dynasty, the brand presented a new limited-edition collection with crystal and hand-painted porcelain pieces, all selected by Marcelo. The success was instant, attracting retailers’ attention throughout Brazil and culminating in the opening of a store on Al. Gabriel Monteiro Silva in São Paulo. This space not only housed Fabergé products but also antique furniture and collections inspired by the East India Company.
With demand increasing, the family decided to focus exclusively on wholesale, giving birth to 6F Decorações, a company that quickly became a reference in design and decoration in Brazil. Today, Marcelo leads the business, imprinting his unique vision in the selection of furniture, porcelains, ceramics and unique objects. His pieces, sourced around the world, translate the soul of the places he visits, ranging from iconic metropolises like Milan, Paris and Rome to exotic destinations like Thailand, Cambodia and Morocco. Each choice reflects his relentless pursuit of what is authentic, beautiful and emotionally impactful.
Furthermore, 6F Decorações exclusively represents in Brazil three of the most renowned porcelain manufacturers in the world: Ginori 1735, the oldest Italian manufactory; Raynaud Limoges, a French icon of tableware; and Rosenthal, the German brand that designs for names like Swarovski and Versace Home. Recently, the company added Aquazzura Home, the design and decoration wing of the luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, as well as Bitossi Home, another influential Italian brand, to its portfolio.
For Marcelo, as in art, the design pieces chosen for a space must touch and move. This philosophy is reflected in his showroom, where each object is carefully selected to provide a touch of personality to the décor.
“Our curation is designed precisely to make a difference”, says the entrepreneur. In the space, you can find pieces signed by great names in design and architecture, a true ode to creativity and sophistication.
Marcelo also makes his presence felt at major art and design events around the world, such as Art Basel in Miami, consolidating his position as one of the leading decoration curators in Brazil. His constant travels not only feed his passion for art but also strengthen his ability to bring to the national market objects that engage with global trends, creating a mix of pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.
With a story that blends family legacy, passion for art and a keen eye for design, Marcelo Felmanas and 6F Decorações continue to serve as a reference for those who seek in decoration more than functionality, but true works that touch the soul and translate a life surrounded by beauty and meaning.
And to conclude, Marcelo shares some tips from his travels, inspirations for his work:
India
“Besides having been to India many times, this is a destination that I love and always recommend to those who ask me for tips. To start the trip, it’s well worth reading the book by Javier Moro, Passion India, which helps to learn a bit more about the stories and the world in which the maharajas lived. Nowadays, several old palaces have been converted into hotels and staying in them is a dive into that era of splendor. One tip is to stay at The Imperial in Delhi. The neighborhood where the embassies are located has been completely revitalized, with wonderful gardens and The Imperial is indescribable. Breakfast is served in a room with walls entirely covered in cork reproducing the famous Indian scene. The tableware, needless to say, from Ginori 1735, is still from the Maharaja’s time or from when Gandhi stayed at this hotel. In the gardens, peacocks roam with their exuberance. Another highlight of The Imperial is the spa, one of the best I have ever been to. At night, don’t even think about leaving the hotel. Book a table at the Indonesian restaurant which, besides being very good, is also wonderful. The entire décor divides the restaurant into the phases of life and the heavens (according to Hinduism) in frescoes on the ceiling that represent this story and that waiters will be happy to explain.”
Going to Jaipur, the Rambagh Palace, also an old palace, is wonderful, starting with the gardens. Each suite has a different décor and the indoor pool has been the setting for several films. Don’t miss a visit to the Amber Palace (but “skip” the elephant ride, you’ll thank me later). I also can’t fail to suggest you visit Jodhpur with its walls and its palaces. There lies one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, the Umaid Bawan, entirely Art Deco. And if you can plan to be there during one of the Indian festivals such as Diwali, the maharaja and his family, who still live in a part of the Palace, host a beautiful party and invite the guests. Unmissable!”
China
“My visits to China, in general, are always work-related, so my first hotel tip is for those going to Guangzhou, where the famous Canton Fair takes place. For me, Guangzhou is one of the best portrayals of what modern China is, always changing frenetically, with modern architecture and numerous great hotels such as the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental (this one with the advantage of being next to the best mall there, Taikoo Hui), the Park Hyatt and so many others.
However, all of these have gained a formidable competitor. Recently, the city received the Rosewood Guangzhou and it is well worth staying there. In Beijing, which I visit infrequently, I recommend the Aman Summer Palace, which is just steps away from the Summer Palace and the main tourist attractions, a true journey through time.”
