SOBRAL

Brazilian designer Carlos Sobral is influenced by his native country when it comes to making his pieces, which include jewelry, handbags, and home decor. Sobral began creating jewelry in the 1960s, when he discovered a love of working with unusual recycled materials. Inspired by the Hippie movement occurring at the time, Sobral made his pieces by hand using materials such as metal corroded in acid. He sold his work at craft fairs and other events in Rio de Janeiro, the city in which he was born. At the Hippie Fair in Ipanema, Sobral discovered resin, the use of which he would soon become known for. He realized all of the opportunities that resin presented and took advantage of them.
Sobral opened up a small workshop where he created his colorful designs. After quickly becoming successful in the Brazilian fashion world, Sobral set off for Paris, where the determined designer eventually captured the interest of the fashion elite.
Sobral has won numerous awards for his incredible designs, such as four Etoile de Mode awards at the BIJORHCA designer jewelry show in Paris, as well as the Best in Show award for his famed "Pop" collection.
Besides creating fantastic pieces and having collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld on the line Lagerfeld by SOBRAL, Sobral's company is also eco-friendly. Sobral uses recycled materials in his resin collections, in addition to the use of recycled computer circuit boards in his "Flash Gordon" collection. The packaging is 100% oxy-biodegradeable and the 160 SOBRAL employees receive meals, medical care, and retirement plans, all of which are rare employee benefits in Brazil.

All SOBRAL pieces are handmade in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and are sold online and in its 13 boutiques worldwide.

 Necklaces:

Bracelets:

 Handbags/clutches:

All images from sobralusa.com

SOBRAL products are available online at sobralusa.com and in SOBRAL boutiques. Stores can be found in the US - on West Broadway in New York City - France, Germany, and (of course) Brazil. 

These pieces are a fun way to add color to any outfit or room. The designs are extraordinary beautiful, eye-catching, and one-of-a-kind. It's rare to find this kind of artistry nowadays, and SOBRAL prices are fairly reasonable, with much of the jewelry costing $150 or less. Not bad for such craftsmanship and thoughtfulness, in my opinion. Not only are you buying an unusual piece of art that can be worn or used, but you are supporting a good cause; the company partners with Museum of the Republic to teach underprivileged children the art of jewelry-making. 

Let me know what you think of SOBRAL by commenting below.

xoxo