French Fashion: Recyclable Jewelry from Rio to Paris

When you read about Carlos Sobral’s philosophy, you’ll want to buy his jewelry—which holds its own alongside the most chic French fashion—right away, even before seeing it. Why, you wonder? Because Sobral is truly dedicated to the well-being of his employees. Each piece is handcrafted in Rio, where 160 artists, craftsmen and employees work, study and have access to health care and decent meals every day. He also cares deeply about the future of his beautiful yet fragile country: the material he uses most, resin, is totally recyclable. The company’s industrial waste is used in new creations, and used water from the workshop is treated before spilling into the sewers. His company is all about people and the environment, and that’s a good enough reason to like it.

An understanding of the company lies in an understanding of Sobral’s life. Born in Rio, Carlos Sobral began creating and designing jewelry there in the 1960s during the hippie movement. From the very beginning, he loved using unusual recycled materials. But the discovery of resin at the famous fair of Ipanema in the 1970s marked a turning point in his career. From then on, Sobral learned everything he could about resin, and he focused all his energy on designing jewelry. Despite its small size, Genesis, the company he launched, immediately garnered attention in the fashion world.

Now let’s cut to the chase: the jewelry itself. Sobral bangles, necklaces, rings or earrings add color, life and joy to whatever you are wearing. Each piece has its own distinct personality. Vivid colors, original shapes—and those beautiful square bangles from the iconic pop collection are to die for. There is a certain elegance about the rose collection, with red roses inlaid in translucent resin. You might have thought you knew what colorful meant, but the word will have new meaning after you visit Sobral’s shop in the Marais. Sobral also offers a wide variety of models, including some more sober pieces—jewelry that feels less Carnival and more Parisian gray.

Each piece is not only beautiful and good for the planet, but also easy to wear. Once you put it on, you won’t want to let it go. Sobral is about caring, loving, enjoying. Tempted? Sobral just opened his new shop on the rue du Temple in the Marais. Now your only challenge is to decide whether you are feeling colorful or sober today.

Info
Carlos Sobral
79, rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile, in the 4th Arrondissement.
01 43 25 80 10.
Metro: Pont Marie.
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