Tracing the Market: Sobral
(New York, New York) Last Friday marked the opening of Brazilian jewelry label SOBRAL’s store opening in SOHO. Despite the night’s rain making for a messy commute, the bright and colorful pieces showcased throughout the store (add: and the cocktails) had me longing for a vacation in Sao Paulo or Bahia. Recognized as eco-friendly wares (all pieces are made from recycled materials) each piece, designed by Carlos Alberto Rezende Sobral, is a vibrant and unique artistic display, that doesn’t carry a hefty price point (Multi colored Lucite necklaces retail at approximately $120.00 USD). Even with a wide range of accessories, the designer manages to bring his aesthetic to home decor via toilet seats, lamps, picture frames, vases and wall art all made from resin. Although this store marks the designers first large scale foray into the US market, he is not a novice. The designer has been at it since the 60’s and has retail outlets in Argentina and Paris, France.
In 2004, 2005 and 2006 SOBRAL won the Bijorcha Eclat de Mode Fashion Accessory award. He also was responsible for the sickening coned bauble jewelry that graced Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 2008 runway. The verdict: Definitely worth a visit. www.sobralusa.com (412 Broadway NY, NY 10012 T:212.226.2710) Lindo maravilhoso!—J. Dwayne Joseph