Background
ETEL was founded in 1985 by Etel Carmona, a self-taught designer who started her professional career in the 1980s, restoring period furniture in her country house, in the state of Sao Paulo. Under the layers of paint and varnish, she discovered incredibly lovely woods and pieces of unparalleled construction she fell in love with, strongly believing that Brazilian woods are like jewels, to be valued and preserved. Since its inception, ETEL has been producing furniture signed by renowned designers and artists, becoming the only company in the country reediting Brazilian modernist furniture, thus contributing to preserve and cherish this legacy, whilst promoting the young up and coming generation of Brazilian designers.
The Legacy
ETEL’s design collection comprises one century of Brazilian furniture. With its pioneering re-edition work, ETEL brings back graceful designs of the modern Brazilian production, discovered only recently, and now considered as one of the most relevant worldwide for that period. Pieces characterized by skillful handiwork and the use of exquisite materials were created by architects and artists intent on unveiling the local culture, under the influence of the international avant-garde. This retrieval is based on a strict methodology, faithfulness to the originals, and intensive collaboration with the institutes and families that represent each creator’s oeuvre. The collection includes pieces by Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Oswaldo Bratke, Branco & Preto, and Giuseppe Scapinelli, among others. The modern legacy continues with remarkable contemporary creators such as Isay Weinfeld, Arthur de Mattos Casas, Claudia Moreira Salles, Carlos Motta, Etel Carmona, Lia Siqueira and Dado Castello Branco.
Signature Style
ETEL is often referred to as “the haute couture of Brazilian furniture” thanks to the flawless production of what is best in modern and contemporary Brazilian design. Its essence is best expressed in a remarkable joinery workshop located in the Sao Paulo countryside. Skilled artisans work in the shop, where they combine traditional, time-honored techniques with a deep understanding of native Brazilian woods, to bring internationally acclaimed designs to life. Since 1999, ETEL has been involved in sustainable projects, with certified wood from responsibly managed forests in the Amazon region, as well as the empowerment and development of professional skills of forest populations. In 2001, ETEL was one of the first furniture companies in Brazil to be awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
The Invisible Collection has the pleasure of presenting a selection of iconic designs by ETEL, available for purchase through us
