claudia cavaleiro sit down with li furtado and talked about her journey from aspiring geographer to jewelry designer. with a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep appreciation for individuality, she has crafted a collection that not only adorns but also empowers. join us as we explore her inspirations, aspirations, and the essence of what it means to create pieces that resonate with the heart.
why did you want to start a jewelry brand?
I never set out to create a jewelry brand; it was a journey that naturally led me here. originally, I was meant to be a geographer. however, I found myself drawn ( to creating pieces I couldn’t find elsewhere, which is how I ended up in the jewelry world.
have you always loved jewelry?
honestly, I can’t remember a specific moment of falling in love with jewelry. but I’ve always had a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms. I’m a keen observer, and I admire the elegance and artistry in everything around me.
are there any jewelry designers from the past that you particularly admire?
yes, there are several designers whose work has inspired me. I find it fascinating how past designers have shaped the jewelry landscape and how their creativity continues to influence contemporary designs. some examples are elsa peretti, paloma picasso.
what do you want women to feel when wearing your jewelry?
I want women to feel empowered. that’s my main goal. I believe that jewelry can transcend gender. but my focus is on supporting women, I embrace the idea that jewelry is a universal form of self-expression.
who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry?
I would love to see my daughter wearing my jewelry. that would signify that I’ve achieved my vision of creating a long-lasting brand, not just a fleeting project. I want my pieces to have enduring value, so that in 20 years, my clients will cherish their earrings as symbols of worth and beauty.
how many pieces are currently available at CINCO?
we currently offer around 200 unique pieces, which is quite a significant collection when you think about it.
be honest, do you have a favorite piece?
yes, I do have a favorite, but I prefer not to share it. jewelry is deeply personal, and each person has their own tastes and choices. there’s no right or wrong in what we choose to wear; it’s all about how our jewelry reflects our individuality.
who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from people on the street. observing the movement and style of individuals has always captivated me. I enjoy imagining how I can redesign pieces with a minimalist vibe that resonates with their unique stories.
li furtado is the founder and creative director of CINCO. born in '82 in alentejo, portugal she graduated in geography from the university of coimbra. after working for 10 years as a consultant, she quit her job to follow her dream and love for fashion. with a creative and restless mind, she is driven by new ideas and her focus is to always have time to enjoy life with her family.
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