In the following interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Pietro Oliveira, the founder of CABOCO, a design studio that stands out for its unique approach deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. CABOCO not only creates products but also celebrates the identity and cultural heritage of Brazil, collaborating with local artisans and innovating in the use of traditional materials and techniques. In this conversation, Pietro shares the story behind the studio, the challenges faced, and the vision that drives the creation of pieces that are both authentic and transformative.
ChairTag: How did the idea to create CABOCO come about? What were the main challenges faced during the early days of the company?
CABOCO: The idea of CABOCO came to me as I was nearing the end of my product design degree. I was searching for a symbol that could express my experience as a young Black man navigating the design world without many opportunities. During my research, I came across a piece from the 1930s in Mario de Andrade’s archive, which included a column by Benjamin Perret. This column, which referenced religious rituals by Black people in Rio de Janeiro, used symbols and the term “caboco véio” to protect the identity of those involved. “Caboco” also resonated with me because, in my region, it’s a term used to refer to someone without specifying their identity, like saying, “Look, the CABOCO is coming.” This connection to anonymity and heritage led me to choose CABOCO as a name that symbolizes Brazilian identity, territory, and income distribution. At the beginning, it was challenging to bring CABOCO to life because I had very little money. I could only afford materials, and I transported them by bicycle. I also had to translate technical drawings for artisans who weren’t used to them. However, creating CABOCO saved me from depression, as it allowed me to create a better reality for myself and share prosperity with others.
ChairTag: CABOCO has a strong commitment to preserving Brazilian culture and traditions. How is this reflected in the daily operations and products offered by the company?
CABOCO: I see the products we design at CABOCO as icebergs. The final product is just the tip, while the process we design behind it is crucial to ensuring that local artisans can comfortably produce them in their own spaces. This collaborative process is central to our operations and is a reflection of our commitment to preserving culture through design.
ChairTag: What are the core values that guide CABOCO’s operations and production?
CABOCO: We prioritize bringing together people who have mastered their crafts, even if they aren’t familiar with design culture. Our goal is to combine their abilities in a way that makes the product unique and different from what the industry typically produces.
ChairTag: Can you describe the creative process at CABOCO? Where do the inspirations for new products come from?
CABOCO: The creative process at CABOCO starts with finding ways to express our culture through design. For example, I might explore how our hospitality can be translated into the comfort of an armchair or how traditional production methods can be enhanced with modern materials and processes. This mix of tradition and innovation is what defines our aesthetics.
ChairTag: CABOCO works with local artisans to produce its items. Could you tell us more about this collaboration and how it influences the final product?
CABOCO: This collaboration is the heart of my work at CABOCO. As I’ve grown, I’ve found different artisans with unique processes, and I design products that incorporate their skills, ensuring that each piece we create is a true reflection of our collective efforts.
ChairTag: Sustainability is an important pillar for CABOCO. What sustainable practices does the company adopt in its production process?
CABOCO: Sustainability is a complex issue, but at CABOCO, we focus on economic sustainability by ensuring fair wages for our artisans and protecting their crafts from dying out. We believe that by sharing the work and income fairly, we contribute to a more sustainable future.
ChairTag: What sets CABOCO apart from other design and craft companies in the market?
CABOCO: CABOCO uses design as a tool for inclusion, self-esteem, and prosperity. We aim to write a new chapter in Brazilian design history that reflects contemporary issues and sets an example for future generations.
ChairTag: Can you tell us about the main products or collections that best represent the essence of CABOCO?
CABOCO: The Pacha Chair is an icon that represents our essence. It was the first product we created, and its design reflects the collaboration of different artisans. Another product I’m proud of is the Tata Lamp, which transforms corn straw into a light diffuser, creating a magical effect that embodies our commitment to preserving culture and nature.
ChairTag: What have been the biggest challenges faced by CABOCO so far, and how were they overcome?
CABOCO: One of our biggest challenges has been selling products online, as we lack the infrastructure to open our own shop. We also struggle with pricing, as our quality materials and well-paid artisans make it difficult to compete with reseller markups. We’ve overcome this by focusing on producing meaningful, slow design that connects with people who believe in a different world. Our biggest achievement was being recognized by Vogue with a rising talent award in 2021, which affirmed that we’re on the right path.
ChairAll PostsTag: What are the future plans for CABOCO? Are there any new collections or projects in development that you would like to share?
CABOCO: We’re expanding our research into ancestral production methods and planning collaborations to bring our designs to a larger audience. We hope to inspire others and reach new places with our work.
ChairTag: How do you see the evolution of Brazilian artisanal design in the coming years?
CABOCO: Brazilian artisanal design has matured as we’ve started using our own history and values as resources. I see our products resonating with people because they reflect their own values, and I believe that this will continue to grow in the future.
ChairTag: What advice would you give to someone starting in the world of artisanal design and looking to pursue a career similar to CABOCO’s?
CABOCO: Don’t give up on working hard to get the job done in an authentic way. Even if it takes longer than you expect, it will come back to you with realness and make a difference.
ChairTag: What skills or characteristics do you believe are essential for success in this field?
CABOCO: It’s essential to have a long-term vision, to understand where you come from, and to work towards a better reality. We’re creating our history now, and it’s important to remember that.
Conclusion
We at Chair.Tag are thrilled to have had the opportunity to dive into the world of CABOCO. Their dedication to craftsmanship, combined with innovation and the fusion of traditional and modern techniques, makes their designs truly unique in the contemporary scene. To learn more about CABOCO and their inspiring creations, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram.
