The Brazilians are coming – and they’re bringing you a sea of sleek necklaces to grace your neck this summer, and beyond. Christian Ballestrin has been creating the traditional Brazilian escapulario (Latin for “shoulders”) for a few years now and steps into the Middle East with a new design that reflects his love for Arab culture and traditions.
First things first: an escapulario is a necklace well-known in Brazilian culture. It features a cord that evokes the power of a variety of shades, combining different traditions and cultures. The cord includes two pendants: the one in the front is to guide your steps, while the one in the back is to protect you from behind. Already spotted on Camila Coelho; former creative director of Givenchy Riccardo Tisci; photographer Mert Alas; shoe designer Brian Atwood; and, of course, Christian Ballestrin, who launched his e-commerce platform in 2015.
The Brazilian jewelry designer created the Arabesque collection after being asked by several friends from the Middle East for a line that reflects their roots and traditions. This resulted in a line of necklaces in gold and silver. The Arabesque collection features a hanger with a refined mosaic print on one side and the Hand of Fatima or Hamsa (meaning “five” in Arabic), which captures the essence of blessings, power, and strength, on the other.
In reply to what his next steps would be, Ballestrin says: “I already sell in New York, London, Paris, Mallorca, and my own website, but next would be to conquer the Middle East.”
The Ballestrin Arabesque collection is available online.