In early 2014, jewelry designer Lucia Lou developed an exclusive collection to Inhotim in partnership with the Institute’s design team. Featuring gold threads and small precious stones, these are extremely delicate and sophisticated jewels – an extension of Inhotim’s Botanic line of products. In order to better characterize it as a unique product and therefore highlight social and environmental values, we chose to use resources that are present within the park to produce the packaging: ceramics produced by Oti (a company that promotes social work by training manpower in the region). Handmade like the jewelry itself and produced on the outskirts of the park, the rounded package in raw ceramics without enamel is a product in its own right, since it can later be used as a jewel box.

 

The main challenges during the development phase of the packaging for the jewelry line 'Lou Lucia for Inhotim' were to protect the jewelry taking into account the delicacy of the work and also to highlight its theme, which is the botanical character of Inhotim. Also, the packaging needed to meet strict sustainability criteria in order to be consistent with the principles of the Institute.

The result is an exclusive product that integrates design and handicraft. The packaging has become an integral part of the product. Durable and non-disposable, it has become an important asset for communicating the social and environmental values of the Institute. As a whole, it promotes local labor, the local economy and traditional crafts and knowledge.

Project: Lúcia Lou Jewels Packaging · Creative Direction: Mariana Hardy · Designer: Gabriela Silva · Ceramist: Lea Diegues (Oti — Cerâmica Arteminas) · Photos: Juliano Arantes (Products) e William Rodrigues (processo) · Jewel: Luciana Loureiro for Inhotim