Cosmology is a branch of astronomy that involves the origin and evolution of the universe, in this case, ETEL universe

Preface

With more than 30 years of history, ETEL is a gallery and haut couture manufacturer of the most iconic pieces of furniture in modern and contemporary Brazilian design, which has made it recognized as the undisputed ambassador and publisher of Brazilian design in the world.

Led by two generations of visionary women; the founder and designer Etel Carmona and her daughter, CEO and curator Lissa Carmona, made the company world-renowned for its sophisticated wood construction, sensitivity to sustainability, and thoughtful curation of designers; which leveled Brazilian among the most important design schools in the world.

The ETEL collection can be understood in three main chapters: the past with the reeditions of the greatest masters of modern design, the present with already established contemporary designers, and the future with a new generation of designers pushing the boundaries and creating new solutions to the challenges of our time.

From laboratory to designer's cathedral

Founded in 1985 by designer Etel Carmona, fascinated by the carpentry she unveiled underneath the layers of paint and glaze of old furniture, she invited the master carpenter Moacir Tozzo to teach with young carpenters and open a carpentry laboratory.

On May 5, 1993 the first ETEL gallery opened in São Paulo with pieces signed by the first two designers: Etel Carmona and Claudia Moreira Salles. That same year, seeing a keen interest in the international market for contemporary Brazilian furniture pieces, Etel daughter Lissa Carmona joined the company to expand the business globally.

In the mid 1990’s until the early 2000s, Lissa threw herself into researching Brazilian design history, which was almost nonexistent at the time. Her passion led her into developing the groundbreaking ETEL reedition methodology, reintroducing Brazilian modern furniture back into the market, one of the main differentiations of the brand.

During the same period, Etel Carmona was invited by the Forest Stewardship Council to set up the country's first sustainably managed forest in Brazil, which conducted the company to become a pioneer in raising awareness on sustainability and the first Brazilian furniture company certified by the FSC© in 2002.

Today, ETEL has galleries in São Paulo, Milano and Houston, and representatives in more than 10 countries across the globe.

ETEL is referred to as “l’éditeur ambassadeur incontesté du design brésilien” (IDEAT, 2021) for editing and reediting more than 100 years of Brazilian design history. Was pointed by ELLE Décor India in 2020 as one of the “5 brands working towards the #ZeroWaste movement” for the innovative collection in collaboration with Patricia Urquiola, and in 2021, was responsible for transforming Jorge Zalszupin’s former home (a key example of modern Brazilian architecture in São Paulo) into Casa Zalszupin, a museum dedicated to the architect and designer’s legacy.

ETEL, today represented by Lissa Carmona, took part in several important talks and panels about Brazilian design, such as Working Within a Legacy: Editing Design Masterpieces at Miami Design Basel in 2022, and a panel in 2019 at London Design Museum on 100 Years of Brasilidade: Exploring the Spirit of Brazilian Design.

ETEL was also involved in the publication and promotion of many books, lecturing in universities, and curating exhibitions in Brazil, Milano, Japan, amongst others.

Experience the essence of Brazilian design, and join us on a remarkable journey where the past intertwines with the present, and together, we shape a future fueled by creativity and inspiration.