Behind The Label | Shompole

Welcome to the world of Shompole, where luxury is defined by individuality, adventure, and social responsibility. Liz Gilbert, the creative mastermind behind this inspiring collection, works exclusively with African artisans to create unique and unexpected treasures. Read more about Liz's incredible efforts to preserve Africa's design heritage and its wildlife population.

Welcome to the world of Shompole, where luxury is defined by individuality, adventure, and social responsibility. Liz Gilbert, the creative mastermind behind this inspiring collection, works exclusively with African artisans to create unique and unexpected treasures. Read more about Liz's incredible efforts to preserve Africa's design heritage and its wildlife population.

 

 

 

 

How does travel inspire your collection?

Nomadic life and African tribal aesthetics are the most important inspirations for Shompole Collection jewelry. All of our pieces are made by hand; a quality that can be felt when they are held and worn. It is this same quality that makes our pieces unique and unlike other jewelry - something to be discovered while on a journey. Each one is a talisman and a symbol of these ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which country, city, or village around the world do you most identify your collection with and why?

Africa is the inspiration for all of my creative endeavors! It has been my home for the past twenty years and all our jewelry is made by African artists.

 

 

  

 

 

                Elle

 

 

 

 

Describe your brand in 3 words.

Tribal, talisman, treasure. Tribal, because we reference everything from historic pieces of tribal jewelry to current treasures found in local markets and souks in Africa. Talisman, because the jewelry feels empowering to wear. There is a meaningful story behind every piece we make, and I believe those narratives vie them history and magic. Treasure, because each piece is a unique, one-of-a-kind item that has an old-world, special feel -- as if it were unlocked from a treasure chest long ago and buried in the heart of Africa.

 

 

House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

Your collection of products keeps growing. What creative endeavors are on the horizon? 

I will create more collections that will directly benefit the conservation of African wildlife. There is a war on African wildlife at the moment and if we ignore this crisis we will see an extinction of elephants, lions, and other species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is your Muse? Describe the woman who wears Shompole brand.

The woman who wears Shompole Collection is a traveler. She is an adventurer and collector. She appreciates natural beauty, organic qualities, and the personal feel of handmade pieces. The things she collects represent life experiences and philosophies, not labels and brand names.

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us about your favorite piece (or one of them) and where you were inspired to create it.

My favorite piece from the studio is the Elephant Adoption cuff. It is a narrative piece of jewelry that tells the story of the adoption of an orphaned baby elephant by a new herd. It was inspired by the Sheldrick Trusts conservation work and ten percent of its sales go to the trust and their effort to save the African elephant.

 

 

 

 

Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Store?

Souk!

 

DIY or Concierge Service?

A little of both please!

 

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing?

Buy everything made by hand, buy nothing from a factory line.

 

Camping or 5-Star Hotel?

Camping.

 

Drive or be Driven?

Depends where!

 

Room service or Street Food?

Street Food.

 

Lots of Luggage or Carry-on Bag?

Always lots of luggage, I'm afraid. I drag treasures along everywhere I go, but I dream of going somewhere one day with a simple carry-on and nothing else.

 

 

 

 

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