Walk into a small, colorful studio on the seventh floor of the Fine Arts Building, and you can see, hear and smell creativity.
"I've always dreamed of being in the Fine Arts Building. It's a magical place," smiled Alex Agudo, Owner, Founder, Monsieur Pamplemousse Jewelry.
Created in 2002, Agudo knew he loved making jewelry at a young age.
"Ever since I was a kid, I was always surrounded by artists. My mom is an artist. She loved fashion. I remember she always wore her big hoop earrings, her neon pumps, and her super duper Jordache jeans in the 90's," he laughed. "She was always accessorizing. She always said jewelry tells a story so that had an impact on me," he recalled.
The brand's name means Mr. Grapefruit in French, a nickname that was given to him by his French teacher and classmates in high school, because of his love of grapefruit. "One day she greeted me with 'hello, Monsieur Pamplemousse.' and it stuck," he laughed.
Agudo was born in Chicago, but he spent most of his childhood in Ecuador. He says his parents and his culture is his inspiration.
"I wanted my studio to represent all my cultures. My mom is Afro-Mexican and my dad is Pilipino-Mexican. I want that reflection to always be part of my pieces."
He blends mixed metals, pearls, and gemstones into asymmetrical pieces -an ode to nature’s beautiful imperfections. Agudo says each of his pieces is unique and one of a kind. He speaks 7 languages and uses music to inspire his creations.
"I put my music on shuffle and whatever comes up, whether its from Egypt, from Mexico, from Brazil, from Ecuador, it's on constant rotation but my fascination is culture. When I'm making a piece, I want it to be globally inspired. As I move around , sometimes the music changes and I move and I create another piece. I go in circles. It is lead by music, the colors I see, whatever I see, what I see on my way to the studio, it tells a story. I don't ever replicate the pieces again. I want the piece to be as unique as the wearer." he smiled.
His latest line connects culture and creativity to Chicago.
"I have several collections. I love architecture and fashion. One of them is called Colors of the Paradise which pays homage to colors, nature and to things, we as humans, don't appreciate until it translates into a jewelry piece. I always want to make sure that there is not only culture, history and folklore behind my pieces but I want the person to have something as unique as they are."
He says he finds inspiration from the fashion of the 1920's, the 60's and the 80's. Agudo says in the end, he wants his pieces to tell a story and make people happy.
"I want empowerment. I want them to feel unique and that piece represents them. If it makes you happy, wear it. A jewelry piece will always uplift someone's spirits. Find that individuality and wear it proudly. "
Agudo estimates he's made thousands of pieces over the years, none like the other, but he always reflects his culture and connection to Chicago and the world.
"Jewelry will always tell a story. I hope people can appreciate how much work and thought goes into a piece. It may take me 15 minutes to make a pair of earrings, but it took me 20 years to master." he smiled.
Agudo is also one of the owners of L&A Healing Studio, a new concept boutique which he opened with his business partner in 2015, located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
You can find his designs online here, and in boutiques in Chicago and in Asheville, NC.
