FEATURES: Thomas Sabo celebrate 40th anniversary

Words - Tajinder Hayer

Thomas Sabo’s Rebellious Glam Collection: A Milestone in Timeless Luxury

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Thomas Sabo has unveiled the Rebellious Glam collection, a vibrant homage to the spirit of the brand’s renowned Rebel at Heart range. The Rakish Gent had the privilege of attending the exclusive launch in Paris, where we sat down with the visionary behind the brand, Mr. Thomas Sabo himself. His reflections on four decades in the industry, the ethos of his latest collection, and his steadfast commitment to sustainability offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of this iconic luxury brand.

Thomas Sabo’s journey into the world of jewellery began in the 1980s, inspired by his travels across Asia. “When I was in Sri Lanka, I started to work with handcrafted jewellery, and that is really when I started to get a feel for working with jewellery,” Sabo recalls. This passion was further kindled in Northern Thailand, where he began importing and selling jewellery in Germany. From these modest beginnings, Thomas Sabo quickly evolved, with Sabo himself transitioning from importer to designer. "For the first one or two years, I just imported goods but then I started to design. I found I was able to explain what I wanted to the design team."

Over the years, Thomas Sabo has carved out a distinct niche in the luxury jewellery market. “I think we have a really specific community, especially in the British market. There is a real antique look to how men in the UK wear jewellery. I think we understand that within our DNA and that men appeal to that,” Sabo explains. This understanding is reflected in the brand’s versatile collections, which cater to a broad spectrum of customers, from the feminine elegance of its charm collections to the bold, adventurous spirit of Rebel at Heart.

The Rebellious Glam Collection: A Tribute to Timeless Elegance

The Rebellious Glam collection, launched in celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary, encapsulates the essence of Thomas Sabo’s design philosophy. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s legacy of combining timeless beauty with a touch of the wild. Sabo emphasises the collection’s connection to the brand’s history: “Designs such as crosses, dragons, snakes, hearts and floral design codes are faithful companions in the history of our brand.”

Highlights of the collection include the “Dragon” symbol, representing adventure and fearlessness, and a ring featuring an “all-seeing eye,” symbolising beauty and the brand’s ongoing evolution. The anniversary symbol, a “Heart with wings,” serves as a poignant reminder of the brand’s journey and its commitment to creating a unique world while protecting it. The collection boasts approximately 65 pieces, each meticulously crafted from recycled silver, featuring tarnished silver finishes, facet-cut stones, and intricate details that tell a personal story and forge an emotional connection with the wearer.

Thomas Sabo’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation is evident in every piece. “With the collections that we are releasing in the coming months, we really went deep into our archives so there are some key pieces which have been redesigned with new techniques, mixed with new ideas,” Mr Sabo shares. This meticulous approach ensures that each piece in the Rebellious Glam collection is not just an accessory but a symbol of protection and devotion, designed to be worn close to the body and cherished for a lifetime.

Expanding Horizons with Horology

In addition to its exquisite jewellery, Thomas Sabo has made significant strides in the world of horology. The 40th anniversary collection introduces automatic watches, blending the brand’s Rebel design ethos with practical elegance. “This is the first time that we have created automatic watches and we are really happy with the way that this style blends with the DNA of the brand,” says Sabo. These timepieces are designed to transition seamlessly from day to night, embodying a blend of comfort and glamour that appeals to a wide range of men.

In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever, and Thomas Sabo is at the forefront of this movement in the jewellery industry. “Sustainability is something that has always been embedded in the culture of the brand,” Mr Sabo states. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recycled silver and adherence to the highest standards set by the jewellery council. Furthermore, the brand’s headquarters are equipped with solar panels, enhancing its energy efficiency. “Taking care of resources has always been really important for the brand. It is so normal for us to be doing these things, that we have not really ever shouted about it in the past.”

A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation

As Thomas Sabo celebrates its 40th anniversary, the launch of the Rebellious Glam collection is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and its unwavering commitment to innovation. Each piece in the collection reflects the brand’s unique blend of timeless elegance and bold, adventurous spirit, inviting customers to forge their own personal connections and stories.

Mr Sabo’s reflections on his journey and the brand’s future are filled with optimism and excitement. “I can’t wait to introduce our Rebellious Glam collection to the public. It reflects true connection and embodies the DNA of our Rebel at Heart line.” With plans to expand their presence in major cities like Paris and London, and a grand celebration in Germany for their dedicated employees, Thomas Sabo’s 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a bold step into the future of luxury jewellery.

Thomas Sabo’s Rebellious Glam collection is more than a new line of jewellery; it is a celebration of four decades of artistry, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. As the brand looks to the future, it continues to inspire with its timeless designs and dedication to creating pieces that are not just accessories but symbols of personal stories and emotional connections. In the words of Mr. Thomas Sabo, “Every piece of jewellery from the Rebellious Glam collection is designed to tell a personal story and create an emotional connection.” As we at The Rakish Gent can attest, this collection is a fitting tribute to a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of luxury jewellery, blending tradition with modernity in the most exquisite way.

Explore further at Thomas Sabo.