SECOND-HAND STYLE w/Laura Zabo

After repurposing thousands of bicycle tires and inner tubes into chic statement jewelry, I felt the need to refresh both my life and my creative process. Upcycling has always been about transformation, but I wanted to push myself further. That’s when I started experimenting with new materials.
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One day, I collected a handful of colorful Nespresso pods and placed them in front of me. For days, I just stared at them, unsure where to begin. I wanted to create something completely different from what I had seen online—something unique, something that truly reflected my vision. After a few days, an idea suddenly clicked. I began cutting the pods into delicate shapes, layering them, and before I knew it, a new design was born—colorful, lightweight chandelier earrings crafted from vibrant aluminum coffee pod pieces. Instantly, I fell in love with this new direction. The shift from rubber to aluminum, from matte textures to bright, reflective colors, felt like an exciting new chapter in my creative journey.

At the same time, I found myself collecting non-dairy milk cartons, setting them aside without a clear plan. Then, I realized they were perfect for making bold, geometric jewelry. Another new material, another challenge, another opportunity to turn waste into beauty.

Over the past few months, my work has transformed completely. Upcycling has always been a process of reinvention, but now it feels more like a playground than ever before. I love that moment when people see my creations and can’t believe the transformation—especially when I place the original material next to the finished piece. The contrast between what something was and what it became is truly magical.

We really don’t need more newly manufactured products—there’s already so much waste around us. The market is flooded with things that are quickly forgotten, tossed aside, or left to gather dust in a corner. So much of what we buy brings only fleeting happiness before it loses its value in our eyes.

Instead of chasing that temporary thrill of buying something new, let’s think about the future. Let’s embrace second-hand treasures, find joy in repurposing, and move from consuming to creating, saving, protecting, caring, and sharing. ∎

See and shop for Laura Zabo’s sustainable style: www.laurazabo.com