Colleague Jack Nelis introduced us to Nicolau Vinciprova, who has established a dog and cat shelter in the south of Rio de Janeiro. In January 2022 we visited his shelter, located in a rural area near Rio.

 

After many years working for the corporate market, creating campaigns, brands and visual communication, Nicolau Vinciprova decided to leave the hectic life of Rio behind and enter the creative world of crafts.

 

He moved, created the Mãos de Amparo brand and started a new phase in his life developing products with artisans from the south of Rio de Janeiro.

 

His experience as a designer and vision of the world are added to the technique of talented hands. Everything is made with care: a bag, a bedspread, a lamp… His inspiration comes from art, advertising, fashion and nature.

 

Nicolau is also committed to the welfare of stray dogs and cats. Dog abandonment is common in Brazil. Nicolau currently cares for 70 dogs and 30 cats in his shelter. The animals are kept in a homely atmosphere; the cats are all free, when can the dogs too. The dogs are walked daily in the beautiful mountainous area. Nicolau is sometimes assisted by a volunteer but does most of the work alone.

 

The simple life and the perception that “less is more” is part of Nicolau’s lifestyle and creations!

 

Bags from Mãos de Amparo are available in our webshop!