Designer Gabriel Grippo (GGrippo). Photos by Ben Rosenzweig
Trash helped shape the contours of his life, contributing to the occurrence of significant events. For most, garbage isn’t considered a blessing. But the designer known as GGrippo has long understood a fundamental truth: Treasure can be unearthed in the junkiest of spots. “I’ve been a compulsive trash collector since I can remember,” he attests. “Growing up in Argentina, I learned about the importance of using and reusing.”
A Williamsburg fixture since 1997, GGrippo is now a vocal proponent of up-cycling, the act of repurposing garments, accessories, and goods for a second life. The bottom floor of his eco-friendly shop, GGrippo Art + Design, stocks recycled rubber purses from Cyclus and messenger bags made by Freitag out of reconstituted truck tarps.
By Melanie Gomez & Lula Aldunate