Tokyo James unveils elegance with his latest jewelry line, showcasing polished gemstones
New Jewelry Collection by Tokyo James Embraces African Roots and Challenges Industry Norms
Tokyo James, the celebrated British-Nigerian fashion designer, has unveiled a new jewelry collection named 'Ewá'. The word 'Ewá' means 'beautiful' in Yoruba, a testament to the collection's aesthetic.
The 'Ewá' collection is a joyous disruptor in the jewelry industry, drawing inspiration from traditional African art and culture. It is named after an Orisha, a part of the traditional Yoruba pantheon of deities, and serves as a custodian of purity, passion, and a diviner of the future.
For the 'Ewá' collection, James collaborates with a sixty-year-old Nigerian artisan, using ancient beadmaking techniques found within Nigeria. The collection consists of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces made with magnesites, anthracites, gypsum, and Swarovski crystals. The innate lustre found in anthracites is juxtaposed with the undeniable tactility of large magnesite and gypsum orbs and the sparkle of Swarovski crystals.
The 'Ewá' collection challenges the status quo in the jewelry industry, pushing discourses centered on the plurality of identities. It aims to document pulchritude in all its guises through Tokyo James' dual Nigerian British lens. No precious gemstones are used in the collection, instead relying on the natural stones found in Nigeria.
James asserts that Africa is an important incubator and inspiration point for design globally. He intends to share the beauty he finds in Africa with the world, asserting that there is much beauty that comes out of Africa in the world of luxury.
The 'Ewá' collection is available in a pre-order format to maintain a sustainable model. The campaign imagery for the collection features a ram as the model, symbolising strength and resilience.
While the sixty-year-old woman who worked for years with handcrafting jewels in Tokyo's atelier and was involved in the creation of the "Ewá" collection is not identified in the provided search results, her craftsmanship and expertise are evident in each piece of the collection.
Tokyo James' designs have always pushed discourses centered on the plurality of identities, and the 'Ewá' collection is no exception. By challenging notions of intrinsic value and what pieces are considered heirloom worthy, the 'Ewá' collection offers a fresh perspective on the world of jewelry.
