IRO COLLABORATES WITH M.COHEN JEWELRY
This season IRO launches a female capsule collection together with the LA- based men’s jeweler Maor Cohen. Known for his eclectic menswear pieces (among his clients are Johnny Depp, Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon), this marks the jewelry designer’s first foray into women’s. A perfect match for the French womenswear brand, set to tap into a previously unexplored niche: men’s inspired jewelry for women.
“Ever since starting our brand, we have created for a woman who knows who she is, who, despite being very feminine, loves to play up her androgynous side, so asking a men’s jeweler to develop a collection with us seemed perfec- tly natural”.
Inspired by nature, textures, architecture, culture, people and past travels, the capsule collection, consisting of 74 separate pieces, has an authentic bohemian vibe with a touch of 70s Americana. Afghani jade, labradorite, turquoise, garnet and emerald are juggled together with Italian corals, Tahitian black pearls, finely cut Australian opals and African vinyl trade beads directly sourced from tribes in Kenya. Mismatched elements and trinkets are strung onto knotted Japanese Mokuba cord, or dangle from strands of silver and snake chains. Stand-out pieces include a weighty diamond-cut 925 sterling silver cone on a delicate strand of faceted emerald stones, or an articulated statement ring adorned with a giant rotating mother of pearl.
While the pieces can be worn separately, they are meant to be layered, and even combined with other pieces. Jewelry is very personal. It’s all about crea- ting your own identity, being inspired and wearing it how you want. Maor Cohen mixes all kinds of elements, colors, materials and metals, inviting the wearer to play around with a look to make it feel authentic, natural and nonchalant – like it has grown with you over the years.”
“Working on this collection together was like combining my drums with their guitar and their flute to create our very own music. It was such an amazing and inspiring collaboration,” recounts Cohen, the self-taught Israeli designer. “It has been like finding a new family. The whole process was built on creativity, trust, sincerity and growing together. Complete magic!”
Every piece is designed and handmade in LA. The collection is set to launch for SS21 and will be available at all IRO flagship stores and selected boutiques worldwide. Prices start at $230.
