Aeon Sojourn
“Aeon Sojourn”, a high concept personal accessory collection, is a maxi-minimalist, gender-neutral, multi-functional, statement jewelry collection that invites wearers to embark on a timeless journey through past, present, and future, embracing minimalist elegance with maximalist silhouettes and personal evolution.
The collection has been chosen for a special showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 (in collaboration with FDCI). It has also been honoured by Milano Jewelry Week, with its three pieces - 'Parallax', 'Kepler's Law' and 'Vortex' - selected for publication in the September issue of 'Jewelry Drops', an insert of the International Magazine HUESERS, the official media partner of the event.
Brief
Design a gender-neutral, multi-functional, maxi-minimalist personal accessory collection for 'NO NA MÉ,' inspired from meta-verse and space exploration, all in harmony with the brand's aesthetic and design language.
ABOUT THE BRAND - NO NA MÉ
Founded in 2020 by Smruti Mathisekaran, NO NA MÉ is an award-winning jewelry and accessories brand driven by a youthful spirit and a talented small team. It challenges norms and redefines gender neutrality, with a vision for global expansion while staying true to this core theme.
NO NA MÉ's mission is to craft high-quality, gender-inclusive products that are original, fashionable, and unique. Their vision inspires a design movement breaking free from convention, stereotypes, and rules, catering to an intellectually inclined and aesthetically aware lifestyle. They aim to empower individuals to express their individuality and build self-confidence through their offerings.
DESIGN LANGUAGE OF NO NA MÉ
Trends & Themes Research
WGSN reports provided timely insights into emerging trends, aiding in aligning the upcoming collection with demand, fostering creative innovation, and strategic commercial positioning.
Desertscapes
Metaverse
Ground control
Space explorations
Kidult kitsch
Fluid careers
Visionary design
Maxi-minimalist
Way Forward
Design Language & Inspiration
Material & Manufacturing
Modularity & Versatility
Tareget Niche & Product Range
The jewelry collection blends "Maxi-minimalist" design with metaverse and space exploration influences, featuring bold shapes and delicate details, creating a timeless and futuristic allure.
The collection utilizes Brass and German silver, both known for their metallic luster, with brass offering a warm golden tone and German silver a silvery-white hue, chosen for its durability and shape retention.
In line with the brand's modularity focus, the collection offers versatile jewelry pieces with multi-use and multi-wearable options, empowering customers to customize their jewelry to match their style and preferences.
The brand prioritizes inclusive, gender-neutral designs, inviting a diverse audience to express themselves through versatile, unconstrained creations.
Theme Selection
After careful consideration and analysis of the trends and in alignment with the brand’s commitment to gender-neutral creations, the theme “Maxi-minimalist” was selected for the upcoming collection. However, rather than adhering to a singular theme, a blend of thematic elements was deemed more advantageous. Consequently, a primary theme alongside complementary sub-themes were thoughtfully chosen, each encapsulating distinct facets of design.
MAJOR THEME
Maxi-minimalist - Design language and direction
SUB-THEMES
Meta-verse, Ground control & Space exploration - Inspiration
Fluid careers - Target niche
Visionary Design - Functionality
Moodboard
Following a meticulous examination of primary and secondary research, encompassing brand evaluation, jewelry comprehension, target demographic insights, and market trends, a moodboard, style direction board, and inspiration board were formulated. These visual tools were crafted to provide a more vivid portrayal of the envisioned new collection.
KEYWORDS: Statement, Geometric, Space inspired, Maxi-minimalist, Modular, Gender-neutral, Futuristic, Contemporary
Inspiration Board
Style Direction
Rings
Ideations
Earrings
Chokers & Necklaces
Wristlets
Hair Accessories
Rapid Prototyping
Scale - 1:1; Material - PLA; Method - 3d Printing
Rings
Earrings
Chokers
Necklaces & Hair Accessories
Design Finalization
Following multiple iterations of rapid prototyping and 3D printing, a select few designs are chosen for further development and sampled in brass metal. This step aids in comprehending design limitations when transitioning from proxy materials to the actual medium, facilitating potential design refinements.
The finalized designs are chosen based on their aesthetic appeal, alignment with material limitations, cost efficiency, and market potential, ensuring a balanced and marketable end product.
Product 1
Wristlet cum Hair Accessory
Parallax
(n.) /ˈpærəlæks/ (PAIR-uh-laks)
Parallax refers to the apparent shift or displacement in the position of an object when viewed from different angles. It is often used in astronomy to describe the apparent shift in the position of nearby stars against the background of distant stars due to the Earth’s changing position in its orbit.
In a broader sense, parallax can also refer to a shift in perspective or viewpoint that can lead to a change in how something is perceived or understood.
Design Approach & Inspiration
The 'Parallax' concept aimed to create a versatile accessory functioning as both a wristlet and a hairpin. Inspired by the universe's multidimensionality, the design evolved from linear to multidirectional, symbolizing the merging of time and space. It covers a substantial hand portion, aligning with the maxi-minimal theme. The hairpin complements the wristlet without overshadowing it, resembling a space-time-piercing needle.
Product 2
Ring cum Earring
Kepler's Law
/ˈkɛplərz lɔ/ (KEP-lərz LAW)
Kepler’s Laws are a set of three fundamental principles formulated by the astronomer Johannes Kepler in the early 17th century that describe the motion of planets around the Sun. They were significant in overturning the prevailing view that planetary orbits were perfect circles and introducing a more accurate description of planetary motion.
Kepler’s laws analogously portray how objects move in relation to a center, applicable to diverse scenarios like orbits and interactions in everyday situations.
Design Approach & Inspiration
The 'Kepler's Law' design concept started as an exploration of minimalist yet striking ear cuff designs. It evolved into an orbit-like structure, creating the illusion of an orbital plane around the fingers. Inspired by Johannes Kepler's laws, it embodies the idea of objects moving in relation to a center, reflecting versatility and dynamic design.
Product 3
Hair Accessory cum Necklace
Quasar
(n.) /ˈkweɪ.zɑːr/ (kway-zar)
A quasar, short for “quasi-stellar radio source,” is a highly energetic and distant celestial object that emits exceptionally bright and intense light. These objects were initially detected as point-like sources of radio emissions.
In a broader context, a quasar represents an exceptionally powerful and distant energy source, analogous to a brilliantly luminous celestial “beacon.”
Design Approach & Inspiration
The 'Quasar' design concept aimed to create an elegantly understated yet distinctive hairpin. It evolved from exploring variations of an extruded and tapered plus sign, addressing practical issues of hair entanglement. The final design features a conical lower section with a filleted point for easy hair insertion and a hanging chain, crafted meticulously using the lost wax casting technique. The name 'Quasar' is inspired by highly energetic celestial objects emitting intense light, reflecting the design's luminous and distinctive quality.
Product 4
Earring cum Ring
Vortex
(n.) /ˈvɔːr.tɛks/ (VOR-teks)
It refers to a dynamic and often turbulent swirling motion of fluids, gases, or other substances around a central axis. It can also refer to a region or space characterized by such a swirling motion, often forming a distinct whirlpool or spiral pattern.
In a broader sense, a vortex is a swirling or spiraling movement of fluid, air, or energy that draws objects inward, resembling a dynamic and often mesmerizing pattern.
Design Approach & Inspiration
The 'Vortex' design approach initially explored flat ring designs but faced discomfort issues. To enhance comfort and aesthetics, it evolved into a three-dimensional design, creating the illusion of a suspended circle in space. Iterative adjustments in proportions, spacing, and angles led to the final design. The name 'Vortex' captures the dynamic and mesmerizing swirling motion, reflecting the design's captivating nature.
Product 5
Choker cum Pendant
Planet-X
(n.) /ˈplæn.ɪt ɛks/ (PLAN-it eks)
“Planet X” is a term often used in astronomy and space exploration to refer to a hypothetical and unidentified planet in our solar system. The concept of Planet X arises from observations of the orbits of other planets and objects in the outer solar system that exhibit irregularities.
In a broader everyday context, “Planet X” refers metaphorically to an unidentified or mysterious element, concept, or possibility that captures curiosity and speculation.
Design Approach & Inspiration
The 'Planet-X' design evolved from a back choker to loops, maintaining the recurring theme. Adjustments were made to address weight concerns and refine the snapping mechanism for seamless attachment. Inspired by astronomy's hypothetical 'Planet X,' the name signifies an intriguing and speculative element in the design.
Aeon Sojourn
The collection
The “Aeon Sojourn” jewelry collection invites you to embark on an extraordinary voyage that defies the confines of time. It presents a narrative of boundless exploration, where each piece serves as a portal to a realm where past, present, and future converge.
In this contemporary odyssey, the jewelry becomes a conduit for introspection and inspiration. The name “Aeon Sojourn” itself encapsulates the essence of the collection—a profound, enduring journey that is both deliberate and reflective. As you engage with these exquisite adornments, you’re transported to a realm where the conventional constraints of time dissolve, allowing you to embrace the eternal essence of the now.
Crafted with a visionary blend of bold simplicity and futuristic design, each piece is a testament to the power of minimalist elegance. The modular aspects of the jewelry reflect the malleability of time itself, enabling you to customize and adapt your adornment to match your evolving style and aspirations.
Through “Aeon Sojourn,” you become an active participant in the narrative. You’re not merely wearing jewelry; you’re engaging in a dialogue with the concept of timelessness. The collection becomes a companion on your personal journey—a symbol of your own evolution and a reminder that, just like the jewels you wear, you are multidimensional, adaptable, and unbounded by the linear constraints of time.
“Aeon Sojourn” is an open-ended narrative that transcends tradition, culture, and history. It’s an invitation to embrace the present moment while celebrating the limitless potential of the future. With each piece, you’re not just accessorizing; you’re encapsulating your own timeless story—a narrative that continues to unfold with every step you take on this extraordinary sojourn through the aeons.
