Ukrainian fine jewelry brand Guzema is set to launch its first collaboration in the U.S. market with fashion label 3.1 Phillip Lim next month. The exclusive collection, called the Boa collection, marks an exciting step for Guzema as it enters the American fashion scene.
The Boa collection features two distinct pieces: a bracelet and a choker. Designed to reflect the current Year of the Snake, the pieces blend the elegance of a classic chain with a modern, edgy twist. These slinky, chic designs are perfect for layering, offering a stylish balance of tradition and contemporary flair.
The collection will be available in both silver and gold-plated versions at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Guzema will also offer the pieces in silver, as well as 14k and 18k white and yellow gold versions, with or without diamonds.
The collaboration holds special significance for a particular group of fashion enthusiasts, especially those who remember 3.1 Phillip Lim’s early days. Founded in 2005 by designer Phillip Lim and his business partner Wen Zhou, 3.1 Phillip Lim became a favorite of many fashion lovers, particularly those who frequented Barneys or hunted for discounted pieces at stores like Century 21. Lim, who left the company last year, handed over the reins to Zhou, who now serves as the CEO and owner of the brand.
Guzema and Zhou’s partnership developed organically through mutual connections in the fashion industry. Guzema explains that the idea for the collaboration came after a conversation about celebrating the Year of the Snake, a symbol of transformation and growth. The snake choker and bracelet perfectly embody these themes, making them ideal pieces for this collaboration.
Zhou shared her enthusiasm for partnering with Guzema, a female-founded jewelry brand. She highlighted their shared values, particularly their focus on creating minimalist yet impactful designs rooted in heritage. “The philosophy of ‘make less, mean more’ aligns with our brand ethos at 3.1 Phillip Lim,” Zhou says. This shared vision of craftsmanship and intentional design has contributed to 3.1 Phillip Lim’s continued success over the years.
The release of the Boa collection also carries deeper significance in today’s cultural climate. As the U.S. grapples with its stance on immigration, the collaboration highlights the important contributions of immigrants like Zhou, who has built a successful fashion brand after moving to the U.S. from China. Guzema, too, brings her heritage into the mix as a Ukrainian designer navigating the challenges of her homeland’s current geopolitical struggles.
In this collaboration, fashion becomes a way to celebrate diversity, craftsmanship, and resilience, while also offering a nod to the traditions of the Lunar New Year. While the jewelry collection symbolizes transformation and growth, it also offers hope for the future in uncertain times. As we celebrate this partnership, we can only hope that it continues to inspire and elevate the voices of immigrant designers and creators.
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