Practising architect Malaika Carr, has named her unisex jewellery brand Arco Studio after the Spanish word for 'arc' – one of the most complex structural forms. Curving shapes are also prevelant in her minimalist and sharp designs.
‘Being an architect has given me a clear set of parameters to work within,’ Carr explains. ‘I concentrate on function, scale and precision. When you design a building, you think of the end user and how you can make them fall in love with the spaces. The same thread of thought translates to when I think of jewellery. However, I often imagine that the end user is me.'
New collections will take inspiration from buildings she loves, or the style of a particular architect. Carr cites Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa as the influence for this collection, in particular his La Tomba Brion, a striking space contoured in layered ridges cast in concrete.
Fusing the modern with the classical, his linear lines and intricate detailing are reflected in jewellery in sterling silver, both gold plated and left clean. Sculptural necklaces are fluid like the curves of Scarpa's building, while sharply defined earrings and rings echo the geometric detailing in his work. ‘Using such solid materials was very satisfying; it gives the pieces a nice weight,’ Carr says. ‘The result is versatile and timeless.'
Left, ‘Arco’ and ‘Open Arco’ rings. Right, ‘Layered’ earring, all in sterling silver
Left, ‘Stepped Arc’ earring. Right, ‘Linear’ earring, both in sterling silver
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Arco Studio website
-
A breathtaking exhibition celebrating modernism’s transatlantic ties soars above ManhattanCurated by interior designer Andre Mellone, 'Crossed Trajectories' at Galerie Gabriel's penthouse explores connections between nomadic post-war creatives Jean Royère, Roberto Platé and more
-
Sculptural, design-led napkin rings for festive tablesThe simple napkin ring harbours the potential to bring a stylish punch of personality to any table setting
-
How Peter Saville came to art direct the best of contemporary cultureFrom Peter Saville's first steps with Factory Records and legendary album designs to his later work in art and fashion: we chart the history of the British art director
-
All eyes on Greek jewellery brand Lito as it launches bold new amulets to mark its 25 yearsStriking amulets, seductive stones and secret messages characterise Lito's striking new anniversary collection, an extension of its ‘Tu es Partout’ series
-
The best layering necklaces for an elevated yet casual lookHow to mix, match and stack jewellery for the ultimate high-energy, low-effort style
-
Jessica McCormack's minimalist jewellery brings glamour to the 9-5Take diamonds from day to night with the Rush Hour collection: a rethink of corporate dressing
-
Late summer jewels: what to wear at Golden HourLate summer signals a jewellery style-shift. These independent designers have got it covered
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal piecesA host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collectToday’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
-
Andreas Kronthaler’s costume jewellery for Vivienne Westwood is fun, flirty and fabulousAndreas Kronthaler’s new jewellery draws on romantic and theatrical motifs
-
Fope’s flexible gold chains rethink a classic designElasticity meets elegance in Fope’s new jewellery collection, ‘Luna’
