Cast in concrete: Arco Studio’s architectural persuasion
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.'
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Arco Studio website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
Mighty Kia EV9 is the brand’s biggest electric vehicle. How does it scale up to its rivals?
We take the Kia EV9 – now in showrooms, in a wide range of versions – for a spin to see how the revitalised company handles the design of a big SUV
By Guy Bird Published
-
Kinsman cocktail bar shakes up Hong Kong scene with Cantonese spirits
Kinsman is a Cantonese cocktail bar in Hong Kong that celebrates traditional spirits while also creating innovative concoctions for the future
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Swatch and Tate have watches down to a fine art
Swatch x Tate watches are a joyful tribute to seven artists, including Matisse, Miró, and Louise Bourgeois
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal pieces
A host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a moment
We've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Eternity rings for the modern couple
Eternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edge
As the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collect
Today’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
CryptoPunks come to life on Tiffany & Co pendants
Tiffany & Co has partnered with blockchain infrastructure company Chain to create custom pendants and NFTiffs
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Andreas Kronthaler’s costume jewellery for Vivienne Westwood is fun, flirty and fabulous
Andreas Kronthaler’s new jewellery draws on romantic and theatrical motifs
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Fope’s flexible gold chains rethink a classic design
Elasticity meets elegance in Fope’s new jewellery collection, ‘Luna’
By Hannah Silver Last updated