With her new mini line, Garçon New York, jewelry designer Ashley Zhang says this demi and fine jewelry collection for sons and fathers is inspired by her family. As well as her love of family jewelry.
Garçon New York debuted on September 8 with its own website and marketing. She is joined by Zhang's husband Jeff, their sons and family friends. The mini line includes bracelets and chains in silver, 10-karat gold and 14-karat gold. Prices range from $95 for a silver bracelet with rope links to $1,850 for a 14-karat solid gold chain.
«One of the reasons I was initially interested in jewellery making was the quality of the jewellery as family heirlooms. I like the idea of my boys wearing their chains every day. And then bequeath them to their own families later in life,» says Zhang.
That's why in the first Garçon New York photo shoot she used her sons and some of their friends to introduce the line. The kids loved choosing what style of chain they could wear, as well as their outfits, Zhang says.
Zhang says the idea for Garçon New York came from her personal experience as a jewellery designer. Her work is not limited to the office. Her sons wear chains like her husband, and often receive compliments on them.
«I love having sons. But dressing them and finding special clothes for them is much harder than if I had daughters. I made a chain for my first son when he was almost two years old. He loved wearing it,» Zhang says.
«I think these chains will remind them of their childhood and the memories we created together. My photo album is full of pictures of them at home, outside and on holiday wearing their chains.»
«I made one for my husband and my second son when he was old enough. Over the years, I received so many compliments on their chains. So I felt this series was necessary,» says Zhang. «Even though the price of gold is currently at record levels, there is something special about these simple chains. So that makes them perfect as souvenirs or heirlooms to pass on to their own children one day.».
And, because she's a mother of boys, Zhang says she wanted Garçon New York to feature sturdy, well-made chains. So that they can handle whatever the wearer does to them. She also designed the chains in a wide variety of lengths to suit both growing kids and their stylish dads.
«Since this line is for boys, we tried to use more durable links for our chain styles. Only in solid gold. Nothing hollow, semi-silver or gold-plated,» says Zhang. «The chain link styles we have are all classic. Inspired by vintage - wheat, Cuban, rope and rounded curb styles.».
Perhaps the brand could expand into other jewelry or even additional accessories. Zhang says she will see what customers want.
«I think our simplicity and minimalism is our strength, but of course expansion is normal for a product like this. We would like to try to create personalised pieces or different chain styles, maybe some simple clothes,» says Zhang. «We'd like to see what our customers like and go from there.».
Source: jckonline.com
