The architectural jewels of Ena Iro, sophisticated designer Ena Iro: bracelets inspired by ancient African, Japanese, Byzantine art … ♦ ︎
Bracelets that are inspired by the ancient masks of the Punu tribe, in central Africa. We all agree that it is not a widely used subject in jewelry. Yet the work of Ena Iro is surprising. The young designer, who was born in Gabon, began to study and design her own jewels in 2010. But, compared to her work, eight years are few. The architectural complexity of her large bracelets requires months of work and, in some cases, even over a year to combine all the gold threads that make up the plot and the warp with which the jewels are built.
Her bracelets are big, but surprisingly light and not difficult to wear, and they surprised the visitors of GemGèneve, where the designer was present. A bit like certain traditional African jewels. And yet, another surprise, the designer loves to combine the arabesques of ancient mosques and African folk art with the light Japanese style. The Eshira bracelet, for example, is the result of this fusion, which also includes Byzantine architecture.