There is something incredibly organic about each piece of jewelry sold by the Melbourne Metal Collective. This raw quality stretching over each design is quite surprising considering that there are a few different designers involved rather independently, I might add.
An artist-run retail concept, the Melbourne Metal Collective was created to showcase Australia's up-and-coming jewelry designers. Currently, the talented individuals involved are Estelle Deve, Hamish Munro, Henson, Polly van der Glas and Young Hunting.
A relatively recent endeavor, Melbourne Metal Collective's online shop is yet to be made available. In the meantime, it will host exhibitions, pop-up shops and more to highlight the skill and creativity of these artists. Alchemy is the first exhibition and pop-up store and has a sophisticated earthy vibe that recalls ancient Greek metal practices.
Raw Jewelry Designs
The Melbourne Metal Collective is an Artist-Run Retail Concept
Trend Themes
1. Artist-run Retail - Opportunity for artists to showcase their work and cultivate brand loyalty.
2. Raw Jewelry Designs - Growing interest in organic, unpolished jewelry design as a unique expression of individuality.
3. Online Exhibition and Pop-up Shops - Using technology to increase reach and engagement with potential customers.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry Design - Creating opportunities for emerging jewelry designers to showcase their work and reach new customers.
2. Retail - Innovating new ways to showcase art and jewelry products to audiences using online exhibitions and pop-up shops.
3. Art - Disrupting the traditional gallery model by showcasing the work of an artist collective in a retail setting.