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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

: Deeply touched by the current refugee crisis in Europe, at Amarist Studio we wanted to get involved. Inspired by the razor wire installed along the southeastern European borders we designed a Jewelry Line to trigger a global social movement to help the refugees. We want to create a universal symbol with the razor wire spikes, a symbol of support for the war-displaced people around the world.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

: We wanted to achieve a great looking collection of solidarity items for everyone, crossing all geographic, gender and age lines, made from the original razor wire installed on international border walls, which is a very raw material, harmful and ugly. We wanted to change its meaning and purpose.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

: The aim of the Welcome Jewelry initiative is to become global, creating an international solidarity movement and a positive trend in speaking about refugees, bringing funds and awareness to the needs of survivors. We have a big marketing campaign planned with UNHCR Spain together with public figures, athletes and influencers that have joined the initiative. The goal is to partner with UNHCR in as many countries as possible to create awareness and raise funds for war displaced people.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

: About a year. There are many months of work from the first conceptual idea to the perfectioned final product and manifesto.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

: We were touched by the Syrian refugee crisis and we decided to help through our creativity and work.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

: For now we are producing and selling the collection through our studio, but we are open to proposals for leasing the rights in order to scale the solidarity initiative. Our goal for the collection is to become a global movement.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

: We were touched by the Syrian refugee crisis and we decided to help raise awareness and funds.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

: The jewelry collection is designed to cross all geographic, gender and age lines. Is for everyone. We have customers all around the world.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

: The Welcome Jewelry is super unique since it totally transforms and flips the look and purpose of the original raw material. From the symbol of rejection that represents the razor wire, to the symbol of support of each individual who had to leave their home in search of a better future, that these jewelry pieces represent.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

: The name “Welcome” came up very easily when thinking about the meaning of our solidarity jewelry collection. We want to welcome and help the individuals who had to flee their homes due to wars or natural disasters.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

: This project was developed experimenting directly with the material, through a process of trial and error.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

: The transformation and flipping of the look and purpose of the original raw material. From the symbol of rejection that represents the razor wire, to the symbol of support to each individual who had to leave their home in search of a better future, that this design pieces represent.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

: For Welcome Jewelry we collaborated with a specialized company in Gold plating.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

: New technology techniques are not involved in the development of Welcome Jewelry design.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

: Welcome Jewelry is not influenced by data or analytical research.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

: A big challenge was to work with the raw razor wire, it is very sharp and we got injured several times.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

: We had the opportunity to participate in A’Design Award and we didn’t have a doubt, we are confident on the quality of the design and the power of the message. Winning an award brings exposure and opens new doors. We want to grow the Welcome Jewelry initiative, and winning an A’Design Award is another step in our path.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

: Welcome has been our first jewelry project, a new design area for Amarist Studio, so the learning curve has been big.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

: Welcome Jewelry collection is formed by necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, and brooches, with prices ranging from 24’90€ to 69’90€, and available worldwide through our webpage. All proceeds are donated to UNHCR, the United Nation’s Refugee Agency.