Hot new jewelry designer Michael Choi doesn’t think “going green” means going without some of the nicer things in life, including those ever-important accessories. Five pieces from his eco-friendly jewelry line, fashioned from recycled aluminum, have been selected to be shown at the Sustainability Display at Javits Center, New York City, during NY International Gift Fair. Also his regen necklace is featured on the January 2010 issue of the NewAgeRetailer magazine.
The XOgreen series from the House of XOvivo features six distinctly designed and forged lines, all of which are intended to enhance a woman’s wardrobe while also demonstrating commitment to a cause she holds dear: Caring for Mother Earth.
“This line is dedicated to all those who do what they can to keep the environment beautiful and healthy,” says Choi, whose design studio is based in McLean, Virginia, USA. “We at XOvivo contribute to a better environment by making jewelry from recycled metal. When you wear it, it will not go unnoticed with its bold yet beautiful presentation.”
And just which design the environmentally hip fashionista decides to wear can depend on the occasion, her wardrobe, her mood — or message.
“Solar” is the first series in the green line. It makes abundant use of spiraling recycled aluminum, a hand formed pattern that reminds us all of the value of the energy from the sun.
“Kyoto”, “Sustain,” and “Regen,” have circle, square, and triangle recycled aluminum bases, respectively representing Kyoto Treaty, Earth, and Recycling. Michael continues to add other shapes, including, rectangle, heart, and apple, through “Harmony” series.
The Sixth line in the series, “Renew,” fuses resin, wood, and bone material with hand formed recycled aluminum to further enhance the silver tone.
“Can our customers look cool with sustainable jewelry,” asks Michael. “No question about it.”
“When aluminum pieces are formed in the studio through bending, flattening and hammering,” Michael says, “what’s produced is jewelry with beautiful patterns reflecting light from multiple angles.” Mysteriously, when a woman puts on one of his designs, it brings out the glow from the woman and not the jewelry.
Many of Choi’s “green” pieces are accented with freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, silver and gold plated metallic forms, as well as rare beads. This balance of raw yet stunningly hand formed recycled aluminum gives the wearer both a refined and casual look appropriate at play, work or shopping on the High Street.
In addition to eco-friendly XOgreen, Michael currently offers a vibrant XOcandy line through leading retailers. Current expansion largely consists of stores in Mid-Atlantic, North East, and South East regions.About the designer
“Capture the essence of beauty in all things, real or imagined, and you are a visionary. Express the essence through a tangible medium that becomes a part of you, and you are an artist. Every one of us is an artist one way or another longing for others to relate to our choices of expression.” — Michael Choi, XOvivo Designer
With that philosophy, Michael starts each of his days full of creative energy. He boldly channels his passion through variety of media with wonderful combinations of colors, curvatures, and shapes. His designs are handmade in McLean, Virginia.
Michael has been on a long journey to finally follow his passion for arts — artist turned engineer turned marketer turned designer. As someone who is inspired by the “inner vibrancy” of the women in his life, he is determined to create jewelry that is beautiful, vibrant, affordable, and eco-friendly — his principal design guidelines.
Michael designs two main lines: XOcandy – handmade with vibrant colors and beautiful lines that express true inner beauty of a woman; and XOgreen – handmade with recycled material as a reminder we can all contribute to keeping our environment healthy and beautiful. Both lines are affordable and perfect accessories for women in the present socioeconomic climate.
Source: WebPR
The liveeco team
