FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Squama: A Fusion of Architectural Thinking, Material Innovation, and Wearable Art in Contemporary Jewelry Design

Squama, designed by Mehrnaz Zarrin Hadid, stands at the intersection of experimental technique and wearable art. Developed in Tehran from March 2023 to 2024, Squama is a striking piece within the Kerf Collection that explores the body as a shifting landscape. Through the innovative use of kerf cuts-a method of creating precise incisions in silver-the jewelry achieves remarkable flexibility, allowing it to bend and conform seamlessly to the wearer's wrist or neck. This design not only enhances comfort but also transforms the jewelry into a dynamic canvas, reflecting and dispersing light in ever-changing gradients as the wearer moves.

What sets Squama apart is its unique approach to integrating technical experimentation with aesthetic vision. Hadid's process involved extensive research and prototyping, utilizing both 3D printing and laser cutting to refine the interplay between material thickness, cut depth, and geometry. The result is a collection where each piece is structurally self-sufficient, relying solely on the inherent properties of silver and the precision of the kerf technique-eschewing external supports or superficial bending. The undulating surfaces evoke the image of overlapping scales, or "squama," creating intricate patterns of highlights and shadows that animate the jewelry like a living organism.

The Squama collection is designed for adaptability and interaction. When not worn, the pieces lie flat, but they effortlessly transform to embrace the body's natural curves, offering customizable fits for wrists and necks. The extendable bracelet, for example, can be adjusted to span from wrist to elbow, allowing for personal expression and versatility. This innovative approach not only advances the field of jewelry design but also exemplifies how architectural thinking and material research can converge to produce objects that are both technically robust and visually captivating. The international recognition of the Golden A' Design Award underscores Squama's impact as a trendsetting creation that advances art, science, and technology in contemporary design.

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