Leaving a plum fashion PR position to launch an accessories line during a recession is a risky move. But that’s just what Maryam Keyhani did last month when she quit her job at womenswear label Pink Tartan to focus on her jewellery line (sold on MaryamKeyhani.com). The 27-year-old OCAD grad has already snagged the attention of fashion editors with her luxe, surrealist necklaces—think Spanish lace, tuxedo collars and old war medals, all combined with pearls. Here’s why she took the leap.
The designer with one of her creations (Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani)
You’re a painter. How did you wind up designing jewellery?
Art history is my thing, and I still don’t consider myself a jewellery maker. I was putting all these accessories on the women in my paintings and I would think, I could make this in real life.
One of Keyhani's pieces
Who’s wearing the pieces now?
I have no idea. When I get orders from people by e-mail, I Google them first because I want to know who’s buying me. It’s so personal; the necklaces are made from things I’ve been collecting for years.
In a time when most people are panicking over pink slips, you quit your Pink Tartan PR job to make necklaces. Why the bold move?
I need to be creative. I can’t get a manicure or pay $100 for a haircut, but I can make these necklaces that I love. It’ll be hard for a while, but it’s worth it. I’d rather be broke than unhappy. People are so stuck on things.
(Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani)
But you make these fantastic yet unnecessary things for consumers to get stuck on.
Yes, I still believe in spontaneous purchases. If I see a hat that I love, I’ll just buy it. I just got one in Hazelton Lanes by Hoss, a label from Madrid. I had to save for weeks to buy it.
What inspires your designs?
A big part of my sensibility is the crossover between masculine and feminine. I’m obsessed with men’s collars. I did a whole line of them. I found curtain tassels at the vintage store Gadabout. The salesperson told me they were used a long time ago during sex: when people made love they would hold on to them. It’s so funny because they just look ornamental and beautiful. I love that.
Maryam Keyani.It seems that name is everywhere now adays. I can see why, very talented and unique. Good show!
April 29, 2009 at 9:27 am | by Kim YongSetWow Maryam. Congrats with the designs and the show, I have been reading at least one article per week on her, she seems to be unstoppable!!! I think its great that she has the painting background and not Jewelery, her creativity and the uniqueness of her work is much more present, these pieces attract anyone’s attention from miles away!!!!
May 3, 2009 at 10:16 am | by Shayan HamidiMaryam- Congrats! Your necklaces are stunning and so unique
May 3, 2009 at 3:57 pm | by Natasha Penzowow, girl crush!
June 1, 2009 at 10:58 pm | by donna[...] like them because they’re an artful mix of the trendy chunky necklaces we’re seeing everywhere and the lightweight scarves that Torontonians can’t get enough [...]
July 31, 2009 at 9:00 am | by Caught necking: scrap the scarf for this artful collar | The Find | torontolife.com/daily[...] and complementary to the clothing,” Ewanika says. To wit, divine necklaces by hot young talent Maryam Keyhani ($300–$450): one creation features two strands of freshwater pearls hanging from a black ribbon [...]
August 31, 2009 at 11:34 am | by Just opened: Ewanika gets a fresh start on Bathurst | Shop Talk | torontolife.com/daily